Arnold's Tranny Conversion Build Thread...

[415Banker]

So I've been saving up for my next big project for the touring. As many of you know, the E39 V8 tourings that were sent to the US were not gifted with a 6 Speed Tranny. Bummer...and yes the i6 touring bros were lucky to get it as an option.

Anyway, I wanted to start a thread so that I can utilize this as DIY for future aspirants like me =)...You can call it a blog as well...

First off, I found the best Labor I could find in my neck of the woods. Qais of Southbay Autohaus is the best candidate. I've only heard good things about him and his work. Trusted to say the least...

Secondly, I've done somewhat a brief research on what parts I will be needing. I'm still on the fence whether I should get brand new parts or locate a low mileage used bundle...

For now, I'm using the list below as a guide...

http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o161/jvcajita/tranny%20project/trannydraft1.jpg
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o161/jvcajita/tranny%20project/trannydraft2.jpg

Yeah the total comes hefty...and for sure I'll be needing more parts... This is where I need help from the E39 Gurus...

Will it be necessary for me to get a new drive shaft, clutch plate, pressure plate, differential, and flywheel? Will I also be looking into acquiring bigger components?

I found some possible donors as well...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/97-02-BMW-540i-M5-E39-6-SPEED-TRANSMISSION-DIFFERENTIAL_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trkparmsZ72Q3a1205 Q7c39Q3a1Q7c66Q3a4Q7c65Q3a12Q7c240Q3a1318QQ_trksid Zp3286Q2ec0Q2em14QQhashZitem330275776851QQitemZ330 275776851

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/BMW-E39-M5-6-SPEED-MANUAL-TRANSMISSION-GEARBOX-REAL-OEM_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trkparmsZ72Q3a1205Q7c39Q3a1 Q7c66Q3a4Q7c65Q3a12Q7c240Q3a1318QQ_trksidZp3286Q2e c0Q2em14QQhashZitem230299351151QQitemZ230299351151

Anyway, I also know of just one other gentleman from PA who's done this feat. He's a member at m5board and I've already tried to touch base with him on how he went about his project... screen name is "credit (http://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/members/credit-28628.htm)." I do hope he responds. And just to give you an overview. This guy also has one of the rarest E39s there is. An 03 AW 540it with black interior...yes, he's one of the lucky ones...and supercharged to boot.

All insightful suggestions are welcome =)...Looking forward in hearing some really deep tech talk in this thread. I do hope people refrain from posting useless banter in here with sly comments like:

"Why spend all this money? Get a 540i sedan. It'll be cheaper."

"It's a wagon, you don't need that."

"Stop posing as an M5."

"Why convert to stick when you're comfortable with steptronic already."

I have my reasons in doing so. So I beg of you to keep this thread mature and on topic =)...

Thanks guys in advance!

[brandon5069]

This is awesome, Jo. If I can be of any assistance just let me know.

Now....
I see the total for parts. How many hours is this supposed to take?

[mbox]

gd lck with the tranny build. it sounds like a lot of work but it's gonna turn out great imo!

[Laidback]

subscribed:)

[Orange fever]

like ddddddddaaaaaaaammmmmmmmmmnnnnnnnnnnnn

[Raff]

"Will it be necessary for me to get a new drive shaft, clutch plate, pressure plate, differential, and flywheel? Will I also be looking into acquiring bigger components?"

The answer is yes, if you can get a heavy duty clutch plate, for the differential you can use yours or up grade to a limited slip, you can also look around if you want different gear ratios. On the drive shaft I would check on the length to see if they are the same as the tourings. If not you can have someone fab the length for you. I have a guy here in Valencia who did my tranny swap on my e30. Jo, you have seen the work on that car...
My other friend was approaching him to do a tranny swap for his 8 series to be a manual. Long story just incase you have problems you can ask me or him.

[MFIZZLENYC]

Their are 2 transmissions available in 6 spd one is the 540 tans I think its a zf and then their is the ..... Getrag from the m5 Muuaaaaaa muuaaaaa like dr evil in austin powers lol