BMW E46 Manual Swap Project Introduction DIY - What Parts You Need

[@baxtermason6909]

....I know this video is 2 y/o but I'm as excited as you...bought a 2001 330i that needs a new clutch...;-)

[@NEWAGenTChannel]

Just did my swap in july took me 16 hrs 2 days. had trouble mating the new tranny in, wasted 2 hrs . Went to bed woke up had more light and noticed some heat shielding had to be removed from the top where the bell house mates, that was the only hiccup. good luck.

[@kyleleriger43]

Did u have to re program the ecu?

[@julianalamilla5348]

I don't do half the things you do but I love watching your videos

[@becomematrix]

Nice swap! I just replaced my stock shifter for an e60 545i short shifter arm. It's well worth the $. Super short shifts. Thumbs up for the video. Stoked to see the next part come up.

[@wjohnsonism]

YES!!! I was hoping you'd do this. In my opinion the best diy'er to pave the way on this swap. If and when my non M SMG takes a dump, I'm dong this.

[@50sKid]

Thanks!

[@brencas]

Before you get into installing all of this, you should get an E60 shift lever. Its shorter then the E46 lever. Its a common short shifter mod for E46s.

[@50sKid]

Yeah I saw it. It didn't look that short and wasn't that much cheaper than other short shifters. I'm going to leave the short shift conversion thing for another video.

[@jerrybleeg8297]

Jason, I second "TheBCman5" recommendation for the e60 lever swap. If you spot one at a junk yard, grab it. This makes the shifts pattern much tighter, but don't expect any faster drag times or speeds. Just a nicer feel than the stock e46 shift pattern with the stock e46 lever. Everything bolts up as stock, so no issues with aftermarket parts. It does not change height or the look of the stock configuration either, which is good. I look forward to watching your video's. Always done so well. You inspire me to work on my e46 wagon with 5spd.

[@OCANALDOMARKITO]

You are simple But fantastic What a channel brother Keep it going Best regards from Portugal

[@uvolniavka1]

Nice. It might be worth checking the shift shaft seal - these tend to leak, and it's much easier to replace while the transmission is out of the car. Not sure if someone mentioned this already.

[@TheCowgirlNiamh]

I only drive manuals so I don't need a DIY on it but I'm really looking forward to this project!

[@TheCowgirlNiamh]

@ maybe take your own advice lol a 3 year old comment and you felt the need to be a dickhead? 🙄🤣🤣

[@honestdad8944]

FYI: Pentosin MTF2 has been officially discontinued. If you have the opportunity to get more, I would buy what you could locally. It's very hard to source online. Prices on existing bottles are being gouged as well. If not, the only good option is OE fluid. It's pretty expensive. I was able to order Pentosin from O'Reily's 2 weeks ago for $30 a liter. They had limited availability though. They couldn't guarantee I would receive it or the new fluid Pentosin recommends. From what I gather, the new stuff is actually for DCT tranny's and not compatible for E46's.

[@50sKid]

I'm not sure that's really true. The DCT has always been a separate fluid. The MTF2 is still up on their website. Not sure why they would discontinue it. Many transmissions were made for tons of cars that use MTF2.

[@honestdad8944]

50sKid Give this a read. I called ECS Tuning and they told me it was no longer in production and is being phased out. I had ordered it from there twice before. There is a discussion on Bobistheoilguy as well. www.m3forum.net/m3forum/showthread.php?t=590024&page=2

[@50sKid]

Ah, very interesting. Thanks for the info.

[@Austinole11]

Please show us how you get the car up on very tall jack stands. Getting the car up in the air is always the most demoralizing part about working on my car.

[@50sKid]

Ah ok I will make a note to add that in. I basically just jacked it up in the front then the back a little each time. Then I nailed three 2x4's together to make a spacer and carefully used that to jack the car up even higher.

[@monkeytarget93]

I would love a step by step with an actual shot of the underside with markings or references for a lesser skilled person could mimic and not ruin their E46.

[@elliotwood7653]

50sKid how much was the whole build to swap it ? Great video btw

[@javarithms]

This is going to be so helpful when I do the conversion on my E39!! Thank you!

[@rad7198]

Did you do it?

