BMW E46 Manual Swap Project: Transmission Installation DIY

You'll have to dig through realoem.com if you want part numbers for this swap. You can also look at various posts on e46fanatics for the details on this swap. Several people have made DIYs and one person made an excel spreadsheet with every part number and bolt. This is one thread (but the pictures don't work anymore): forum.e46fanatics.com/showthre...
My mailing address for correspondence or swag of any kind is on my about page.
This video is for entertainment purposes only. 50sKid assumes no liability for any repairs or modifications performed by the viewer as a result of the information contained in this video.

[@JohnKut]

this guy is great. I have been following his videos maybe for more than 2 years. there are some of his videos that I have watched like 10 times, to do the same job perfectly well on my e46.

[@50sKid]

thanks for watching!

[@idontdrift0fficer43]

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR SHOWING THE ENTIRE TRANS INSTALL.

[@HamidRHariri]

Good stuff. This channel is fast becoming the goto place for all things E46. Thanks Jason for the awesome content.

[@TheRonburgundy408]

Hey there 50s kid, love your videos. I have watched quite a few of them. Very informative and well done!

[@TheCowgirlNiamh]

Great job Jason. You make it look so easy lol I don't think I've ever seen you looking so happy at the end of a project :)

[@50sKid]

;-)

[@MTMnet2008]

Another excellent video. Looking forward to the test drive and your opinions. Also verify cruise control and reverse lights work.

[@Z.ack.1]

Awesomeness, really want to see the 1st drive!

[@thetoughcookie3665]

Nice video :) Doing this for E53 diesel atm, these are good help, thanks.

[@bogdannicorescu8484]

I did the swap a few weeks ago. Was a quite relaxing job except for the seized bolts in the engine block. Had to remove the engine from the bay to drill them out... PITA! Anyway, the worst part was releasing the upper right bolt cuz I only had the t14 1/2 inch socket and a quite chunky joint. I searched the internet for that fancy joint you were using but no chance! Anyway, the job was worth the struggle, the car drives very sweet now!

[@50sKid]

+Bogdan Nicorescu nice going! 👍

[@bogdannicorescu8484]

50sKid thanks but without your previous job it would have took me a tad longer, so thank you! 👏👍

[@jaison7828]

He’s great I’ve learning a lot. I even bought same tools his using.. one of the best DIY all around from electrical to mechanical... I think it would be great addition bro if you can add part numbers on the descriptions below so people can buy similar stuff you installed... thanks bud keep it up

[@50sKid]

i try to do that as much as possible

[@jaison7828]

Just curious, were you used to be a bmw mechanic... or IT consultant? You seem to know quite extensive and with great accuracy and sense to explanation you provide. Great bro!

[@stembelemaxinyekelo1009]

i am planning to change my autobox to manual on my e46 330d ...with your excellent vidoes i will do it perfectly...you are the best...

[@lukey3507]

I found the top bolt under the left side of the cylinder head the biggest c**t to get in. A right PITA to get the bolt started. I never removed the engine mounts though. I was trying to start the threads by hand, so it wouldn't cross-thread but you need to very gently without force on the end use a ratchet, and make sure the bolt seats straight before you begin turning it in.

[@patrickburnett7948]

Congrats on the successful swap! 2 questions: 1): have you done the DME coding for the manual yet? I'd like to see that! 2): How much more work would it be to pull the motor out and do a engine conversion? I have a 525i wagon that I'd love to upgrade to a 530i MT Wagon. Cheers

[@JohnIsett]

Hey, Jason, when you do the review think about listing the parts you should get from the donor vehicle that perhaps you didn't know you needed, e.g., accelerator mount, heat sheild, bolts, etc. Great job!

[@50sKid]

I think you kind of named them all, lol. Pretty much everything necessary was in the intro parts video.

[@elbassaraghii5744]

Appreciate the 50s king very much we do yes👍🧐😏

[@TitaniumBMWGarage]

fantastic !! How many hours have you invested in doing the conversion?

[@OneAuto]

What a great series. I would ache for weeks if I done that job of jack stands.

[@50sKid]

thanks, man! It really does take a lot out of you--especially when you forget every single tool you need lol

[@pascadaniel]

Good job man !

[@barne3668]

Jason can you confirm you preloaded the Center Support Bearing? 4-6mm (0.16-0.2)...push the Center Support Bearing forward towards the engine. The slots on the Center Support Bearing allow this...if your taking notes

[@hackeibarra3787]

Damn! Great job greAt great job

[@chapzer6686]

I’m buying a 330ci, can’t wait to do this

[@samaleksanyan4191]

You didn't set the preload on the center support bearing?

