[Joethecarguy]

First off, I know that it's difficult and costly, but I feel like my original automatic trans is on the way out. I am in the middle of finding all the parts for an auto to manual swap. I know of one shop in New York (I'm in PA) that can do the coding. If anyone knows a shop in the Philly area that can do it please let me know. It's been done on 5 series and 335xi cars before and they get to keep the original dme/ecu. There are a few things I question though. Do I need an x drive manual transmission or will a regular one work? Is the transfer case the same or do I need a new one? Will I need a new front driveshaft besides the rear? And will the front to rear diff ratios be messed up and cause the transfer case to be damaged? Also, I can't find the part number for the manual trans wiring harness on realoem.

[JuniorB]

The n54 trans would be stronger, but needs to enlarge the top holes for mounting, he n52 would bolt in. The trans case is the same and would do nothing to the final drive. If the total distances are the same, then the driveshafts will work, but look into this to be 100%. The mechanical part is the easy steps, it's the corresponding wiring to make it all work will be the pain. There is a great write up by an op who done his very swap in his 535 wagon.

[matteblue3er]

Where does the N54 trans come into play? Unnecessary headache if you ask me.

You need an xDrive specific trans since the transfer case will bolt up to the trans. The driveshafts remain the same since the transfer case is not altered.

You are better off making your own harness. It's like 6 wires you need to run/switch around. You can get the clutch switch from the E46 harness. The reverse switch connector on the plug can be found at an local autoparts store. It's similar to the once used for oil pressure switch.

I spent about $1500 on my auto to manual swap for my 330xi. Included new clutch/flywheel and new master/clutch cylinders. I have access to wholesale accounts but you should be able to get around this with used parts. However this is without cooling system changes.

See my spread sheet attached. There are some aftermarket upgrades in there. I replaced all seals with the trans out. Note the rear main seal is listed twice and that the trans harness part # is most likely not accurate for your car. I wasn't sure of the size when ordering the rear main seal. Cooling system changes were not included in the estimated and actual totals. I'll be doing that at a later date. Slave/master cylinders were also excluded from the totals because I didn't play on replacing them originally. So total was really around $1550.

Also you will have different engine/road speed with the auto diff gearing. It's not an issue mechanically, but it will lower MPG. However it will increase torque

EDIT: Also there is no support bracket for the AWD models. The trans is basically sandwiched between the engine and the transfer case and is suspended off the existing engine and transfer case mounts.

[Joethecarguy]

So what I'm getting from this is that the manual transmission is the same length as the gm automatic? Also, do you know of any shops in the philly area that can do the coding? I'm also wondering if the car can be driven (slowly) before coding or if I will have to get it towed (my guess)

[JuniorB]

It was an option, as when guys go for the manual, the n54 is a stronger trans. For the amount of work it takes to convert it all, I would rather run the stronger of the two.

[rjahl]

Originally Posted by Joethecarguy

So what I'm getting from this is that the manual transmission is the same length as the gm automatic? Also, do you know of any shops in the philly area that can do the coding? I'm also wondering if the car can be driven (slowly) before coding or if I will have to get it towed (my guess)

Have some one remote code it. It should only take a few minutes.

[Joethecarguy]

I'm used to older cars (no computer) how do you remote code? In regard to the n54 transmission, could I use an n55 trans too? Also, would 335xi driveshafts fit the front and rear diff since the 335 trans is longer? Would I have to cut/weld/ balance the original driveshaft to get it to work?

[hassmaschine]

you don't need an N54 transmission unless you're making like 500hp. it doesn't fit directly, it's heavier, and it costs more - I don't see the point on an N/A N52.

Also wasn't the BPC trans that broke from a 325i? that's the ZF GS6-17BG, where the 330i and 328xi came with the stronger GS6-37BZ. Still, you don't need an N54 transmission even if you have the weaker 325i version..

[JuniorB]

We never did find out what happened to that trans...

[matteblue3er]

Originally Posted by Joethecarguy

So what I'm getting from this is that the manual transmission is the same length as the gm automatic? Also, do you know of any shops in the philly area that can do the coding? I'm also wondering if the car can be driven (slowly) before coding or if I will have to get it towed (my guess)

I don't think you'll be able to start the car without coding. You may be able to with the brake instead of clutch but not sure

Helix Motorsports can do the coding.

[Joethecarguy]

So would I need different front and rear drive shafts if I used a 328xi transmission?

[W37V]

Originally Posted by Joethecarguy

So would I need different front and rear drive shafts if I used a 328xi transmission?

Dude, pull up automatic and manual car realOEM.com and compare part numbers. Whatever is different, you will need to swap.

/thread

[rick100]

don't want to sound like a broken record but its not really worth it . i called a few shops in the past when I first got the car and none of them had ever done it. One was willing to try it but he wanted close to 5k just to try it , no promises and he said the bill could be higher as he was not sure how long it would take

I also read a thread about someone doing it on a 5 series and he had issues with the coding afterwards.

With the price of these cars nowdays , you are better off just buying a used manual 328 for 5-6 k