[@lukastaroveski7388]

You should change the diff because the auto. is 3.38 and the manual is 2.93 One question: While already swapping, why didn't you go with a 6 speed manual gearbox ? BTW: Engine mount's are hydraulic so the oil won't damage them that much

[@TitaniumBMWGarage]

Luka Staroveški correct, the diff for manual is other relation. Now the car will be more fast 0-100 jejej

[@50sKid]

The taller gears will make it accelerate quicker. I went with the manual transmission I found in a junkyard--it was available and cheap. The hydraulic fluid inside the engine mounts is silcone based and rubber safe. Engine oil eats rubber away and causes them to weaken and rip. I actually have the M3 mounts now which have no oil inside them.

[@alingiurgiu2960]

Luka Staroveški I thought that automatic have 3.46 at least on 323i and is the same on manual from what I heard

[@mustangj0hn]

My 330Ci is my first autobox, I'd have to be heavily persueded to revert to a maual now, so nice not having to press the clutch when in traffic.

[@Tool0GT92]

I'm lucky I don't get stuck in traffic too much. I got stuck in DC for 2 hours and my leg was killing me, in that situation I understand the appeal of an auto.

[@50sKid]

Yeah that's one reason I haven't wanted to do this for a while now. I'm honestly 50/50 on it still, lol. I'm doing it in such a way that I can switch back if I want to.

[@damienwest653]

Your vids are amazing, thank you so so so much for your time and your effort

[@CompCrasher86]

Oh yes! This is going to be awesome. Congrats, can't wait to see it.

[@russellkwok9117]

Thanks for your great work, It's amazing and tons of knowledge learnt from your videos, looking forward to subsequence episode

[@nathanielh7677]

There is still give in a single mass flywheel system, it's just in the sprung hub of the clutch disk. It's significantly more reliable and lighter weight.

[@50sKid]

Right. But I've also heard of bad clutch chatter with some single mass flywheels. The way I figure it, if you're replacing the flywheel every time you need to redo your clutch anyway, might as well go dual mass. 'Bout the same price.

[@simerbirsingh9915]

Hi there So I have a question… I put a manual gearbox in my e46 325i (it was an automatic before) But now it does 3k rpm at 120km/h when is used to do 2.5k rpm at the same speed with the automatic gearbox. Can you help me with this?

[@ukwumonufavour4639]

Wao! You have given me inspiration to continue with my BMW manual transmission

[@StanleyKubick1]

So thankful for all this information. You're a champ!

[@bodgitandleggitgarage]

Hi mate you make some fantastic points about buying stuff from there scrap yard the stuff you can get from there is unbelievable one thing I did notice in your latest video you did complaint slightly about the clutch feeling on a dual mass flywheel as you load up the flywheel it should spring back into place I noticed this one does not spring back that could be some of your clutch feeling you are feeling as well

[@50sKid]

Yeah I think you're right it may be more worn than I thought. I haven't seen enough DMFs to know the difference yet. But I definitely think it was the differential that was causing me all the problems that were bothering me. The biggest thing was the fact that the gas pedal was so sensitive with that 3.46 diff. All the extra torque you get at any given engine speed made it really difficult to just drive the thing easy. It was either beast mode rocket forward (annoying in regular traffic) or I didn't give it enough gas and it wanted to gitty up like a horse. Now with the normal diff in there, it feels so much more like the ultimate driving machine!

[@marks2730]

I'm now excited to follow this until its done. might be going this way when my SMG mechanisms craps out.

[@Dan-my6oe]

Just so you know, you do need different bell housing bolts. Two of them are longer than the bolts for the automatic because the ears on the transmission are thicker. Grated I swapped the zf 5hp-19 automatic for a getrag 250g manual not a ZF manual (I have a 2000 323ci e46), so I could be wrong but I'd look into it.

[@50sKid]

Yep, you'll see that I figure it out during the install of the new transmission. But thanks for letting me know anyway!

[@theboringuy]

You should add a note about ZF vs getrag transmissions/driveshafts especially for 325i owners. The diff on the 325i has a 4 bolt input flange so if you put a zf in it will need a 99-00 328i driveshaft. I've seen a video where the dude said you can use the front section of the manual drive shaft and the rear section of your auto driveshaft to overcome this. Can you expand on this?

