Hi fellas
I want to convert my cab from auto to manual
What do i need and how hard is it to do
Are there any guides i can follow
Anyhelp is much appreciated
Ammar
Auto to manual
Moderator: martauto
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Topblag
- Old Skooler

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You'll need a pedal box, gearbox, flywheel, clutch and clutch slave cylinder, gear knob and gaiter. It's a fair amount of work. I generally advice people to sell the car and buy a manual.
1990 325i Cab auto in Alpine White II
1988 Alpina C2.5 moredoor in Black, 71k
1990 325ix, moredoor auto in Laser Blue. 51k
1984 Hartge H35 in Black
2004 996 C4S in Silver 43k manual
2006 Audi S6 V10 in Black 58k
1988 Alpina C2.5 moredoor in Black, 71k
1990 325ix, moredoor auto in Laser Blue. 51k
1984 Hartge H35 in Black
2004 996 C4S in Silver 43k manual
2006 Audi S6 V10 in Black 58k
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greg124
- E30 Zone Regular

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Will the propshaft also be a different length?
Schadenfreude - the German's haven't got a word for that.
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Quaser
- E30 Zone Addict

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yes it isgreg124 wrote:Will the propshaft also be a different length?
BMW E30 2.0 Convertible (M52B28)
BMW E30 2.0 2 Door (M20B28 Turbo project to start)
BMW E36 328i Sport (M52B28 Turbo Project)
http://www.e30zone.net/modules.php?name ... ic&t=68663
BMW E30 2.0 2 Door (M20B28 Turbo project to start)
BMW E36 328i Sport (M52B28 Turbo Project)
http://www.e30zone.net/modules.php?name ... ic&t=68663
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Topblag
- Old Skooler

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Yup, missed that. Think you only need the section to the centre bearing though. Missed the gear selector mechanism also. If it's a switchable auto, you may wish to change the boot liner setup to take the ecu cover out of the equation and also a replacement handbrake console without the switch.
1990 325i Cab auto in Alpine White II
1988 Alpina C2.5 moredoor in Black, 71k
1990 325ix, moredoor auto in Laser Blue. 51k
1984 Hartge H35 in Black
2004 996 C4S in Silver 43k manual
2006 Audi S6 V10 in Black 58k
1988 Alpina C2.5 moredoor in Black, 71k
1990 325ix, moredoor auto in Laser Blue. 51k
1984 Hartge H35 in Black
2004 996 C4S in Silver 43k manual
2006 Audi S6 V10 in Black 58k
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Grrrmachine
- E30 Zone Wiki / Team Member

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There is a guide on doing this to give you an idea of what's involved. It's written for the M40 engine, but the same procedure applies to all E30s:
http://www.e30zone.net/e30zonewiki/inde ... _To_Manual
You do need to be physically in shape to take it on though
http://www.e30zone.net/e30zonewiki/inde ... _To_Manual
You do need to be physically in shape to take it on though
'89 325i Touring | Touring Resto Thread | In-Dash Screen install
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ammar786
- E30 Zone Newbie

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Wow ok
I didnt know it would be that hard to do i thought it was common but obviously not
I dnt really want to sell my cab as i have done too much work on it but am bored of the auto box
How many man hours will it take to convert
Is it worth converting ??
I didnt know it would be that hard to do i thought it was common but obviously not
I dnt really want to sell my cab as i have done too much work on it but am bored of the auto box
How many man hours will it take to convert
Is it worth converting ??
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capnmchl
- E30 Zone Camper

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I wouldn't say it's that hard. You can definately do it in a weekend on stands if you know what you're doing.
The thing I found though was although I collected all the big bits I needed, there were a few smaller bits I wasn't aware of until I was halfway though it.
There's also the whole other thing of replacing stuff whilst you've got it out. That's where the real cost and time comes from. Renewing the gear linkage and a prop donut easily sees you another £100 over.
And even if you get all the big bits for cheap, a decent clutch is still going to be over £100, gearbox oil isn't cheap and a pair of clutch cylinders aren't cheap.
Only do it if you have the time and around £500.
The thing I found though was although I collected all the big bits I needed, there were a few smaller bits I wasn't aware of until I was halfway though it.
There's also the whole other thing of replacing stuff whilst you've got it out. That's where the real cost and time comes from. Renewing the gear linkage and a prop donut easily sees you another £100 over.
And even if you get all the big bits for cheap, a decent clutch is still going to be over £100, gearbox oil isn't cheap and a pair of clutch cylinders aren't cheap.
Only do it if you have the time and around £500.
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ammar786
- E30 Zone Newbie

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Well i can get all thebig bits like prop gearbox new clutch flywheel etc for around 150
Nd then for all the other parts ie linkages i have a donar car which is a manual
I just want to know if there are many issues changing from auto to manual
And weather its worth doing the change ??
Nd then for all the other parts ie linkages i have a donar car which is a manual
I just want to know if there are many issues changing from auto to manual
And weather its worth doing the change ??
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ammar786
- E30 Zone Newbie

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Is there any difference between facelift and prefacelift manual boxex
?
?
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78gizmo
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Dont forget a new spigot bearing (goes in the end of the crank on manuals). If you've got a doner car its all just straight swap stuff. I've done a couple, i dont swap the complete pedal box, just slide the shaft the pedals pivot on to one side, big brake pedal out and clutch and standard brake pedal on.ammar786 wrote:Well i can get all thebig bits like prop gearbox new clutch flywheel etc for around 150
Nd then for all the other parts ie linkages i have a donar car which is a manual
I just want to know if there are many issues changing from auto to manual
And weather its worth doing the change ??
