6MT RWD to 6MT AWD Or 6AT AWD to 6MT AWD Conversion Path?

Soravia · 09-12-2019, 09:18 AM

I can't seem to find 2009-12 LCI Wagons with 6MT AWD xDrive, that are not black outside. I can deal with the interior color, by swapping later. Repaint is obviously not an option.

Should I get a RWD 6MT and then convert it later to AWD, along with fully rebuilt engine and many other critical parts? I plan to keep the wagon for many years.

Or should I get a 6AT AWD xDrive and convert to 6MT? I hate AT though, even if the wagon is not my DD.

I plan to use new parts as much as I can, such as flex doughnut, bushings, etc. and fresh low mile transmission.

Thoughts? Cost options? Thanks.

Soravia · 09-22-2019, 12:58 AM

Bought E91 with manual and xDrive.

I came to conclusion that most effective way to get a Wagon with xDrive and Manual if you cannot truly find one, or ever wreck one you already have, is to buy an automatic with body and interior you like, and then swap in engine, transmission, ECU, DME, everything over from the wrecked Manual xDrive car.
Drop the entire sub-frame units, and swap over. Everything will work like factory (with interior and clusters swapped, of course).

ptpending · 09-23-2019, 02:22 AM

do you need awd in kentucky ?

Soravia · 09-23-2019, 03:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ptpending

do you need awd in kentucky ?

I move around often. Just came out of Colorado. Next is supposed to have some snow as well. This car is for family use. I DD a boosted 2 door RWD.

09-12-2019, 09:18 AM	#1
Soravia Captain 114 Rep 598 Posts Drives: 2011 E91 Silver xDrive 6MT Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Kentucky iTrader: (0)	6MT RWD to 6MT AWD Or 6AT AWD to 6MT AWD Conversion Path? I can't seem to find 2009-12 LCI Wagons with 6MT AWD xDrive, that are not black outside. I can deal with the interior color, by swapping later. Repaint is obviously not an option. Should I get a RWD 6MT and then convert it later to AWD, along with fully rebuilt engine and many other critical parts? I plan to keep the wagon for many years. Or should I get a 6AT AWD xDrive and convert to 6MT? I hate AT though, even if the wagon is not my DD. I plan to use new parts as much as I can, such as flex doughnut, bushings, etc. and fresh low mile transmission. Thoughts? Cost options? Thanks.
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09-22-2019, 12:58 AM	#2
Soravia Captain 114 Rep 598 Posts Drives: 2011 E91 Silver xDrive 6MT Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Kentucky iTrader: (0)	Bought E91 with manual and xDrive. I came to conclusion that most effective way to get a Wagon with xDrive and Manual if you cannot truly find one, or ever wreck one you already have, is to buy an automatic with body and interior you like, and then swap in engine, transmission, ECU, DME, everything over from the wrecked Manual xDrive car. Drop the entire sub-frame units, and swap over. Everything will work like factory (with interior and clusters swapped, of course).
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09-23-2019, 02:22 AM	#3
ptpending Colonel 456 Rep 2,747 Posts Drives: e91 Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Poland iTrader: (1)	do you need awd in kentucky ? __________________ E81 2007 130i 6cylinder Montego blue Retrofits: Harman Kardon, High-beam assistant, Removable tow hitch. Auto-dim folding exterior mirrors. Lumbar support. Perfomance Brakes.
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