I'm Manual Swapping My BMW! | E90 DIY Part 1

I am converting my 2008 BMW 335i from an automatic to a manual. The automatic that I pulled from the car still operates perfectly and has more than impressed me but it's time for a change.
I have a new daily driver and I wanted to make my 335i more engaging to drive on the weekends etc.
This will be part one of the series. In this video I remove the automatic transmission from the car and show you all the hardware required to do this swap.
I want to give a special shout out to the seller who put together this manual conversion kit for me. He actually has a KZbin channel, give him a follow if you can:
/ @rpmautojim
I'd like to thank ECS Tuning for helping with with the flywheel and clutch combo, you can purchase that hardware at this link (affiliate):
bit.ly/2x1xWqI
If this is the first video you're catching of mine consider subscribing, I upload regularly.
Thanks for watching :) When you see the word "affiliate" listed beside any link in my description please know that this is a custom link and I will earn a small commission if you opt to purchase using said link. This is at no extra cost to you so it's a win all around :) Thank you!

[@aln5439]

I’m glad that you did this I’ve been trying to figure it out myself

[@Amnez13]

🤔He is Crazy this man 😂👌👍 you are the best mechanic BMW of the States..in the World.. Respect

[@muumuumu]

mad scientist

[@Amnez13]

it reminds me when I changed the flywheel and clutch on a 330 cd e46 2 days of work 😅 except that it goes from an automatic transmission to manual

[@mwdh]

Can't wait to see Part 2. Great job so far. I just upraded the clutch on my 335i to the 550i clutch on jackstands a few weeks ago. Really not a job to enjoy. I feel with you.

[@kyleadams4156]

Just did the same job myself. NOT fun. How long did it take you

[@xepiicxalexs]

Cant wait to see part 2. This couldnt have happend at a more perfect time for me. I just acquired a manual swap for my 335i as well. 😇😇

[@VehicularDIY]

Nice!

[@GT-cw7ed]

Good luck 👍

[@GT-cw7ed]

Thats how I felt earlier. Perfect timing!

[@ccipres922]

xepiicxalexs how much was it and where did you get it?

[@dmitrireznikov7740]

​@@VehicularDIY how much did it cost you and how long was the process?

[@tylerlovesmacs]

I had to do a clutch job again after my swap because I used the copper pivot bearing and it died in 4k miles. I would recommend the Rogue Engineering hardened steel one. Great price too.

[@floridiankicks4543]

Wow this is crazy! I’m currently going from bone stock n54 to doc race kit with a manual swap! Thank you so much for dropping this video! The build is almost done. But just gotta do the peddle assembly and wrap up a couple more things! Will be staying turned to see how you do yours!

[@TUNINGDONERIGHTMX5]

Dude that’s excellent can’t wait to hear how it comes out. Planing mine.

[@LikquidDutch]

dude the amount of work/detail you put into your car is insane!

[@AshwinLB]

Man I can’t wait to get rid of the auto in my 135i

[@bsmith85282]

AshwinLB same bro... same..

[@Faustastico7]

same

[@ThaHammieJaassee]

glad my 135 came with a manual ;-; I wanna get a convertible with a manu next

[@sebastianbrandl5658]

can i ask why? is the auto too slow ? have you tried x-hp to make it shift faster ?

[@AshwinLB]

@@sebastianbrandl5658 I had xhp on my trans. It was quick but I rather shift my own gears

[@tashinorbu3454]

I have been waiting for this . I will do this after my deployment. Thanks for sharing with us.

[@pitercwiklice]

I admire your skills, knowledge and work on every single video of yours. Well done Man!

[@VehicularDIY]

I appreciate that!

[@carvelera]

too technical for me..salute your knowledge n capability doing this bro...