[@50sKid]

That would not be a great idea--driveshafts are balanced together as an assembly. What I should say is, you can do it, but take it to a driveshaft shop and get it rebalanced for safety.

[@gavdaman21]

What's good 50's kid, First of all, it's about time you did this conversion, you will enjoy the car so much more 👍. Second, I believe the max free play is 19° and should only rock about 1.6mm max. This was info from a spec sheet on an LUK flywheel. I have seen others post on forums saying no less than 15mm but no more than 30mm of free play so hope this info helps you out. Lastly, I thought the 330's had a 6 speed transmission? Any reason for not fitting this or is the 5 speed the only one you could find? In any case, I'll be watching the progress, welcome to the manual club, you'll love it 👍😂

[@seditious1627]

Beemernut it depends on the year and package you get for your 330. I have a 2003 330ci and it's a 5 speed. I believe if it was a ZHP it would have been a 6 speed.

[@gavdaman21]

lachlan Sutherland Ah ok cool I assumed all 330's had 6 speed. I have a 325ci which I believe were all 5 speed.

[@gavdaman21]

Nathaniel VanDenBerghe I didn't think the spec mattered as to whether or not they were 5 or 6 speed but I did assume they were all 6.

[@50sKid]

Thanks for the info on the flywheel! Yeah I got the transmission that was cheap and available

[@gavdaman21]

50sKid that's ok bud, no problem at all. Helping each other out is what we do. As for the transmission that's fair enough, no issues with that way of thinking, sounds as though you grabbed yourself a good deal 👍

[@aleksankazakov]

With a manual swap, I wouldn't put any used or aftermarket parts in/ except performance we know how much that costs) because I know my labor cost is beyond that. So when I do it, I do it the way for it to last five years knowing there is nothing out in the area that is due to be replaced or what if it needs to be. In a matter of fact I rather not do it if I dont have the new genuine parts besides the tranny box itself.

[@rbnprod83]

Muchas gracias por tus videos-guía sobre el swap a manual. Me han servido de gran ayuda. Actualmente 330d e46 de automático a manual. Gracias!!!!!

[@MrOmoan]

What is the model number of the ZF 5 speed transmission? 310z? I'm looking to do this on my 330ci.

[@bodgitandleggitgarage]

I've done it the wrong way I watch the latest videos now I'm just watching the first one LOL I hope I haven't spoilt it for myself

[@garymartin8185]

I would throw it all as is n cry later when somefin dnt wrk... I see you doing a proper once job.👌👍Best job 😃

[@lKingRichardl]

This is gonna make your car a dream 330

[@andreiput9492]

hello 50's kid is that a five or six speed box? what about replacing the oil and what about any other type of reasonable maintenance could you do such as guibo for example, before or after installation? what else could be inspected as well. I see you cover most ideas.

[@ВалентинПаунов-з7ъ]

Nice video , man ! I just wondering how to remove transsmisio oil cooling system ? Any idea ?

[@gdc5ind]

Why did you swap the auto transmission you did so much work too? Did you continue to have problems with the auto trans after the work you did?

[@lahurentv8418]

YESSS MANUAL SWAP FOR THE WIN

[@andykim8359]

Another great project! Are you selling your auto transmission you rebuilt?

[@50sKid]

Nah I think I'm going to keep it just in case I want to switch back.

[@WhosJohn]

Gonna be swapping my 323i soon thanks to this series. Have a few Questions: What did you get the drive shaft out of? What linkage should I look for? I heard one is longer than the manual, not sure if they are all the same length on the manual side. Got the car for a steal so this swap will prob cost more than the car lol

[@scanspeak00]

Epic job. Respect brother.

[@nifte4635]

Def doing this. I NEED MANUAL

[@hillrubin758]

Hey 50sKid, luv your channel. I think i remember hearing your in Cali. Since your car requires the STAR smog, will doing a manual swap affect your ability to pass smog considering they no longer do a sniffer test and rely solely on onboard diagnostic. If not in Cali, disregard.. LOL

[@50sKid]

+Hill Rubin doesn't make a difference to emissions what transmission you have on the car. Only thing that matters is that your check engine light not be on. Mine is on until I "code" the car not to think it has an automatic installed anymore. Which will be a video at the end of this series.

