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:
/ @eurogarbagegarage396
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!

[@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

[@aln5439]

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

[@Alpine.E9x]

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

[@tashinorbu3454]

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

[@raviweaver8406]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@MrGerdar]

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

[@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.

[@pitercwiklice]

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

[@VehicularDIY]

I appreciate that!

[@christianivan756]

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

[@LikquidDutch]

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

[@Agent-mw8th]

The most underrated DIY channel

[@crazygamer889]

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

[@chrisnye6198]

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

[@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.

[@flaviomartinho1753]

Great work Those stock rims are one of my favourites

[@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?

[@mitchellluckey3407]

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

[@veritas17]

Nice, waiting for part two happily

[@melwaj5563]

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

[@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.

[@MrNicoe36cabrio]

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

[@aliyoussef8201]

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

[@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!

[@chriscipres708]

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?

[@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

[@TJ-cw3mv]

amazing content as always

[@tomcryer8579]

I always enjoy your knowledgeable videos.

[@bimmerlover4146]

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

[@JerainJezza]

Good choice, I love my manual cars!

[@avigopinath6716]

Knowledge is Power 🔥

[@brighamallen2299]

quite the task. good luck brother

[@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

[@leosam6824]

Nice!! you really love your car!

[@Kamshaft]

This was really in-depth! Thank you

[@PHFilms3]

You are the man!

[@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

[@jahmudemaduro694]

Great content and an even greater transmission jack 🤣

[@slitherdurant]

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

[@2403salman]

Here we gooo!

[@carvelera]

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

[@yakoubimejd3498]

Thank you for this useful and exclusive tutorial

[@VehicularDIY]

Welcome 😊

[@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

[@reginald8405]

Best videos on youtube!

[@evoquesquad2015]

Out of Toronto Canada good job bro

[@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.

[@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?

[@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

[@eurogarbagegarage396]

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?

[@fastboatster]

Waiting for the second part!

[@BehzadEghtesad]

excellent explaining. best.

[@InfiniteDice]

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

[@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.

[@federicotorresbordils7624]

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

[@VehicularDIY]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@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:(

[@IntegraracerGTR]

I have been waiting for this 😢

[@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

[@gabrieltorres6569]

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

[@Levcandy]

Excellent video! Thank you! :-)

[@jameszhu8319]

I will try it. thanks 😄

[@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

[@CGM350]

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

[@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 :)

[@jacobshell5802]

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

[@luis4210]

Quality content

[@luis4210]

Subscribed

[@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.

[@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

[@deejaymikeskillz]

This will be my first MAJOR upgrade. You have a complete parts list by any chance?

[@tra_vis9626]

Got the same shift knob and boot on mine!

[@philip3227]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@DA_BEAMERRRR]

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

[@willhikearizona]

What do you think of the N55? Does it have same benefits as the N54 like yours, with easy modification for increased power? I'm looking at a 2011 335xi. Thanks

[@broken5471]

I have an n55 e92 335i. It’s a 2011. Wondering if the process is the exact same or slightly different

[@kenovyrt]

Hi, I need your help. I know you’re channel does not have an e60 but I’m having trouble starring the car after the swap. I did all the wiring and the coding like you did on you e90 (except the can cables on trans harness) and now it does not start. Help!!!!!

[@alexgonzalez7395]

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

[@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.

[@matthewweisdorfer7757]

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

[@haidanh09]

Hi. Just wanted to say thanks for your hard work in showing the community such awesome content you provided. I planning on doing the same to my e90 335xi auto to a full 6 speed manual swap came out of the 335xi also. I was wondering if you may want to assist me with the wiring and programming and of course you be paid. Let me know sir. Thank you

[@izyfication]

Great video thank you. Could you tell us what référence of the Manuel gearbox please ? Thank’s

[@bigm8679]

The auto differential works fine with the stick swap? No gear ratio change or lag when u change gears?

[@rickycollins3871]

How is clutch and flywheel combo working? I was reading u should use a sprung clutch with a smfw.

[@ricolam4916]

For early 07 335i AT, is it mandatory to change the axle for MT or can still use the AT ones?

[@cryptocraze9550]

Do you know if I can find a adapter plate for this exact transmission to a LS

[@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

[@skotsephrenia1]

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

[@jonathanjimenez397]

Stfu, no one asked👍

[@JG-ss8ik]

is the differential on a 2007 different than a 2008. in other works, do i need to change the differential on an auto to manual swap on a 2007 335i?

[@famousmidnight]

My man. I'm having some vibration issues. not terrible but you can feel it in the seat. Changes with engine load R and D being the worst. N with A/C is actually very smooth but N with A/C off is even worse. new plugs and coils, index 12's.... I've owned the car a few months, hasn't been driven very much. It does need lpfp sensor? I really doubt that's my issue though?? Any suggestions other than looking at INPA rough idle... trying but it's giving me a hard time. Auto trans. gives me no issues shifts perfect and no slippage. The car sounds like it might be slightly misfiring

[@Hrishka18]

Would I need a new drive shaft if I’m using a manual transmission from e90 and putting it on a bmw e82

[@dominictrejo1306]

Hey man! I have question about swaps if you know. Could I use an n55 e90 manual swap on my n54 e90? I am not sure if it matters on engine types

[@ricolam4916]

Did you remove the automatic transmission cooler after the Mt conversion? Or did you remove it?

[@fabianramirez2179]

What did you end up doing with the transmission harness?

[@BIGBOOSTPREET]

I’m doing the manual swap and I don’t have the manual harness do you know the part number for the reverse connector on the transmission

[@scottlakhen]

If I do this swap can you still run the stock driveshaft with the 3.46? Saves me a lot if I can

[@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.

[@shahoudnajm8944]

Hi do you do it for people as well?

[@JoseRuiz-qn8uy]

Hey by any chance do u know if a 2006 330i manual 6 speed transmission is compatible with my 2006 manual 325i

[@andrewilliams7465]

where can i find the 10lbs lighter single mass flywheel. what is the part number

[@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