[@panchodharami8594]

When I got mine I actually had a FMS leak and once everything was done another seal blew out turned out the rear main seal blew because their was RTV sealant when the previous owner did the clutch by a “trusty mechanic”. So I definitely agree! Don’t bother it if it’s good and there’s no leaks. The tool itself is a 500 dollar tool to do it too! Your series make me want to pick up another n54 for tinkering! Looking forward and all the best from Canada 🇨🇦!

[@Nathan-gj8ch]

I never ran a clutch pilot bearing on 400-500hp Honda engines for years without problems until I reclaimed a trans casing from the junkyard and saw the stock ones had one and then i was like oh guess ill start using that. Old 80s Hondas didn't have one

[@matt_h537]

The crankshaft pulley is also different between manual and automatic I would assume they are different because weight balance is different. Also in the Houston area a great source for parts is a place called Bimmer Graveyard

[@MrGerdar]

You are one brave fellow! Great video. Will be waiting for part II. Thanks for sharing

[@Agent-mw8th]

The most underrated DIY channel

[@shaunpilkington4625]

Hats off to you for doing this without a hoist. I’ve been a mechanic for 23 years and I paid someone to change my clutch, because i couldn’t do it in my driveway.

[@VehicularDIY]

Yeah not fun but given it's not my daily I can let it sit for days at a time. If that wasn't the case I probably wouldn't have attempted this.

[@flaviomartinho1753]

Great work Those stock rims are one of my favourites

[@veritas17]

Nice, waiting for part two happily

[@Alpine.E9x]

Yes! Finally part 1! So excited for this project man! Good luck! And stay safe!

[@timlad123456]

The front and rear seal have special tools to remove and install. Its not that critical because the tools do all the work for you. If you can do it while the transmission is out you should replace the seal.

[@romuztek]

Can't wait to see the rest of your conversion DIY! I am tackling the swap and currently have everything except the box and clutch/fw, but I am also upgrading my small bolted 3.46 rear end to accomodated a large bolted 3.46 lsd and suitable axles. FWIW there's various shifter arm bushings and other components that you can upgrade while you're in there, to make your shifts feel more direct and buttery smooth compared to the OEM setup.

[@christianivan756]

Finaly a video that I've been searching for months (probably a year)

[@MKRN98]

I wanted to do it but I was afraid I'm not gonna be able to do it. Now because of you, I have a courage to pull trigger and do it myself lol. Waiting for more to see it it's really that bad!

[@geekybench]

How did it go?

[@MKRN98]

@@geekybench didn't do it yet. I don't have enough time and I use E90 as my daily so basically I rely on it.

[@shawn804]

Subbed, would love to manual swap my e93 but don’t have the mechanical skills...you could make a living doing this for others

[@raviweaver8406]

So i finally started manual swapping mine, I'm gonna be coming back to these videos alot!!! Great work man!

[@mitchellluckey3407]

I applaud you, gonna start getting parts together and do this myself on my e90.

[@luisgranadossalazar5487]

my bro your videos are excellent currently I did a swap to manual of my 335 2010 with this video and it has worked perfect

[@Use2FACTAUTH]

Was it an LCI? And was the wiring all the same?

[@Ewok_Nz]

Nice dude, it's how the cars are meant to be. And with a 3.46 ratio diff they are quite rowdy :) especially with an lsd. I manual swapped my 07 e90 2 years ago. I was able to use my existing driveshaft as it only moved forward about 12mm off the spline, but the shaft is a good 25mm longer than the spline in the hole in the center section (to allow for movement but is a bit excessive). All good so far no vibrations etc.

[@thedetaildoc4907]

Did you end up just using the 3.46 diff? My 08 e90 was auto, then swapped to manual, kept the auto driveshaft and auto diff, but if I want a 3.08 diff it won’t work right?

[@prawnstar9213]

Having owned a manual e90 with x drive in 4 door that had a tuned N54.. i have to admit I’ve never owned a car more fun than that one and I’ve been missing it since I sold it. Oh I miss it:(

[@JerainJezza]

Good choice, I love my manual cars!