[@Eisty]

hey i am doing what you did, and i would need to know which flywheel you took and what size the driveshaft was in mm my bmw is a 330i sedan the manual gearbox will be s5d320z

[@mikelm7398]

Why do you do this but you have your automatic gearbox only new?

[@50sKid]

It's just something to do. Something to make videos on. I'll keep the automatic to maybe switch back later.

[@mikelm7398]

thanks jason!

[@marksutcliffe409]

This video shows the swap to the ZF transmission, does this also apply to the Getrag 5 speed?

[@QasimAli-qg4yt]

Yes but the driveshaft is different for getrag. It’s shorter

[@hid617]

What would I need for an awd manual conversion? I believe they came in 6 speeds

[@brianweston8319]

Hi your doing a nice job explaining everything... I have a 2002 e39 that I want to convert to manual... is it the same steps or is it completely different ?

[@50sKid]

You'll need a different driveshaft and the wiring is probably different. I would look into it on the msg boards and see if there is a DIY for it.

[@aor3200]

Good luck with this project :)

[@MrRichLover]

would i be able to use LHD parts for a RHD setup? like the clutch and brake pedals and other parts.

[@jeremywestwood3769]

Hi jayson why is that GM transmission cant be rebuild? Thank you.

[@saberbadkatt5778]

I just tried to swap my zf5hp19 for the gm type but what to do with my electric select switch? Other trans doesn't have this

[@otaviobozzi]

Hello! congratulations on the video. I'm from Brazil and here the ZF exchange is very expensive. Can I use Getrag from 318? My BMW is E46 328i year 1999.

[@OscarPrice007]

Your probably not looking awnsers anymore but for anybody that is, he awnser is yes but it they're not as strong as the ZF boxes

[@supra883]

Q, i have a 2000 328ci the car has a 6spd transmission, i wan to do the clutch but i dont now if its a difference between the clutch kit 5spd & 6spd .

[@tanawatkrubb]

you will also need a rear differential as well, otherwise your gas/gallon are going to be suck.

[@TitaniumBMWGarage]

why the change to manual?

[@50sKid]

It's something to do

[@bedmember]

How did you figure out which transmission fits your car? Im looking at a e46 316i to fit in my e46 325i. Most cars locally are auto. Ive check realoem.com and found the suited transmission on both transmission is not the same, at least the last 5 digit number.

[@bramw3751]

Luk (the oem manufacturer) has an app called dmf checkpoint. This app tells you when your dual mass flywheel is worn based on the part number of your flywheel. It specifies a number of tooth as well. It is available for android, dont know if it is available for iphone

[@50sKid]

Wow that’s awesome man thanks for that info

[@bramw3751]

@@50sKid no problem! Thanks for al the helpful vids man. You have helped me out countless times. Keep it up mate!

[@sampson8119]

Hi 50s Kid. Can you help me, do you know if a 6 speed gearbox will go into a 5 speed car, or do you need a different prop shaft etc, i`m talking about an e46 by the way. look forward to hearing from you. Thank you.

[@adigawarrior6173]

And is the rear diff gear ratio different on the automatic vs the manual car

[@hungkhong5480]

Can you help with code module ? I just swapped mine e46 from auto to manual....

[@MrTJ1695]

I know this isn't a forum, but I was doing the ccv replacement, removed the manifold and what not then put it back together. Idk what happens but shifting into gears became really difficult while the car was running. Also it felt like the clutch wouldn't fully disengage

[@50sKid]

I can't see how that would be related

[@MrTJ1695]

Yeah, I know. Is it possible I got air in any lines to like a clutch slave or master cylinder or knocked a hose off? It goes into gear easy while the car is of but whem I turn it in it becomes difficult to get into gears and seems like the clutch is stuck in a gear even with the pedal depressed

[@50sKid]

I don't see how you would have gotten air in your lines, but it's possible that your clutch slave cylinder went bad, actually.

[@andreiput9492]

I see you mention electric fan conversion. could you do a separate vid on that subject? andrew

[@50sKid]

that's the plan

[@andreiput9492]

hello 50's kid i finally got my e 46 back from the stealership. After 3 months 3 companies and 3K at their warranty expense and who did not listen to my advice, every single issue which you have covered connected with intake and vanos have been fixed I hope. There are some final adjustments going on next week. My summer projects would be auto fluid trans change using your home-flush advice and maybe look into the electric fan replacment option. When you do the vid can you also please make mention of parts and procedure for those of us left with auto tans and auto cooler for example. keep up the fine work.

