Changing from auto to manual

GeorgeL

New member
Hi all I was wondering if anyone knows what other BMW manual box would fit onto a E39 540??:idea:

I would like to change mine from auto to manual but those boxes are like chicken teeth!!!! :fencelook:
 
D

Dippies

Guest
Search the forum this has been discussed previously and a lot of info provided.
 
S

SP33DYV

Guest
Silverbird_96kw said:
Wont it be cheaper just to buy a Manual 540?

No, most 540i's were auto and only a handful manual, so the manual is actually more expensive, IF you can find one.
 

Sankekur

///Member
You will either need the gearbox from an e39 540i manual, or the gearbox from the e39 M5......the M5 one will the the better option as they are more easily available, though they are more expensive than the 540i ones (for some strange reason)

If you are not afraid to do some (lots of) modifications, pretty much any gearbox can made to work so long as the bell is big enough....but not so big that it doesn't fit in the tunnel.
 

GeorgeL

New member
:flyfun::flyfun:

Thanks for all the replies, suppose need to start digging around for either of the boxes and HOPEFULLY find something :cry:

The auto isn't bad but a manual stick is just SOOOOO much more fun!!

:thumbs:
 

Nic_s

///Member
I'm guessing the 6 speed is what is wanted here, but couldn't the 5 speed box from a E34 M60 530i fit the E39 M62 540i?
 

Sankekur

///Member
GeorgeL said:
:flyfun::flyfun:

Thanks for all the replies, suppose need to start digging around for either of the boxes and HOPEFULLY find something :cry:

The auto isn't bad but a manual stick is just SOOOOO much more fun!!

:thumbs:

I would recommend you do some searching to what an auto to manual swap on the e39 V8 involves, as there is quite a bit more that you will need for the swap apart from the gearbox. I would start gather the other parts as well while you are looking for the gearbox.

Edit: Search on this forum as well, waaaay back, in the good ol' days another member (clutchplate) did a 6 speed swap on his e39 540i.

Nic_s said:
I'm guessing the 6 speed is what is wanted here, but couldn't the 5 speed box from a E34 M60 530i fit the E39 M62 540i?

In terms of bolt pattern the 6-speed and the 5-speed from the e34 V8's can fit on the M62, but they don't have the hole for the crank position pickup...so either modification of the bellhousing or the M62 timing electronics is needed.
On the other hand....e39 six speed boxes will work on the e34.
 

Uber Soldat

///Member
+1 to everything Sankekur said.

Link to Clutchplates thread:
http://www.bmwfanatics.co.za/showthread.php?tid=873.
It explains some stuff.

You will need a flywheel that has the timing ring as well though. If you plan to get a single mass made up, they can use the current timing ring off your automatic "flywheel".

Do know that the output shaft flange on the 5 speed box (From an E34 530) is smaller than the 6 speed. The propshaft coupling from your current prop will bolt onto the 6 speed no problem, but you will obviously have to lengthen the prop.
 
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