My just acquired '89 has an automatic transmission which I plan to replace with a manual one. I have a mechanic who has done this several times and I have confidence in his ability to do the job. He uses old used transmissions though (which are warranted for six months), and I was wondering what a rebuilt newer one would cost. (He felt the rebuilt one would cost as much as the whole swap using the old one)There are several companies selling these and I wonder which one has the best reputation? And given BMW's terrible reputation with automatic transmissions, how is their reputation with manual ones? The thinking is that once the new clutch and manual transmission are installed I don't want to have to go in there again because the old manual transmission dropped a sychro or two.

Depends on which trans he plans to use, a Getrag 260 or a Getrag 265. (and then which version of the 265, I suppose, but given how rare the CR boxes are, I'll leave them out.)

The 265 is generally regarded as the stronger box, and is more rebuildable. It is identifiable by its three-section construction and a seperable bellhousing.

The 260 is the much more widely used, and weaker box. It has the bellhousing interated into the external casing.

The ratios between the two are virtually identical. For application years, check out Metric Mechanic's website.

A good transmission shop can open it up, check synchro condition, shift fork alignment and give a condition report. Finish it up w/ new seals and you'll have peace of mind. I did that on a recent swap in my camaro and it cost 2hrs labor and the cost of new seals and oil. I think it was like $225. I felt a lot better knowing for sure it was sound.

A Getrag 265 transmission that has been checked by a reputable shop should be sufficient to get me on the right track. Thanks.

The later 260 that was used after 85 is also an option. It is identifible by the one piece case and the fins on the bottom. It may not be as good of an option as the 265 but they are also not as expensive.

I was lookin at my Bentley and noticed it mentions Reference and Speed sensors located on the bellhousing and picks up a signal from the flywheel.


Are the sensors from the auto swapped into the 260? And the flywheels.. are they compatible throughout the years? Say my '83 flywheel is compatible to use with '86 auto ref and speed sensors?

Im not sure about that, but you should pull the flywheel out of the 83 if you end up scrapping it. It is a lighter flywheel than what is on the B34 cars. My best guess is that you need a flywheel from a manual trans for the swap. Probably wouldnt be a bad idea anyway.

-Jeff