[@FieldClosed]

How much transmission oil did you put in? I put two in mine and I can hear the gears moving when I spin the guibo

[@payamdivo7040]

Love you man you the best ✌️

[@Codeman785]

I'm really nervous about lining up the teeth of my flywheel and starter together. Is it possible to have the starter pin in place without the teeth lined up? Or if your able to get the pin started does that mean the teeth are for sure lined up?

[@heribertfranz5307]

Sir, the back bushing that you say doesn't go in any other way, how do you take it down? It looks and seems so easy to push it back on. It snaps into the holder. And by the way, thanks for the videos!

[@pbmig]

Yo put the transmission in you said to put it in gear so you can move the output shaft while it moves the input shaft, but in gear it doesn't move? did you mean neutral?

[@fde4683]

My eyes hurt looking at those oem headers , but anyways you done with the annoying part , now to ez part is getting car started and ready to go. ))) Good Job

[@geraanto80]

hi 50skid I have question I hope you can help me, I have BMW X5 2003 4wd automatic, I want to swap to manual transmission , I wachet your many times , and ready tu do it but my concern its the 4wd any suggestion ? what gear box I need? my 3.0 liters thanks so much for all videos

[@mrsup3rn0va]

I was sooo happy to find vid that you had for a manual tranny. I have a question. I’ve been having issues trying to get my tranny back into place after changing out my flywheel clutch and pressure plate. The housing where the left long e14 and top right short e14 bolts go keeps hitting the insulation and not letting the tranny go any higher. Did you have the motor mounts removed when you inserted your tranny man. Cuz sweet baby Jesus bro it’s driving me crazy that I I’m sooo close to have my car back but can’t put that tranny in. Any tips would be awesome.

[@sethterry5232]

I am also having this problem. What else can I remove to safely have better access to the top bolts?

[@edsaid2032]

nice one!

[@kirkbanton9181]

Wow thats awsome

[@Ti13wyldcard]

Good work! isnt bleeding the clutch just like the brakes? to say one cant just pump the pedal with the bleeder open all the time. Im guessing you used a check valve at the and of your bleeder hose?

[@50sKid]

Nah as long as you have the tube on the bleeder and you squeeze enough fluid through, you're not going suck bubbles back up into the system. You can hear when you're squeezing out mostly air and then when that stops. You may have to do it a second time but it's not a big deal.

[@6015414]

I've been watching your great videos. I wonder if you can fix my car? I live in CA. It's a BMW X3 E83 transmission slipped and perhaps the transfer case problem too.

[@kennyspringer7668]

Well a 1998 E36 M3 transmission fit into a 02 E46 with an M 54 both automatic transmissions?

[@JoseLopez-uu1hu]

Question were are you located would like you to work on my E46 2003 330 ci

[@crookedreality]

Hey Jason, so it looks like you had the transmission hanging from the input shaft only (splined into the clutch). Can it take that? That's not too much weight?

[@50sKid]

Nah the thing is pretty light, all things considered. Hardened steel input shaft. It was ok.

[@crookedreality]

Sweet. Good to know

[@marks2730]

great job! can you do the programming part too?

[@FagnerDeschain]

is it needed?

[@fr0ilan]

There is no required programming for this swap. All the programming for the transmission does is you'll be able to start the car without pushing the clutch in. My manual e46 is actually programmed to automatic. I've done the programming to see what it does and that's what I found out.

[@ThelastRaven-Ez8]

@@fr0ilani was going to swap out ecu, key switch, and ESW now i know i dont have to so thanks man now i know i can use my new key that came with my new car after i swap my old trans after being rear ended.

[@StanleyKubick1]

Great video as always. I'm gearing up (pun intended) to manual swap my E46 N42 as I found a complete, matching manual setup (box, clutch, pedals and shaft) for $500. My only worry is, won't the ECU just think I'm in park?

[@fr0ilan]

Ace Futura No. it'll be you that will think that the car is in park if you look at your cluster and the "P" is lit. There is no coding required for the swap. You can just take the bulbs out of the gear indicator or change the cluster....but cluster swap will need coding or else you'll get the tamper light.

[@StanleyKubick1]

I'm ok with a little dot on my dash. Thanks for all the info, really helpful =)

[@325ti1]

hello...good video...i´m having a problem whith my bmw 25i e46, after i´ve placed engine supports and swapped the gearbox from 5 to 6 speed gearbox, i can not put the gear lever centered, is leaning towards the side of the passeger...what could be the problem?? if you can help me...thank you

[@rodolfo9480]

You still have this issue?

