Preparing for a manual gearbox conversion

1275 · 11-20-2020, 03:48 AM

Hi Team,

A while ago I sourced the parts for a manual gb swap on my wagon.

The parts came from a wrecked car with about 135,000km's per the seller. I believe I have everything I need for the conversion, other than a new clutch and flywheel (I have the used items but don't plan on using them).

What, if any, maintenance would you do to the gb, diff, or any other part in preparation for the swap? Are there any checks I can perform before installation? I plan to do RMS when everything is apart.

Should I replace any seals on the gb? New fluid is a given, once installed.

Any other tips or tricks woukd be appreciated. Hoping to have a crack over the Christmas break.

Hope you are all well out there. Stay safe folks.

Craig

jzx_andy · 11-21-2020, 06:34 AM

Only thing you can really do at this point in time is throw in new fluid in the box and diff, get a new selector shaft seal and maybe change the clutch master cylinder and the bushings in your manual pedal box. ZF gearbox parts and overhaul kits are pretty hard to source.

My rear main was dry at 140k kms but I had a fresh seal handy. I chose to leave it alone.

I would also look into giving all the shifter components an overhaul like new C clips and aftermarket shift arm bushings. I went with UUC delrin front shift arm bushings and a Turner Motorsports rear shift arm bushing that was tack welded to the factory bushing carrier by Vince iirc. These are good upgrades if you don't plan on going for something like a RTD shifter.

If you are swapping diffs, get fresh diff bushings while you are in there. FWIW 6AT 335i's that came with the small bolted 3.46 diffs will bolt right on to a 6mt swapped car without any changes. I have a 6mt shaft and large diff/axles laying around right now which I plan on building, but my auto shaft (only about 3mm longer than a 6mt shaft from memory) and rear end bits work fine.

Have a look at Vehicular DIY on YouTube - he has a DIY series on a manual swap which is pretty relevant.

135 · 11-22-2020, 06:10 AM

vtl and Socket should be able to provide some input after having done the conversion on Gary.

Socket · 11-22-2020, 06:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 135

vtl and Socket should be able to provide some input after having done the conversion on Gary.

I did write some notes for you but clearly it didnt post (doh)

Given the gearbox will have 135000 km on it, best to do the shaft seals
Also check that there is nothing missing before you start the install
Nothing worse then getting half way through the install then finding there is a missing sensor or bolt

RealOEM is handy website to check that you have all the parts

https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/par...BMW-335i&mg=23

1275 · 11-25-2020, 05:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jzx_andy

Only thing you can really do at this point in time is throw in new fluid in the box and diff, get a new selector shaft seal and maybe change the clutch master cylinder and the bushings in your manual pedal box. ZF gearbox parts and overhaul kits are pretty hard to source.

My rear main was dry at 140k kms but I had a fresh seal handy. I chose to leave it alone.

I would also look into giving all the shifter components an overhaul like new C clips and aftermarket shift arm bushings. I went with UUC delrin front shift arm bushings and a Turner Motorsports rear shift arm bushing that was tack welded to the factory bushing carrier by Vince iirc. These are good upgrades if you don't plan on going for something like a RTD shifter.

If you are swapping diffs, get fresh diff bushings while you are in there. FWIW 6AT 335i's that came with the small bolted 3.46 diffs will bolt right on to a 6mt swapped car without any changes. I have a 6mt shaft and large diff/axles laying around right now which I plan on building, but my auto shaft (only about 3mm longer than a 6mt shaft from memory) and rear end bits work fine.

Have a look at Vehicular DIY on YouTube - he has a DIY series on a manual swap which is pretty relevant.

Legend, thanks Andy. Appreciate the feedback. So was it the master cylinder that gave out on you recently? That sounds like good advice to heed. How many km's were on your donor bits?

I plan on using OEM fluid, and currently going to use the 550i clutch/FW and stay OEM.

I'm at 190,000 km's so planning for the worst when I get to the RMS. I replaced the oil pan gasket recently and it appears to be leak free. (that's obviously wrong, as BMW don't offer that feature). If it is bone dry once I get it all apart, I am not sure what I would do... I almost want it to need replacement so I can justify touching it.

I hadn't thought of rebuilding shifter or pedals so I will look in to that for sure. I plan to stay OEM again here, standard shifter but M Sport gear knob is the plan.

I have, and plan to use, the diff, driveshaft and axles but great to know I can leave it alone if (when?) I run in to problems and realise I need a running car.....

Vehicular DIY is a great channel and I've watched the swap videos a few times now.

Quote:

Originally Posted by 135

vtl and Socket should be able to provide some input after having done the conversion on Gary.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Socket

I did write some notes for you but clearly it didnt post (doh)

Given the gearbox will have 135000 km on it, best to do the shaft seals
Also check that there is nothing missing before you start the install
Nothing worse then getting half way through the install then finding there is a missing sensor or bolt

RealOEM is handy website to check that you have all the parts

https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/par...BMW-335i&mg=23

Thanks Socket, greatly appreciated. I imagine it's the kind of thing you do, then never look back. I cannot wait.

I'm sure I don't have *everything* right now. I bought what I deemed "everything" over a year ago I'm sure.... but no doubt bolts, seals, bushes etc need to be purchased. I appreciate the link.

Hope everyone is well out in forum-Aus. We've been pretty lucky in WA with what's gone on but I know it's been horrible for others.

