discussion E36 Auto to Manual Conversion - Worth it ?

[dino_rox]

Hi Members , i have an E36 325i Auto ,
im finding that the power and general thrill of an E36 is not what i am used to ,

id like to change it to Manual and rework the Motor ,
has anyone done this ? what does it cost ?
is it worth doing ?

selling the car is not an option as i have been searching for one these for a long time and hard to find in this colour .
what other options do i have ?
maybe someone here might have a e36 M3 engine / transmission i can transplant into mine

 

[Navigator_E90]

Personally I don't think it will be cost effective, unless you have some sentiment value or your car is really clean and really want to keep it, I will rather sell it and add +-R25k or what its going to cost to do the conversion and buy a 328i e36 manual that will be more fun to drive,

I personally like the M3 motor idea, but motor and gearbox is going to set you back easily R45k and hopefully it includes the ECU.
If you willing to spend that amount, I would sell the 325i auto and look at a e46 or e90 330i manual, you can pick them up in fairly good condition from R80k

 

[dino_rox]

Personally I don't think it will be cost effective, unless you have some sentiment value or your car is really clean and really want to keep it, I will rather sell it and add +-R25k or what its going to cost to do the conversion and buy a 328i e36 manual that will be more fun to drive,

I personally like the M3 motor idea, but motor and gearbox is going to set you back easily R45k and hopefully it includes the ECU.
If you willing to spend that amount, I would sell the 325i auto and look at a e46 or e90 330i manual, you can pick them up in fairly good condition from R80k

Thanks , looks like that is the ballpark to do the conversion.
If I could find another e36 Hellrot Red Convertible in a 328i manual I’d be all over it. But very hard color to come by.
Hence it’s Got some sentimental value


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[KarshS]

there isnt much difference between the 325 and 328 honestly. You wont have the same feel that an e36 gives you in an e46 or e90 for that matter.
If the car is clean as you say just go to a scrap yard and source all the parts needed for a manual conversion. Speak to Quinton (083 604 0524 based in Germiston), he will have a full set up for you. Getting the parts is easy (you may have to swop diff and prop as well), getting it installed can cost you abit if you not into DIY.

Not impossible, just takes time. Finding a clean e36 currently is not an easy task.

 

[dino_rox]

there isnt much difference between the 325 and 328 honestly. You wont have the same feel that an e36 gives you in an e46 or e90 for that matter.
If the car is clean as you say just go to a scrap yard and source all the parts needed for a manual conversion. Speak to Quinton (083 604 0524 based in Germiston), he will have a full set up for you. Getting the parts is easy (you may have to swop diff and prop as well), getting it installed can cost you abit if you not into DIY.

Not impossible, just takes time. Finding a clean e36 currently is not an easy task.

Yeah I been watching Quinton’s posts.
I don’t mind waiting.
I’m sure eventually a decent motor and setup will come along.
The labor is a huge concern for me , I’ve come across way too many “workshops” that’s been taking people for a ride.


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[individj]

if selling is not an option then sure....do it...as for working motor...perhaps M52B30

 

[A.C.SCHNITZER]

If you are around Pretoria, I am stripping an E36 325i manual, drive train from diff to clutch available

 

[dino_rox]

if selling is not an option then sure....do it...as for working motor...perhaps M52B30

This is the prize I am after 🫡


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[dino_rox]

If you are around Pretoria, I am stripping an E36 325i manual, drive train from diff to clutch available

Will drop you a pm. Thank you.


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[Nikhil]

If your car is clean then do it, but rather opt for a 6 speed swap. Go with a stock clutch, 6 speed box from an E46 with a lightened flywheel and keep the auto diff ratio. You will really enjoy the car in this configuration and you wont have to touch the engine for a while.

Once the above is done you can do a 3.0l stroker, keep your engine and just drop in 330i internals.

 

[dino_rox]

If your car is clean then do it, but rather opt for a 6 speed swap. Go with a stock clutch, 6 speed box from an E46 with a lightened flywheel and keep the auto diff ratio. You will really enjoy the car in this configuration and you wont have to touch the engine for a while.

Once the above is done you can do a 3.0l stroker, keep your engine and just drop in 330i internals.

Appreciate this man . thanks .