[@chrisnye6198]

Very interesting video!! You really know your stuff! I learn a lot from your videos!! Keep them coming please

[@crazygamer889]

Ever since you posted the last vid, ive been waiting for this

[@aliyoussef8201]

I’m going to be attempting this in the future on my e92 2011 msport. Thanks for the series

[@MrNicoe36cabrio]

Very nice DIY. Thanks for sharing and stay safe, Dutch regards ,Nico

[@brighamallen2299]

quite the task. good luck brother

[@bimmerlover4146]

I am looking for part 2، Great job with many details. Thanks

[@2403salman]

Here we gooo!

[@tow.JanWinnicki]

I am envious to see a corrosion-free car. Great work!

[@VehicularDIY]

Yeah Texas car, I'm originally from Canada so it's such treat lol.

[@CP-jt6bw]

​@@VehicularDIYhow much with all the parts

[@federicotorresbordils7624]

Master !! Just making it easy, if as it were!!!! Congratulations amazing job BimmerN53

[@VehicularDIY]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@avigopinath6716]

Knowledge is Power 🔥

[@saleem83]

Youre right about the seal. If its not leaking leave it alone. You can change it but you should probably have the right tools to remove it and install. Also you have to worry about the position of the old seal wearing a grove into the crankshaft, so repositioning the new seal is key. Another trick is to take out the spring band thing behind the new seal and untwist it so it looks like a piece of string, cut an eight inch off of it and then retwist it back together and place back into the new main seal. This gives the new seal a better chance at sealing against a worn shaft. Hard to explain the last one in words but i hope you get the idea

[@allisterchetty1513]

I have no idea why i just watched this whole 27:01 video when my 335i is a manual with a 550i clutch already😅

[@acuadras12]

🤣🤣👏

[@jackmorgan169]

I know this is a late reply but I recently upgraded to a twin disk on my 335i and I also saw a lot of ppl fck up with the pilot bearing coz they don't know what they're doing...mine was stuck, took 3 minutes to get it out... all u have to do is punch the back of it in, get a slide hammer tool with hooks in and hook it onto the lip in the back and hammer it out... the shaft has room behind the pilot bearing so u can punch it in and get the pieces out... 3 minutes... literally :)

[@skotsephrenia1]

Am actually watching pretty much everything on this Lock down season.. 😳

[@jonathanjimenez397]

Stfu, no one asked👍

[@yakoubimejd3498]

Thank you for this useful and exclusive tutorial

[@VehicularDIY]

Welcome 😊

[@evoquesquad2015]

Out of Toronto Canada good job bro

[@jahmudemaduro694]

Great content and an even greater transmission jack 🤣

[@GT-cw7ed]

Nice!!!! I'm also doing a swap going from auto xi to 6spd rwd.

[@VehicularDIY]

Nice!!

[@baybiboy1]

I bought my 08' n54 335i 6spd manual. Lucky me! Lol 😉

[@baybiboy1]

@@VehicularDIY Good luck on the project. I bought my 08 n54 335i 6spd manual. Luck me! Lol 😉

[@slitherdurant]

Damn, you really know your shit bro👌🏾👌🏾glad i got you for certain diys

[@melwaj5563]

Man can’t wait for Pt 2. Keep em coming

[@DA_BEAMERRRR]

I really really want to do this to mine one day not gonna lie

[@InfiniteDice]

I made a puller when I did my pilot bearing... it was fun.

[@Rpmautojim]

Thanks for the shout out! I'm glad I could help. Cant wait for video 2. Keep up the good work! Btw; its euro garage garage because euro trash garage is too original hahaha

[@Kenaiee91]

Hey I know you helped him getting all the pets he needed and I just wanted to know I have a 2011 e92 n55 335xi automatic and I’m swapping to manual what are all the things I will need to take car of this job besides the transmission?

[@RobertCGee]

About to do this to my e90 n55. Wish me luck.