[@MrJazzTak]

Any chance of working on a e39 with a M52tu engine...would appreciate it

[@OilBaron100]

Hello 50's kid. I love your videos; they have been very helpful for me. I have a 330i; I would like to convert it to a manual transmission. Manual transmissions are very difficult to get in Australia. I have managed to find a junk yard with a manual transmission from an E46 323i. Do you know if the 323i gearbox (and tailshaft, etc) will fit into a 330i BMW? (My car is pre-facelift).

[@50sKid]

+OilBaron100 yes it will fit but you want the ZF one not the weaker gettrag one

[@OilBaron100]

+50sKid - I am not racing the car, just driving it to work. Do you think it will destroy the gearbox?

[@OilBaron100]

+50sKid - I would like to make a one-off donation of $10 dollars. Patreon does not allow me to make a one-off donation; I can only make regular donations (every month or every time a video is uploaded). How can I make a one-off donation?

[@billyt3130]

Hello there, love your work. Can you please give me some guidance with my swap its a 2004 BMW Z4 with smg and I would like to swap for a manual tranny. My questions is with the wiring and neutral switch any information would be gratefully appreciated. Thanks

[@EliteMotorWorksFL]

Did you ever do your swap? If so, do you want to sell any of your SMG parts? I have a z4 that I need the slave master cylinder. Thanks!

[@adigawarrior6173]

If I don't program my ecu after will my car spend a lot of gas? because I did the swap and my car is spending so much gas and when I go to shift the gas is still being given for half a second after I release the gas pedal between shifts? My car also feels slugish and struggling to reach redline

[@50sKid]

The gas pedal hang is normal. You're using more gas because maybe you kept the automatic differential which has shorter gears than what you get in a factory manual car. It *should* be about the same gas usage though. The usage improves by about 3-4 mpg when you use a manual diff.

[@gerardogoveche8064]

I just this job any chance you have any zf transmission

[@steffanomoretta6712]

You’re amazing dude

[@sgtreckless7872]

Can a 325xi auto be converted to manual?

[@c.a.r.projects282]

rear main seal goes out a lot... my was horrible and leak so bad.. so replace it since you already there.

[@yoshi1u2]

is there any way to take this type of transmission apart and replace syncros and the fork. Mine sometimes takes a little effort to shit into first and third.

[@50sKid]

I think you need a special tool to crack the case open. The input shaft is pressed into a bearing and doesn't want to come right out. I would not try it, myself.

[@yoshi1u2]

Thanks, a lot of research says these transmissions are disposable which is disappointing

[@tonycopelyn8730]

How were you able to install used clutch to flywheel? I thought it required a special tool to be installed before removing clutch and then after clutch bolted up to flywheel you disengaged tool?

[@shaunmoguel6431]

Tony Copelyn I have a question for anybody that can help. Can you commonly find the clutch and brake assembly in any junk yard?

[@tonycopelyn8730]

@@shaunmoguel6431 yep

[@shaunmoguel6431]

Thanks man! You know how much they usually cost?

[@tonycopelyn8730]

@@shaunmoguel6431 There are likely more automatics than manual trans but you may if to get something from car and somrthing from another and so on and so on...I got a kick panel for manual (cuz...I didnt want to cut mine....)dual mass flywheel...clutch and brake pedal assy...clutch line...little metal/tin seal thing between engine and trans (manual is different from auto).. Elec fan....manual radiator (took it back failed preesure test...I will get new one)....$80

[@shaunmoguel6431]

Tony Copelyn thanks man appreciate it

[@mykye51]

Can this be done on 330d engine ?thank you, a lot of the repairs I've done learning from your video's.

[@50sKid]

I do believe the transmissions are all the same. The wiring may be a little different. You'll have to search the BMW Wiring Diagram System to figure it out.

[@mykye51]

ok, you are my first option when i look for videos to do something on my car, great videos

[@josecastaneda2016]

The flywheel I ordered at my work had almost zero free play. Maybe just half of a tooth of movement.

