hi,

need help.
got a 320i that was ina car accident for cheap
planning on taking the 5 speed right out
wut do i need 2 fit it in the 02?

First of all, what year 320i is it that you're going to pull from.

I believe the ideal range was about 77-80 if memory serves me right for a 320i Getrag 245 donor. Ideally, there is a 6 bolt output flange on the rear of the transmission where the flex coupling meets the drive shaft.

Here's what they look like.

http://www.my2002tii.com/may2004/pic-%20017.jpg

If you have the 6 bolt setup, you will want the drive shaft also to build yourself a stronger driveshaft for the conversion.

The only real solutions out there that work reliably are for a 2 piece transmission, not a 3 piece. The later models have the 3 piece, so if you get that one, you may want to pass on the idea, IMHO.

Let us know what you find out.

yah its a 1980 with 150k miles on it :)

That's goodness. So if you're sure the transmission isn't damaged in the accident, then there is two paths you can go down.

I would caution you that this conversion is expensive for some people's view, to others, it seems cheap. Depends on how much you LUV your 02.

1) buy a full ready made adapter kit, such as the 2002 Haus one. The basic kit has everything you need, bolts in, no modifications and has bushed CNC custom shift selector rod, etc.

http://www.2002haus.com/kit/dogbone.jpg

Like BMW would probably have done it. I speak from experience since I have one in my own car and recommend it as the best solution. (No they don't sell the kit in pieces, it all works together as a kit)

Link to the kit. (http://www.2002haus.com/kit/index.htm)

Cost $500 + core deposit of your old shifter tower, etc.
Plus cost of shortening your driveshaft and balancing it or buying one already to go.
Cost $750 (Link: Remanufactured driveshaft. (http://www.2002haus.com/remanufactured_driveshaft.htm)

or

2) Piece it together yourself.

Ben Tongsai's instructions are here:
320i 5 Speed Conversion (http://www.bimmers.com/02/upgrades/transmission.html)

That method also requires shortening your drive shaft. That cost can vary depending on who does it and where. There are BMW driveshaft specialty shops or take it to a local place.

Having seen #2 done to varying degrees of expertise over time and seeing them eventually replace parts that didn't survive, weren't welded properly, or aligned properly, you can easily spend more than #1 over time.

My recommendations are based on actual experience of doing #1 myself and doing #2 with 2 other cars. Like anything in life, you get what you pay for.

Add it up - what gas costs now, you can pretty easily recoup your investment in the 5-8mpg increase you would see in highway driving if you use your car for daily transportation.

It's a good idea to put in a new clutch and pressure plate, have your flywheel turned, install new pilot shaft bearings in the flywheel and generally fix things while you're here since you will be driving the car spririted for several thouand miles afterwards! That all costs more of course, but it's your car... you decide.

I have a bit over 1500 miles on my setup so far and all I can say is it shifts like "buttah.

Your call from here.

Ben Tongsai's instructions are here:
320i 5 Speed Conversion (http://www.bimmers.com/02/upgrades/transmission.html)



Coincidentally and Fortunately, I'm having Ben do my 5spd swap this week. I was going to tackle it myself using a kit but when he quoted me the conversion cost including labor which came out to the same or under the kit cost, it was a no brainer. Plus Ben is a guru so any snags that come up can be fixed right away. I'm so glad I had him do my Tii engine swap or else I'd still be trouble shooting it. BTW, he is the first guy I've paid in 14 years or so to work on any car of mine if that says anything.

Another suggestion if you are going to be doing the tranny swap and dropping your driveshaft and/or rear diff is to inspect all your hard brake lines going back. This is the ideal time to replace any solid lines that looks to be corroded .

wow.

i was hoping it would fit right in now questions ask :(
this is gonna be fun
NOT

I recommend buying a kit. I did this about 4 years ago and it came with everything I needed to do the job in a weekend. I got mine from Aardvarc Racing but I've also heard good things about the 2002 Haus kit (I've actually helped install one of their kits too).

You might be able to save a little money by putting the kit together on your own but I've also heard several horror stories about going that route.

Good luck and keep us updated!