[Firewired1]

Hello all

It seems like my transmission might be pooched in my XI. I found a RWD transmission locally. Will the RWD transmission bolt to the transfer case ? RealOEM shows it as being the same part number between the two.

I search and couldn't find info. I'm sure someone posted about this in the million AWD to RWD posts.


Thanks !

[matteblue3er]

No they are different.

The RWD trans has a flange on the rear for the driveshaft. The AWD trans must bolt up to the transfer case, then the output flages can be connected to driveshafts.

[Firewired1]

So there is no way I could make it work by taking parts of both transmission?

[matteblue3er]

I doubt it. I'm currently in the process of swapping my auto trans for a manual. I haven't pulled the auto yet but I have the manual sitting by my car and I don't think you could just piece it together.

Also, why go through the hassle? It's one thing if you're getting it free but honestly I think it will just be a headache. I got my trans from a salvage yard. 79k miles. $300. So there are cheap trans out there.

Also come to think of it....the support bracket may be different. Well it is different. But the mounting location between RWD and AWD may differ.

[Firewired1]

All salvage yard where closed today. Ill call tomorrow. Car-part.com shows the closest to me is in toronto and has no price. Second closest is in New York at 2200 $

[matteblue3er]

It just doesn't look possible....RWD on left, AWD on right

[matteblue3er]

Originally Posted by Firewired1

All salvage yard where closed today. Ill call tomorrow. Car-part.com shows the closest to me is in toronto and has no price. Second closest is in New York at 2200 $

Wow $2200 is crazy. That's a good chunk of how much it is for a rebuilt one from a shop.

Keep looking. Also keep an eye out on the Facebook groups. I know the ones I'[m in for the Tri-State area have salvaged part outs all the time

[Firewired1]

Odd because realoem shows same part number. Maybe that was for internals ?

Which groups is this ?

[eurojulien]

Originally Posted by matteblue3er

It just doesn't look possible....RWD on left, AWD on right

one of those is an auto the other a manual on top of them being rwd/awd


I'd say probably not. Splitting a gearbox is no easy task as many are pressed together.

[rothwem]

Originally Posted by matteblue3er

Also come to think of it....the support bracket may be different. Well it is different. But the mounting location between RWD and AWD may differ.

This is a major problem. The trans isn't really supported in the XI cars, it just kinda "hangs" between the transfer case and the engine. The engine has mounts, the transfer case has mounts, and the transmission bolts to each.

[matteblue3er]

Originally Posted by Firewired1

Odd because realoem shows same part number. Maybe that was for internals ?

Which groups is this ?

BMW E9X World, PA BMW classifieds (but they are sticklers for people out of state for some reason), Middle Atlantic BMW Classifieds.

Those are pretty large and active

Originally Posted by eurojulien

one of those is an auto the other a manual on top of them being rwd/awd


I'd say probably not. Splitting a gearbox is no easy task as many are pressed together.

You're right one is a manual and the other an auto but it doesn't matter.

Originally Posted by rothwem

This is a major problem. The trans isn't really supported in the XI cars, it just kinda "hangs" between the transfer case and the engine. The engine has mounts, the transfer case has mounts, and the transmission bolts to each.

That's a good point

[Firewired1]

So then... which xi transmission could I bolt to my car ? Does the fact that it's a N55 change anything ? Maybe tomorrow night I'll jack up the car and see what the tag on tranny said. That way I can shop for the exact part I need.


Also, just joined one of the Facebook groups. Lots of goodies come up in there. Not good for the wallet !