Auto to manual swap info request
 

Hi Guys, just thought it best to post here too since most guys might come I the lounge.

I know that the ti's are not as many but was surprised by not being able to find information on auto to manual swaps. It seems like everyone buy the kits but I would like to do the swap with a donor.

I thought there might be information regarding gearbox, drive shaft and other swap info documented. I am about to embark on a swap for a friend of mine and wanted to buy and use a 92 4 door 318i as a donor. Discovered the drive shaft is longer and of course the diff wont work.

Can anyone chime in of the experience they have had, mounting, problems etc?

Thanks.

I would tell you to search but I know that there is little information about the swap on a Ti and it is different from the rest. I just did mine this week so I know. There is a thread on bimmerforums where it covers how but on the other e36 models. if you want pm me your phone # and i can better tell you all I went through.

you guna need a driveshaft off a manual ti. and a diff off one too. unless you want a lsd one you could find that on bimmerforums.com its not that bad to do. youll need trans, clutch kit, flywheel, all shifter things, rear main seal, new trans cross member off a manual. it will fit right in no problem, i didnt even swap the center cnsole out it just kinda fit nicely. you need to hot wire the neutral saftey switch to get it to turn on, but its not bad. get the bentley book and your good

the hot wiring part i didnt know, I kinda figured it out on my own. I was getting power out of the switch but not to the starter so I ran a wire to the starter solenoid and VOILA.. got it done.

Thanks so much for the reply. I will send you my number but I can call you if you will rack up long distance minutes since I am in Canada.

I am very mechanically oriented, just wanted to know if there were any hang ups during the swap, really nice of you willing to share and explain.

Will PM you now.

Cheers.

Not worried about the drive shaft, i can get it cut, welded and rebalanced. just wanted to know if the parts were compatible before I purchase the 92 318i sedan for parts.

I will change every possible component on the exterior of the gearbox including shift linkage, seals etc. I have an e36 bentley cant remember if it covers the ti.
I will install an e30 373 LSD into the ti.

What did you get your parts from?

I will take pics and document the whole progress for other members here.

Thanks for all the help guys.

What a super guy, told me all I need to know about the swap, really a true BMW enthusiast.

It's nice to see people make the effort to help going beyond the forums, I really appreciate it Angel, thanks Bud.

no problem bro, if you need anything else you got my number.

here's the link to that thread http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum...ighlight=318ti

P.S. the shift boot from the 318i will not fit the Ti since the center consoles are different.

Thanks for the link Angel. The shift boot is not a big problem, thanks for the heads up on that though.

Cheers.

Some upgrades we did on a customers car by her request earlier this year, ya a nice girl owns this 5 speed ti :D

Upgrades include
18" wheels and performance tires
Brembo cross drilled brakes all around
New crabon fiber pads all around
Sandblasted and painted calipers.
Stainless steel cat back performance exhaust system
Upgraded software
Tinted all windows
e46 trunk lip installed on hatch
Hid elipsoids installed
Alarm with keyless entry
Eyebrow package
Painted chrome kidney grill
SS braided brake lines

All I remember for now.

Is that your Mtech II? I had one just like it stroked with the eta block and a 2.7 head. that car was awesome.

Guess it was great car, why did you part with it?


Yes Angel it's mine. It's a Euro Spec 325i brought into Japan from Germany and then shipped here. It has less than 50,000 miles on it.
I am also doing a 5 speed swap on this one and will turbo charge it after wards.

Some pics since it came here two years ago to present.

Second set, these are the new leather seats and interior I swapped in.

I didnt intentionally part with it. I wrecked it in Germany when I was young. was going 140 MPH and it was a little wet out. Thankfully I'm here to feel like a jackass for doing something so stupid. but your car is awesome.

If you need a manual driveshaft here are some FS over on bf.c

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum...d.php?t=874531
http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum....php?t=1083369