[@sadf526]

Hey Robert, did you figure out what’s needed for the N55? If you go with N54 manual trans, which driveshaft/diff do you need? Would love to hear any info and tips you have!

[@Kamshaft]

This was really in-depth! Thank you

[@leosam6824]

Nice!! you really love your car!

[@TJ-cw3mv]

amazing content as always

[@hspeedpro577]

You have to install pilot bearing automatic cars do not have one. An the strap for transmission lift is on backwards.

[@kevinlogan2306]

The pilot bearing is part of transmission on these

[@tomcryer8579]

I always enjoy your knowledgeable videos.

[@gabrieltorres6569]

what is he going to do next? convert his sedan to a coupe! amazing job man!😮

[@fastboatster]

Waiting for the second part!

[@tra_vis9626]

Got the same shift knob and boot on mine!

[@jameszhu8319]

I will try it. thanks 😄

[@emrahbeslija]

“I don’t do this for a living” Figured you were a mechanic lol

[@FoggamingMc]

He works in tech his is a smart man lol

[@emrahbeslija]

@@FoggamingMc I agree that he is smart. But him working in IT doesn’t automatically mean you know engineering. He worked at a shop awhile back, and I’m sure he does some research before hand. To better explain throughly

[@PHFilms3]

You are the man!

[@edrishashemyar8947]

been wanting to do this but don’t have the access to tools or knowledge to do this, wish i could bring it to you lmao great video as always bro

[@jacobshell5802]

I've been waiting for this vid. Fuckk yea!

[@Levcandy]

Excellent video! Thank you! :-)

[@robertmontgomery7158]

My automatic in mine is an amazing transmission. 2008 335i.

[@VehicularDIY]

Yeah my automatic still felt like new when I pulled it out at nearly 200k miles.

[@BehzadEghtesad]

excellent explaining. best.

[@IntegraracerGTR]

I have been waiting for this 😢

[@Roflmfaoftw]

i recommend a shortshifter, best mod i did on my E91 touring

[@VehicularDIY]

Thanks for the tip!

[@reginald8405]

Best videos on youtube!

[@jdoof9]

I may have missed it - but is the process the same on the N55 LCI car? You've intrigued me. My N55 just threw a rod, and I need to replace it - could be a good time to do it.

[@stevensims3342]

ECS mfrs gave me the old Schwaben scanner when I ordered the new color version.

[@CGM350]

Very thought out detailed vid and a really skilled mechanic subscribed 🤙🏻 You think this is applicable to the F30 chassis?

[@colin55594]

Taking out trans and motor since motor blew. You think it's wise to take both out it's almost ready to be pulled.

[@alexgonzalez7395]

So us guys that have the 06 build date only need the front shaft?

[@digglerpants]

How did you find the donor? I have been looking into doing a manual swap for my 06 325i and Google is no help unless I want to piece everything together from individual sources.

[@irontrev1640]

Yay this was great!! I have wanted this tutorial for along time! Happy you are doing this conversion , But !!! In the video you talked about an oil leak and thought it was the Rear main, but that is not the case, then where is the oil really coming from on the oil pan? Is there too much pressure in the valve cover that is pushing oil out from there ? My car has the same thing exactly, and I did the oil pan gasket change also but still had a slight leak from the back of the engine. I bought everything to do the rear main. Now I am rethinking the job, I am happy you may have saved all of us from a nightmare DIY rear main seal job. Keep up the good work and the awesome attention to detail! Thank you for this part 1 !

[@VehicularDIY]

Thanks! Yeah I found the source. My oil pan gasket is still good, my rear main seal is good, my valve cover is good. The source was the rear turbo drain line, it seems like the o ring didn't seat. I installed these turbos about 5k miles ago and put new o rings. I'll probably just order a new line. Check there.

[@irontrev1640]

Vehicular DIY thank you! I’ll check mine

[@luis4210]

Quality content

[@luis4210]

Subscribed

[@machtschnell7452]

Interesting you are not going with the larger cased manual differential with the different final ratio. Man, after watching that I am thinking of starting a go fund me effort to get you a lift.

