318i auto to 325i manual

[john-rambo]

as the subject suggests how do i swap me 318i auto to a 325 manual am i gonna be best finding a scrap 325 i want to use my car in the conversion because its mint with full tec 2 bits on etc

[jmc330i]

Finding a 325i donor would be the easiest - unbolt from the donor and bolt into the 318i. You will also have all the bits to convert to manual as well - gearbox, diff, pedals etc.

Not sure on the manual conversion bits, but the 318i to 325i change is a straight forward bolt in job with the exception of the water tank and AFM brackets - the 318i doesnt have the brackets for the 325i AFM or header tank. Easy to overcome by either welding in the brackets from the donor or using custom brackets.

You will also need the suspension and brakes from the 325i (unless yours is a touring) to gain the 51mm struts, 6pot springs and rear discs brakes.

[garymillscab]

i would definently find scrap car with clean engine nearly finished mine just got the wiring to do!
I needed to change prop as auto is shorter
diff
pedal box
ecu
loom
but you will have to change more than me if yours isnt a touring or cab
hope that helps abit

[jmc330i]

Sorry, I forgot the prop. This will need changing to the 325i prop even if the 318i is a manual.

On the loom front - leave the loom attached to the 325i engine and then plug it into the C101 plug (big round plug up by the fusebox) on the 318i. Nothing should need changing there, just plug and play.

[john-rambo]

cool mine aint a touring i have fitted 40mm lowering springs all round so do i still need to change the springs

[jmc330i]

More than likely yes. The springs will be for the 4cyl so too soft with the 6cyl engine.

My touring (318i converted to 325i) is lowered on 4cyl springs and the front is very bouncy with the heavier 6cyl engine over bumps

[garymillscab]

it would make it handle alot better if you did due to the extra weight i havent done mine yet but doesent look to low