Merry Xmas and stay safe!

1275 · 11-25-2020, 05:41 AM

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Because Pictures > Words

shannon1 · 11-25-2020, 07:57 PM

Black pre-LCI M-Sport Wagon love

jzx_andy · 11-25-2020, 09:17 PM

That's gorgeous. Going to be a unicorn once swapped!

1275 · 11-28-2020, 05:48 PM

Thanks gents. I tend to agree

What really amazes me is how well these cars hold up. I'm going to hit 190,000km the next time I drive the car and the interior is still really nice, leather in good condition etc.

I've owned cars to similar km before that didn't fare nearly as well.

Keep up the good mod work out there. There is some great inspiration for those up us that like to tinker....

11-20-2020, 03:48 AM	#1
1275 Private First Class 63 Rep 137 Posts Drives: 335i Touring Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: Australia iTrader: (0)	Preparing for a manual gearbox conversion Hi Team, A while ago I sourced the parts for a manual gb swap on my wagon. The parts came from a wrecked car with about 135,000km's per the seller. I believe I have everything I need for the conversion, other than a new clutch and flywheel (I have the used items but don't plan on using them). What, if any, maintenance would you do to the gb, diff, or any other part in preparation for the swap? Are there any checks I can perform before installation? I plan to do RMS when everything is apart. Should I replace any seals on the gb? New fluid is a given, once installed. Any other tips or tricks woukd be appreciated. Hoping to have a crack over the Christmas break. Hope you are all well out there. Stay safe folks. Craig
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

11-21-2020, 06:34 AM	#2
jzx_andy Slowpoke 245 Rep 291 Posts Drives: 2008 E92 335i N54 Join Date: Jul 2018 Location: Perth, Australia iTrader: (0)	Only thing you can really do at this point in time is throw in new fluid in the box and diff, get a new selector shaft seal and maybe change the clutch master cylinder and the bushings in your manual pedal box. ZF gearbox parts and overhaul kits are pretty hard to source. My rear main was dry at 140k kms but I had a fresh seal handy. I chose to leave it alone. I would also look into giving all the shifter components an overhaul like new C clips and aftermarket shift arm bushings. I went with UUC delrin front shift arm bushings and a Turner Motorsports rear shift arm bushing that was tack welded to the factory bushing carrier by Vince iirc. These are good upgrades if you don't plan on going for something like a RTD shifter. If you are swapping diffs, get fresh diff bushings while you are in there. FWIW 6AT 335i's that came with the small bolted 3.46 diffs will bolt right on to a 6mt swapped car without any changes. I have a 6mt shaft and large diff/axles laying around right now which I plan on building, but my auto shaft (only about 3mm longer than a 6mt shaft from memory) and rear end bits work fine. Have a look at Vehicular DIY on YouTube - he has a DIY series on a manual swap which is pretty relevant. __________________ build thread - OEM+ WIDEBODY \| Factory Individual Audio, Active Steering, Comfort Access & M-Sport optioned 6MT swapped \| Xtreme twin disk & SMF \| Advan RSII \| ST XTA \| F82 M4 heated front seats \| BMW Individual interior trims \| CIC/Combox retrofits \| Custom headlights \| 1M/M3 mirrors \| 335is auxiliary radiator \| LCI tails
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11-22-2020, 06:10 AM	#3
135 Captain 113 Rep 682 Posts Drives: 135i Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Australia iTrader: (4)	vtl and Socket should be able to provide some input after having done the conversion on Gary.
	Appreciate 1 Socket4542.00 Quote

11-25-2020, 05:41 AM	#6
1275 Private First Class 63 Rep 137 Posts Drives: 335i Touring Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: Australia iTrader: (0)	Long Roof Touring Because Pictures > Words
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11-25-2020, 07:57 PM	#7
shannon1 Private First Class 640 Rep 178 Posts Drives: 2007 E91 323i M-Sport Join Date: Jun 2019 Location: Brisbane, Australia iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 BMW E91 323i [0.00] 1970 Volvo P1800 E [0.00]	Black pre-LCI M-Sport Wagon love
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11-25-2020, 09:17 PM	#8
jzx_andy Slowpoke 245 Rep 291 Posts Drives: 2008 E92 335i N54 Join Date: Jul 2018 Location: Perth, Australia iTrader: (0)	That's gorgeous. Going to be a unicorn once swapped! __________________ build thread - OEM+ WIDEBODY \| Factory Individual Audio, Active Steering, Comfort Access & M-Sport optioned 6MT swapped \| Xtreme twin disk & SMF \| Advan RSII \| ST XTA \| F82 M4 heated front seats \| BMW Individual interior trims \| CIC/Combox retrofits \| Custom headlights \| 1M/M3 mirrors \| 335is auxiliary radiator \| LCI tails
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11-28-2020, 05:48 PM	#9
1275 Private First Class 63 Rep 137 Posts Drives: 335i Touring Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: Australia iTrader: (0)	Thanks gents. I tend to agree What really amazes me is how well these cars hold up. I'm going to hit 190,000km the next time I drive the car and the interior is still really nice, leather in good condition etc. I've owned cars to similar km before that didn't fare nearly as well. Keep up the good mod work out there. There is some great inspiration for those up us that like to tinker....
	Appreciate 0 Quote