Tranny Swap E34

abitdazed

Hey lads, new question. My 520i's (BMW) tranny is a bit knackered. Syncro's on 5th gone, sloppy action etc. I've found a 518i for parts and the guy says the tranny on that's grand. Is it a straight swap? The power outputs of the two engines are similar so in my mind BMW would've engineered the one transmission to do duty in both cars. Both cars are from 1994. This could be the clincher for me to buy this as it has alloys and all for me to rob.

RobAMerc

Is the 520 not a 6 pot and 518 a 4 pot ?

I would imagine the gearboxes to be seriously different, ie shape, size etc.

For two different 6 pots its more likely to be same box different ratios.

abitdazed

You're right there, but I was thinking (read: hoping) that seeing as these two cars were both fairly base models with similar outputs that BMW wouldn't waste the time designing a new gearbox for a car that never would sell big outside Ireland and other crazily taxed countries. I don't doubt you, I just don't know.

DublinDilbert

abitdazed wrote: »

You're right there, but I was thinking (read: hoping) that seeing as these two cars were both fairly base models with similar outputs that BMW wouldn't waste the time designing a new gearbox for a car that never would sell big outside Ireland and other crazily taxed countries. I don't doubt you, I just don't know.

Why don't you browse real oem and see what other ones have the same p/n?
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=HA31&mospid=47368&btnr=23_0116&hg=23&fg=05

If it's a 518i, i would imagine it is very similar to the 318i of the same era, but thats just a guess...

rebel.ranter

Talk to these guys, they might be able to get a replacement for you, no way a 518i gearbox will work in a 520i

http://www.bavarianautotechnik.com/

or Wises' Garage Clogheen Co. Tipperary