Transplant Question

[ber55ber55]

Alright, I have a 1990 525i m20 5-speed. I want to know if my 5-speed will fit to a m50. I might have an idea :)

[Espen]

Well I have never done this myself, but I`ve read that the the gearbox from an m20 fits a m50.

[calmloki]

On an E30 when swapping in an M50 married to an E20 transmission the gearbox ends up tipped about 10 degrees to one side, requiring a remade trans crossbar and bent shifter - this is often done, but I haven't done it. I'm curious about whether the M20 525 has the same issues, or if it's any easier....
Tom

[632 Regal]

why not pop in the right trans while there and be done?

[calmloki]

why not pop in the right trans while there and be done?

Jeez Jeff - Where's your sense of adventure? Weighed our E30 on the truck scales this weekend - 2800# with two people and gas inna tank. An M50 in that would be way much fun. Someone with a porker 3500# '89 525i with 168HP M20 would be much happier with a 189hp M50 - and get the same or better fuel economy. Were I Ber55Ber55 I'd sure be hoping to just do an engine transplant..... Though rear end ratio is another hurdle... Cheapest would be to buy the M50 already plugged into a what, '92 or later?
Tom

[ber55ber55]

well then, i guess i should forget it and just sell my m20 and find a 540, and stop the ******** with the m20 or m50

[ber55ber55]

Alright, I have a 1990 525i m20 5-speed. I want to know if my 5-speed will fit to a m50. I might have an idea :)


Okay lets say I buy a 1992 525i with the m50, how about then. Would my tranny from the 1990 525i fit snuggly in there? how long would it take? could i do it on the spot? would i need special tools?

[calmloki]

Okay lets say I buy a 1992 525i with the m50, how about then. Would my tranny from the 1990 525i fit snuggly in there? how long would it take? could i do it on the spot? would i need special tools?

The point would be to buy a '92 525i with the M50 and the correct 5 speed installed - not real easy to find though... Putting in the trans from your '90 525i would not be a plug and play proposition IMHO. A fair amount of special fabbing required. No way it's going to be an on the spot deal. Sorry - the M50 is a nice engine.
Tom

[ber55ber55]

oh well i tried, right? haha. Im just gonna end up selling my baby when im done re-dying, glueing and fixing all the minor problems she has right now. find myself a little bit more power!