[@50sKid]

Ah, good info to have. I just located some information in AllData that says the "limit" is less than 7 "tooth gaps" of freeplay (meaning the gaps in between the teeth, so 8 teeth if measured by the tips of the teeth). And the axial play between the two dual masses has to be less than 5mm.

[@fritzz2]

wow great idea

[@julioromero4218]

I have bmw 330ci automatic I like to do a swap bmw 328 manual transmission

[@bboymusic3134]

Hello friend, will you have an email to contact you?

[@kieranryan4718]

Be great if the scrap yards in Australia weren't stripped raw of E46 parts

[@50sKid]

Here, I gotta get there right when the car arrives in the yard!

[@rcggonzalez]

helo 50skid I want to do this to my 325xi can it be done to a allweel drive e46?

[@50sKid]

Yep there should be no difference as far as that goes.

[@rueliotube]

I converted my 2001 325xi wagon a couple years ago. Nice thing about the xi is you do not need a different driveshaft. They are the same for auto vs. manual.

[@50sKid]

That's not possible--the auto and manual transmissions are different lengths--that's why you need a longer driveshaft.

[@rueliotube]

50sKid I am going to have to respectfully disagree with you on this. Look on RealOEM. Both front and rear driveshafts are the same length for the xi. True, that is the the case (they are different) for RWD vehicles. Because of the way they design the rear case of both the auto and manual to attach the transfer case, they (transmissions) end up being the same length. Trust me (I know, I am on an internet comment section) but I did this very swap to my car. No driveshafts needed. Big fan, keep up the good work.

[@50sKid]

Ah I wasn't thinking about the transfer cases on the xi. Ok it makes sense to me now that the transmission configuration would be a little different. Man, I'll bet that manual xi transmission is hard to find!

[@Austinole11]

WOOOO awesome!

[@MrOseii]

Can u sale me ur autotransmision.

[@50sKid]

no I'm going to keep it and maybe put it back in at some point later on

[@brianweston8319]

Thanks

[@Statureman]

woah. cool!

[@vardanhovakimyan7633]

wooow!

[@MrOseii]

U will regret it the comfort with Auto Manual cant replace it.

[@traqnsavov822]

i have BMW e46 manual transmission, and i want puting a automatic tr. :( some day.. 2.2 litter engine 170HP

[@Raccoonsareawesome]

Quick splice connectors sucks in my opinion, because they tend to fail over time.

[@50sKid]

Yeah I've mentioned that in the wiring video. For me, here in outer space (California), corrosion isn't really an issue so I'm going ahead and using them. Putting dielectric grease inside just in case. I have mentioned to use heat shrink butt connectors (with the sealant inside) or solder if you're in a more corrosive environment.

[@aleksankazakov]

This car has gotten such a bad reputation because of used and aftermarket parts MAINLY. These E46s used to be expensive, then as they depreciated they got in hands of just anybody and with that, what does anybody do? Anybody is stupid right? The anybody used any part that was less expensive either from the Autozone which is mainly China-made) as long as it fits, then it was put in causing them to see it break again and again and eventually selling the car and as the price tag dropped even further so as its reputation most ended in the junk. This car does not like anything but new Genuine parts, I learned it hard way, I worked on it for 10 years, I still have it and its running strong, if there is anything I can say about what I learned so far is Never ever use aftermarket parts, never use used parts unless its something like diff or a tranny or an engine block something that is solid. Everything else has to be new and genuine unless you want to do the job again in 6 months. And now, what does anybody say about the BMW E46? They say its a very unreliable car because they are simply dumb and should never have one to begin with so ignore them 'cause they have no idea anyways

[@JeSuisBacon]

Wanna send me a manual swap parts kit :P They're so freaking expensive over here (excess of 2.5k all up AUD).

[@EricBorgen]

Isn't it pronounced 'Gwee-bow'?

[@50sKid]

Eric Borgen it's spelled Giubo, not guibo, so I've pronounced it how I thought it was supposed to be but apparently we're both wrong. It's Joo-bow en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giubo

[@EricBorgen]

Now we know!

[@briandeguzman6496]

Question: if I am using a wiring harness from a manual car, can I just remove the atx wiring harness and atx computer? Thanks