[@sleeping2day986]

replace the rear main seal, you can do it without special tools unlike the front

[@Xfacehack]

I have an e91 manual why iam watching this? :D

[@dougphillips8389]

Same here I have a 335i manual also... just like watching him and his vast knowledge of these difficult but can do videos.. Awesome Brother! 👍

[@TeriyakiTornado]

i know its not the topic of the video but i figured you would be more likely to see the comment on a more recent video, but it would really help us all out if you took some time and made playlists of your diys and made like "coding" "maintenance" "diy" particularly id like to see coding first, anyway it would make it easier to find your videos, just food for thought,

[@tommyheady31]

That carrier bearing in the center of the drive shaft is a hell of a job so it would be nice to know that it's in good shape and know the diameter of it for future repairs,I kept getting the smallest diameter and fcpeuro hooked me up with the correct size. Nice video though

[@VehicularDIY]

Yeah it's not fun, I replaced mine a few years back.

[@harjobandiv3379]

Could u add a parts lists of all the parts needed? I’m planning on swapping my car to a manual this coming summer

[@tturi2]

it's like an expensive xr6 turbo manual conversion

[@shahoudnajm8944]

Hi do you do it for people as well?

[@charlesberry4958]

Awesome video. You need a quick jack.

[@VehicularDIY]

Thanks. Yeah I really want to get one. I bought the Milwaukee electric ratchet just before starting the job. Having the right tools makes such a big difference.

[@matthewweisdorfer7757]

Have you ever considered replacing the rod bearings and doing a DIY?

[@25lipsey]

Fk...where did you get your education and experience...Planet Mars motor Academy.....you are a phenom/beast

[@drratt]

Should've op-ed for the Brass pivot pin

[@VehicularDIY]

If this clutch lets go and I up the power I'll look into it a little further.

[@drratt]

@@VehicularDIY i have your same exact clutch setup with the Turner flywheel + brass pivot since January 2018 and had the car Dyno'd and it put down 443whp 505wtq with a stock pump and it never slipped yet and its my daily driver even now with the built bottom end and stock turbos and same clutch setup

[@WalrusPowder]

@@drratt I had the same clutch in my car with the 775rs turbos and it started slipping. Just upgraded to a cerametallic clutch kit sold at ringer-racing and I love it. I can finally launch without worries. Feels almost stock too

[@drratt]

@@WalrusPowder i was thinking about grabbing a DKM Twin Disc with the 905RS turbos because i don't want to go single

[@drratt]

@@WalrusPowder is it close to a OEM pedal feel?

[@hwungngo19]

Y'all do it itself I use my everyday grinding money to let a mechanic swap it

[@jhinkley82]

Should have got the brass pivot pin.

[@anthonynunezmorales6127]

Just swap splines .. cant you use the automatics rear drive shaft portion with the awd spline on it? Just interchange those to parts. Can’t you just use the awd front portion of the drive shaft with your stock rear drive shaft connected to the diff by just removing the universal joint and switching splines

[@philip3227]

How much did you spend on the whole kit? I’m wondering how much to expect a trans swap to cost

[@funfun5656]

Man if you're going to be down there anyways why reuse the tired old guibo? The N54 makes a fair bit of torque and most folks doing a swap are going to be doing it on a car where the previous drivetrain was tired and on its way out...if it's rubber just replace it any time it comes off the car lol

[@GautamKumar-cr7tw]

I love numbers that end in 6 but I couldn't help but press the like button because I really love this video. I'm planning to swap my automatic transmission to a manual and I have no idea on how to do it. I don't know if it's possible to do it because I have an E90 328i xDrive and I believe it's going to be harder to find parts to swap the transmission since it's and AWD vehicle. Any advice would be much appreciated.

[@Navyblue0785]

I need someone in Florida to help me do this.. im willing to sacrifice my car 😂😂