[@Emiliominero]

Hello a pleasure to greet 50sKid I have a question I hope you can help me you can always see your videos and they are very helpful to know how to do things but this time I have a problem that when the car is cold and I turn it on makes a sound like q will hit something or something like that then it is removed and the car is normal super good without noises it feels good could write you some mail? Thank you

[@garymartin8185]

Lighting is way better all your Videos

[@lalogarciaa1966]

can I use a cluster with miles per hour on a kilometers per hour car the swap would be from a 2003 BMW 325i to a 2002 BMW 320i sold in Canada and Mexico only

[@andresitoo_e39]

amazin...have you been to spain?¿?¿ really good yours videos i have 318ci n42b20

[@joelsnake8]

Hi everyone. My father and I have been trying to reinstall the gearbox for the last two days but we aren't able to get space to put the nuts on the top. Is there any secret to get that extra space? We are getting a little bit desperate at this moment...

[@jessevanarsdall9891]

can u plz link the transmission cross bracket!? that mounts to the transmission mounts??!!

[@dsturbovq]

at this point get a m3 steering whee,l lsd diff and headers and you will be set nice job on the swap and the full engine rebuild

[@yoshi1u2]

Lol on my fill and drain plug for my manual was almost impossible to get off without breaker bar and jack handle.

[@michaelmorris5413]

How did you get the to be the right length?

[@dragonballshorts7123]

How is it held up without bolts or the cross member

[@BadBoy-gj5sd]

Hi, your Milwaukee tool is in 3/8" or 1/4" ? TY

[@MichaelNovak1987]

I would imagine 3/8"

[@barne3668]

it's 3/8" and the first gen' Milwaukie Electric Ratchet. The latest version is more powerful but...costs about 50 bux more. Best tool ever!

[@garageqf]

does anyone have the name or parts number for the circular bushing amd mount @18:40

[@tbird1028]

is it possible to do a Auto to Man swap in under a days time

[@50sKid]

Travis not without 3 experienced guys working simultaneously

[@tbird1028]

50sKid 🤕

[@dtdub02]

My Driveshaft wont spin like that any idea what that is?

[@andreapeters6279]

not to eat a dead horse, but is this swap any different on a e39 chassis

[@ivangarfalski2572]

How you fix problem with partronic and back side lights?

[@cesarchido17]

What is the trans for the swap if I may ask ?

[@GDIBass]

Where'd you pull all the torque specs from?

[@petermaceachern4843]

I'm not sure if anyone will see this but I just removed my manual transmission for a swap into my automatic car and broke the highlighted sensor just as I was pulling the engine out does anyone know what one it is thank you

[@slydogg0068]

Hi there I am missing the plug that connects to the clutch switch. What would be the solution for this as Manual BMW's in newzealand are hard to get so the junk yard is not a option. Cheers

[@khamsin225]

Hi Simon, I did an E46 manual swap here in New Zealand and managed to get most of the fiddly plugs and switches online. Use RealOEM to get the exact part numbers, then google the part number to find an online retailer

[@slydogg0068]

Thanks Sam. I have figured a solution to not use any of the switches. Less secure but the easiest solution

[@WhosJohn]

I'm looking into getting a 323i which I'd be swapping to manual. Will this work between M52 and M54? Would be M52B25TU and I'm trying to find which manual trans to pair with it. Was hoping to use all the same things in this series.

[@cibbirt1348]

If you haven't already found this out by now cause its a month old comment, The m52 and m54 share a bellhousing pattern. 323i, 325i, both use the same getrag 5 speed transmission. although it's recommended to use the ZF trans from the 328i, 330i as they have a higher rated torque than the getrags. However they're harder to find and more expensive. hope I helped

[@WhosJohn]

@@cibbirt1348 i didn’t do the swap yet so this is very helpful! thank you I really appreciate it. Stoked on this project. Would you happen to know if I can get linkage from the 325 or 330? i heard it’s shorter? Also would I get the drive shaft from either of those too?

[@cibbirt1348]

@@WhosJohn i believe the 328/330i trans is shorter than the 323/325, so the linkages may end up being different lengths. You will need a manual driveshaft, however to save on cost, you can purchase only the half of the driveshaft that connects from the transmission to the center support bearing. saves you the cost of a full driveshaft and diff, but your final drive gear ratio will be higher, resulting in having to shift more.

