auto to manuel

m50power · 06-18-2003, 01:11 PM

I have been seeing lots of E36 M3s for cheap on the market -- however, they are all with automatic transmissions. Does anyone know if its feasable to convert one to a 5 speed?

stupenal · 06-18-2003, 10:14 PM

It is possible, but then again, anything is possible if you have the money. Personally, I would just wait until the perfect 5spd comes along for sale and then jump on it. Why settle for less?

m50power · 06-19-2003, 05:17 AM

Yea, it sounds like a pain in the ass to make the conversion, but just saw a 1995 M3 auto with 89K for $8900, or even a 97 for 12K. But it was just a thought. It looks like all the Doctors wives that purchased the M3 automatics new are trying to unload them now.

supertack · supertack's Garage

Can't say that I blame you for not wanting an automatic trans, but 12k for a '97 M3 seems like a deal that's hard to pass on. Hell, even if you have fun with it for a year, then re-sell, I'd guess you'd recoup most of the cash you bought it for.

dsonyay · 06-19-2003, 08:58 AM

I have a 95 325is with an automatic. The tech that works at the shop that I use once in a while, does the conversions often. He was telling me that with my car it's quite easy.

He recommends that if I really want it bad enough, that I not wait until the auto tranny goes out, because I can sell the automatic tranny to someone while it's still operational, and use the money to offset the cost of the conversion. He said in the case of my car, he could locate a 5 speed tranny easily, and then I'd need a pedal set (easy to get) and a few other minor items.

He seemed very knowledgeable in this area. I know he successfully did the conversion on his 80's vintage 5 series.

If my auto tranny ever fails, I will not drop in another auto- I'm going to convert to manual. If I'm gonna pay a couple of thousand to get a another rebuilt auto tranny, I might as well go to a manual.

Roald · 06-22-2003, 06:05 PM

that sounds like a deal even with a tranny conversion! however besides pedal set, clutch and manual tranny you also need a different drive shaft and differential. if you buy these things used and do conversion yourself which can be done, then you probably get a good deal.

stupenal · 06-22-2003, 08:29 PM

That 1995 M3 auto with 89k on the clock for 8900 seems VERY shady. The going price for a well maintained 1995 M3 manual with that mileage should be around 15k-16k. To drop over 6k just because it is an auto smells VERY fishy. I wouldn't even touch it with my neighbors 10 foot pole. The conversion can be done, yes, and its not like it will require a lot of fabrication or complex thinking. However, with so many 5spds available on the market, I would just wait and pounce on the right one.

Roald · 06-23-2003, 03:04 PM

i agree with you! probably the car was involved in an accident and then later repaired, or it has plenty of other troubles. the last thing you want in an m3 is misaligned body or rust showing up sometimes later!
if i was looking to buy a m3 i would go for manual right away and pay a premium on a good car. as one guy said that bmw bargains do not exist once everything is sorted out.