6 speed conversion

[BlueM60]

Yesm Ive searched all I can but cant seem to find answers to these questions, Ive got a 95 540ia:
-Where is the best place to get the parts fro the conversion?
-Will an e39 6 speed trans work also?
-Is this mod cost effective, or just better to find a current 6 speed e34, getting rid of my 540 is a last option because I love her. The car is worth dropping a couple grand into.
-How many here have done the conversion and are happy with the result?

Thanks in advance for any answers guys.

-Ben

[BlueM60]

Anybody?..

[MBXB]

JohnTee540 and yaofeng recently did conversions. Search for their posts.

[VentoGT]

http://www.bimmer.info/forum/showthread.php?t=9282&highlight=speed+swap

http://www.bimmer.info/forum/showthread.php?t=19668&highlight=540+speed

http://www.bimmer.info/forum/showthread.php?t=13763&highlight=540+speed

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=566757&highlight=manual+conversion

$$$$$$$

[Paul in NZ]

nothing but a wild guess,but i would say that the 6 spd gearboxes would be very rare......

[Johntee540]

I used a gearbox from an e39 540 for mine. I got the Pedal Cluster from a donor e34 535. I bought OEM parts for the rest. Additionally - I have Brett at Koala Motorsports do the conversion. He also flashed the code plug to tell all the computers in the car it was now a manual instead of an autobox. All the parts and labor cost me approx $5500. It was worth every penny. JT

[BlueM60]

Thanks for the replies, guys, youve all been very helpful. Hopefully I will bo doing a conversion soon, I hope to get out for about 2 grand tho, will be doing all the work myself.

-Ben

[Paul in NZ]

good luck,watch out when youre changing down from sixth for an overtaking move they tend to go into third as the spring setup makes the 3/4 plane the middle so as you come up outa sixth unless your holding it over to fifth it will spring over to the 3/4 plane.Mkes for quick (if slightly jerky) overtaking manouvers(happened on my first 540 six speed test drive

[yaofeng]

My 6 speed conversion is still on going. Just too busy with the aging fleet and other stuff.

I bought the package from

http://www.austinveedub.com/

For $2 grand plus shipping. It was from a 95 with 78k miles.

The engine has 66k mile from a 93 E38.

I had the final drive removed. Found the fuel return line very rusted. I am replacing the complete fuel lines with 5/16" stainless steel tubing. Last week I was still struggling with the last two remaining fuel line fasteners before taking the complete line down. I need to take them down intact to bend a new set just like it.

The engine is ready. The 6 speed gear box has new ATF in it. The final drive is filled with 2 qts of GL-5. They are all sitting in my garage.

Search

http://car-part.com/

and start calling if you are serious.

[Thayne]

After reading this thread I might consider having this done on my 540ia.

[gale]

Here's another shop in Austin, TX, that specializes in manual conversions (no affiliation):

http://www.terrysaytherauto.com/Home.htm

They currently have an e34 535i donor car and will put together a "kit" for $1350 + freight, which is a pretty good price. The 6-spd trans is quite a bit more expensive. Good used Getrag 260/6's sell for $500-$750. A good used 6-spd S6S 420G sells for $1500-$2500.