M50 + 6 speed worth doing?

ver328i

Well-known member
I just finished the a manual conversion on my e36 and ended up with a bad getrag 250 box that sounds like its got straight cut gears so im on the lookout for another box.

Came across a 6 speed box(GS6-17BG - TAPT) from an e87. Is this a doable swap for an M50 - looks like it will bolt up but im not so sure of what else needs to be done to make it work? Thinks its the same as the e90 6 speed(may be wrong)

Or should I just go for the ZF from a 328i? Should mention that im still using the 3.91 Diff (actually like the ratio:rollsmile:)

Any input appreciated...
 

moranor@axis

///Member
Official Advertiser
if you need to replace the box it is well worth doing... very expensive Mod if you just doing it for the fun :rollsmile: I know because i did it to the e46...
 

ver328i

Well-known member
Thanks Moranor.

I dont know if it does much to the costs, but I can get the 6 speed for 3k...considering that people are asking that amount and up for zf boxes. What besides the cost of the gearbox makes it really expensive? Is there any custom fab work needed?
 

Legacy

///Member
Remember you will have to change the box, clutch, flywheel and propshaft to accommodate the 6 speed so it should be in the region of around R15k.
 

moranor@axis

///Member
Official Advertiser
on my car I had to adjust the length of the prop as well as the linkages also need a 6 speed flywheel and the correct clutch to fit the 6 speed
 

DieselFan

Honorary ///Member
The e90 box didn't bolt up to my e46 engine. You will have to get an adaptor plate made. I paid R5500 for an adaptor plate machined from treated steel and a flywheel spacer machine out of stainless.
 

ver328i

Well-known member
too rich for my blood then. ZF it is, I'll look at adding a 3.46 diff to sort out gearing

thanks for the input:thumbs:
 

moranor@axis

///Member
Official Advertiser
dont mind him he has a Diesel :fencelook: mine bolted strait up... chat to Gizmo about the e36...
 

DieselFan

Honorary ///Member
Haha ya with 2 bolts missing :rollsmile: . Half of the bellhousing wouldn't of bolted up to my car

Was yours quite a tight fit moranor? Worried about space being an issue. Especially since the plate is pushing the gearbox further back.
 

moranor@axis

///Member
Official Advertiser
depends what you mean by tight :)

probably about 30mm minimum all round my gearbox... the stiffer gearbox mounts I sent you should help with movement
 

DieselFan

Honorary ///Member
Ah ok I was worried because the bellhousing is bigger. Hopefully all my worries will be put to rest on monday!
 

Yuben

Senior Moderator
Staff member
ver328i said:
too rich for my blood then. ZF it is, I'll look at adding a 3.46 diff to sort out gearing

thanks for the input:thumbs:
Dude, I think the 6 speed will work well on the 328.
Gizmo has it on his 328i.

Also, he has a 3.46 diff for sale, although I think it's for E46 and might not work on the E36, best to check with him:thumbs:

In Gizmo I Trust:praise:
 

DieselFan

Honorary ///Member
No don't think so ill measure the manual now.

Bellhousing side is about 39cm on both sides. And the propshaft side is 27cm on the auto and about 30cms on the manual. Eish. This thing better fit else I'm taking a hammer to the body.
 
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