auto gearbox transplant

Post Wed Apr 20, 2005 10:30 am

can anyone tell me if a 325i switchable or non switchable gearbox will fit a 320i block. I can get one quite cheap as my one is on its way out.

If so, what bits do i need to get with gearbox and how hard is it to change over?

manu

Post Wed Apr 20, 2005 1:13 pm

I asked a similar question recently and after the silence and tumbleweed blew past (no replies) I looked int he BMW TIS data CD and simlpy changed the engine spec.
It looks like appart from the switchable auto they are the same 4HP22
gearbox with the same bell housing mounting points.

Post Wed Apr 20, 2005 1:39 pm

thanks mate........looks like i'm in for a long silence as well..

so, there shouldn't be any problems?

manu

Post Wed Apr 20, 2005 2:41 pm

in between the tumble weed! I suppose it dependes on wether you want the switchable part to work, if so, you'll need the ECU for the box, and possibly the ECU for the donor car? But if you don't, I imagine the box just runs in it's default mode which is the economy setting.

Post Wed Apr 20, 2005 3:18 pm

You'll also need to fit and wire in the switch for sport/economy/321 modes on the centre console.

Post Wed Apr 20, 2005 10:29 pm

Teh Physical installation of the box should be straight forward as they are both the same engine type.

I would check to see if the 320 and 325 use the same torque converter as the 320 has less torque output than a 325 and the stall speeds of the converters might be different. Check on a TIS CD if you have one.

Post Wed Apr 20, 2005 10:55 pm

Thanks andy, where can i get the TIS CD from?

I could get the ecu as well from the 325.....the guy is scraping it.

Not many bits left, but the gearbox was a reconditioned one and was put in the car a few months ago

If i can have the switchable feature it would be great............

manu

Post Thu Apr 21, 2005 1:28 pm

andy, would it be possible for you to see if the torque converter in the 320i box is the same as the 325i switchable box...i mean on the TIS CD.....

the only reason i ask is that i hace to let this fella know wether i want the gearbox or not.

I'm hoping to take the gearbox, ECU's for the box and the car, the dash switch and wiring.........

Will there be anything else that i need

By the way, i want to fit it to my tourer.......any probs which i may encounter?

Manu

Post Thu Apr 21, 2005 3:56 pm

Just checked the EPC and it lists a different part number for the torque converters as shown below.

320 T C 24 42 1 206 260

325 T C 24 41 1 215 762

The 320 box show as a 4HP22 and the 325 as a 4HP22/24-EH I'm pretty sure the boxes are physically the same and the /24-EH bit is down to the switchable bit.

I wouldn't think it should make any difference being a tourer, best to get a second opinion though

Post Thu Apr 21, 2005 4:16 pm

thanks andy..........
anyone else able to give a second opinion................will i need to change the wiring loom for the ecu from the 325 or do i just plug in the gearbox ecu to the 325 ecu.ie will the 325 ecu plug straight into the 320 wiring loom?

how much work is really involved here?

This is all very confusing................

manu