[@WhosJohn]

@@cibbirt1348 you rule tysm. I think the auto dif might be better for drifting anyways so I'll probably rock that for a bit and then go from there. I really appreciate your help, ive been going through the forums for weeks and you're the only one who's suggested to buy half the shaft to save money. BIG BRAIN.

[@jaison7828]

Also make a website called 50sKid.com that would be great and have sponsors coming in and patrons as well. Just a thought since you deserve to get paid or atleast benefits for the hardwork

[@50sKid]

making a website is a lot of work because you have to update it. I've run lots of sites before but there is little point in the post-social-network world. Facebook and KZbin do everything for me, they manage and display the content and do the job of a forum.

[@jaison7828]

That makes sense... well keep it up bro... I enjoyed all you videos and I have x3, x5, and 325xi and it helped me a lot resolving error codes I had before . Obviously you got an extensive knowledge of things ... wish you all the best !! I got Milwaukee tools too and they are the best ... they have tire inflator , Bluetooth radio , and head lamp 475 lumens works great under when you’re making videos underneath sided with go pro you can actually take videos like a 1st person view ... but your videos are great like a pro .. keep it up bud. Thanks for the reply... I’m a fan ..

[@javarithms]

Did you show the backup light wiring?

[@50sKid]

Yes in part 2 of the wiring video right at the end

[@javarithms]

Thanks

[@TheRonburgundy408]

My question is this... are you doing the swap because the auto trans failed? I remembered a video where you had P0471 (If I remember properly). And you spoke about replacing the torque converter and another part (to prevent the issue from reoccurring)... did you end up replacing the converter, and if so, did that work?

[@50sKid]

No it was fine. I just did this to have something to do for the channel. Some videos to make. I might put my auto trans back in a few months from now. Haven't decided yet.

[@TheRonburgundy408]

50sKid sweet thanks for the info. If your looking for a factory short shifter option, I believe there's a 5 series (I can't remember the exact model but I believe it's a newer m sport that has a shorter shifter that works well.)

[@cylonred8902]

E60 shift lever - 30% less throw - the cheap mans SSK. part number: 25117546373.

[@LuizLeonel]

About the ECM ? Have you change for the manual ECM ?

[@fr0ilan]

It doesn't really matter if you change it to manual. The only difference is that you can start the car without pressing the clutch in manual mode. The ECM for my car(manual 5-speed) is actually set to automatic.

[@TitaniumBMWGarage]

Froilan Reyes Please one question, my e46 is manual, if i change software to automatic, the car only will start if i press the clutch?

[@fr0ilan]

Are you currently able to start the car without pressing the clutch? If yes, then switching the software to auto will allow you to start only after pushing the clutch. There are two switches on the clutch pedal. One is for the clutch safety (the one that won't let you start without pushing) and the crusie control cut-out switch.

[@TitaniumBMWGarage]

Froilan Reyes thanks for your answer. i will try to make it !!

[@fr0ilan]

You may want to verify that the switch is in there, or if a previous owner bypassed it. I just know that manual BMW's delivered to the US has that safety feature retrofitted. It may not be the same for other countries.

[@amaurilol2]

Can you do a coding video?

[@50sKid]

it's coming

[@alejandrag9248]

in my opinion, better than chrisfix

[@javarithms]

No programming??

[@StanleyKubick1]

He went over some rewiring in the parts breakdown (previous video)

[@javarithms]

That's not programming. You need to program the DME to not look for the transmission ECU or it will throw error codes. Also, the programming will turn off the gear (P, D, 1, 2, 3....S, etc) lights in the cluster.

[@50sKid]

Yeah it's coming

[@1richtre981]

Is coding required to start and drive after swapping to 5 speed Manual..just recently swapped my 330ci from a auto to a 5 speed and getting a crank but no start.

[@HarleyN93]

why 5 gears wouldn't 6 be better?

[@50sKid]

Yes but this is what was available in my junkyard

[@fr0ilan]

Probably more expensive and harder to source? It also ultimately depends on what you wanted the swap for. I would have gone for a 6-speed because I do a lot of highway driving and my RPMS as pretty high when I'm going 80mph on 5th gear.

[@StanleyKubick1]

a 6-spd bmw gearbox can cost upwards of $8k, while you can get a decent 5-spd one for $250

[@HarleyN93]

ok i just wanted to check

[@JohnTaylor-bd1uy]

You guys complain about maintenance but forget that it's still cheaper than buying a new 40k car with 900$ a month note. Modern cars are also problematic because of the turbos and plastic parts they're putting on them. Honda and Toyota quality has gone way down over the years.

[@speedracer76]

Coding too

[@suppalala857]

@9:12 factory spec 😂