E30 Automatic to manual transmission retrofit

[virtualmystic]

Hello Everyone,I am considering the purchase of an E30 with an M20B25 engine. however it comes with an original 4 speed automatic transmission which (if I do purchase the car) I want to replace with a manual. Does anybody knwo if this will be a straight forward job or will it involve a lot of work? As far as I can make out the bodyshell should have the provision to install the master pump and clutch pedal but I am not to sure about this. Hope somebody can help in enlightening me in this subject.My purchase of the car will depend on my being able to replace the box with a manual.

 

[jarance]

I know a guy who have a manual and he want to convert to an auto..

 

[miepower]

There you go... if not its pretty hard of late to get a manual convertion set. all the best

 

[virtualmystic]

Auto/manual gearbox

I know a guy who have a manual and he want to convert to an auto..

Hello Jarance,

Thanks for the tip. I would be interested to contact your friend and do a swap provided both parties can come to an agreement. How old is the car/box and is it suitable for a 2.5 litre engine? I can be contacted at my mobile number 012 3938370.

Virtualmystic

 

[jarance]

Let me check with him again just to be sure.. Will let you know of his contact number once he agreed.. After that you guys work out an agreement among yourself.

 

[virtualmystic]

Hello All Sifus,

I have been told by a mechanic who works on Beemers that an automatic to manual conversion of an E30 is not advisable as it involves cutting the chassis to accomodate the clutch assembly. I had thought that all chassis are the same regardless of auto or manual transmission, i.e they would all come with a provisional hole for the clutch pedal/assembly. This hole would then have a blank installed for cars that come with an automatic transmission. Is my assumption correct? Has anybody in Malaysia done such a conversion?

Virtualmystic

 

[miepower]

Hello All Sifus,

I have been told by a mechanic who works on Beemers that an automatic to manual conversion of an E30 is not advisable as it involves cutting the chassis

That mech is out of his mind.:stupid: go other mech

 

[virtualmystic]

Does anyone know a mechanic who specialises in BMW's especially older models? Better still those who have actually converted an automatic to a manual or visa versa? I am in the Klang Valley.

 

[ICEMAN 68]

try asking our stray cat ...PUSSY ...perhaps you may PM him

 

[virtualmystic]

Thank you to those of you who kept an interest in this query especially those who replied and tried to help. I have solved my problem n my own. . . . I bought both an automatic and manual version of the E30! hahaha!

 

[naharnms]

holly smoke ! you bought two cars one shot ? I wonder which car would you prefer to drive then. haha
btw, i have a manual tranny (engine is 323i) which i want to convert to auto.. Are you still interested on the conversion ??

 

[virtualmystic]

Yeah, strange but true, after a logn search and missing out on a few cars due to my habit of being slow in decision making Too careful) I decided to purchase an 2.5 litre automatic E30 in almost original condition, thinking I would convert it to a manual. Paid the booking fee......then the next day my old friend who first poisoned me into buying my first E30 way back in 96' sent me an email offering to sell his manual 2.0 E30 (Hartge version) for 10k. Life is short and I really liked the manual, so I bought his one too! hahaha!
The conversion is on hold for now. But if I do decide to convert the auto to a manual I shall be contacting you. My name is Hamdan. Mobile number 012 3938370.

 

[naharnms]

orrait bro.. when you have both cars, call/sms me (016 208 1140), would love to see those cars.. i will bring along my e30 too ! boleh change ideas..