EJ333
Well-Known Member
My four speed will be needing new synchros in the upcoming months. Can you help me weigh the pros and cons of going to a five speed swap ?
My four speed will be needing new synchros in the upcoming months. Can you help me weigh the pros and cons of going to a five speed swap ?
non-owner window shoppers on BAT that like to gripe about originality.5spd Swap Pros:
5spd Swap Cons:
- You need a new transmission. That means you or someone else needs to remove and install it, so most of the labor is a given
- Overdrive helps on the highway, I've never heard a single owner complain about a five speed swap. In fact the only people I've ever seen complain is non-owner window shoppers on BAT that like to gripe about originality.
- You can always keep your four speed for backwards compatibility
- Selling point, a lot of people (BAT window shoppers excluded) appreciate the 5spd swap
- Gas mileage increase
- Cabin noise decrease at highway speeds. I've never been on the highway in an e9 but I've heard with the small greenhouse it is extremely quiet (except for that 1:1 4th gear issue).
- You get to row through one extra gear
- Bragging rights, you get to tell your BMW friends about all of the above, while casually skipping everything listed below.
- Your car is less original, I think it matters for a CSL and will eventually matter to a degree with a CSI or an early 2800CS.
- You need quite a few other parts, shift platform, trans support, driveshaft, etc.
- Your gear shift sticker will be forever incorrect, unless you buy a new one from @Stan
- Selling point, 1% of the market will scoff at your modernized e9 and lust for highway drone
- Your four speed will take up room on a shelf when you decide to keep it for the eventual BAT auction
- Unlike before, you may need to upshift when passing people on the highway. If you drive fast this could cause tennis elbow
- The extra shifting into 5th gear means that your shifter bushings and throwout bearing will wear out in 19.75 years instead of 20 years
Synchros can be had at RMEuropean for a reasonable price.What would be the range of cost for new synchros in my four speed versus a new five speed ? I really don’t do much highway driving, so l’m leaning towards new synchros.
Also, is there a shop that anyone would recommend in the Southern Cal area ?
It’s not under e9. I found them for The getrag 265. So it was probably under 528i or something.I went to the RMEuropean website, but unfortunately they don’t have a listing for e9 synchros, but they do for some other models.
Any other sources ?
Yes, be very careful you are building the car for your use, and not for someone who will not drive your car. You have identified how you use your Coupe, so to embark on a transformation that you, yourself, may not fully appreciate, is well, central to this argument. You seem like you know what you want, and once you locate parts needed, (and you will) it is just a matter of finding someone you will trust to do the job, and get back on the road. There are also probably some used 4 speeds out there that you can swap in, and this can buy you some time. Let us know what you do. MikeMy e9 is primarily something I use for local drives to the coffee shop and occasionally for work. Fortunately, I live 7 minutes away from the office.
There are also probably some used 4 speeds out there that you can swap in, and this can buy you some time.
I am told the Close Ratio is a pain in daily driving, constantly shifting. True?I know of three on the market now off the top of my head. There are plenty more sitting in garages and shops.