E28 5 speed driveshaft question?

g-man · Post by **g-man** » Mon Jan 26, 2009 2:44 pm

I have an opportunity to buy a Getrag 265 5 speed gearbox and driveshaft for $250 out of a 85 535i that's being parted. I'm not worried about the gearbox since 85 265's have a plug where the mechanical speedo drive goes (E28's have electo speedo). Will the E28 5 speed drive shaft bolt right into my E12 without modification when I do the auto to 5 speed conversion?

G-Man
81 528i (Euro spec) slowly gathering parts for the conversion

1st 5er · Post by **1st 5er** » Mon Jan 26, 2009 8:26 pm

If I may wait with you for the answer, as mine has a four speed and when the clutch needs replacing I plan to do a 5 speed swap.

bdigel · Post by **bdigel** » Mon Jan 26, 2009 10:08 pm

I have an e 28 drive shaft in my racer right now! you will need the newer style flex disc ( which i like better anyways) and shorter bolts, and the corresponding output flange, shouldnt be a big deal
Bdigel #112 black and blue

Mike W. · Post by **Mike W.** » Tue Jan 27, 2009 10:46 am

You've already got what you need. The auto driveshaft will work with a G265 5 speed. It's off just a touch, an eighth of an inch or so, but close enough. I've swapped 3HP22 and G265 driveshafts back and forth 3 or 4 times now, including on my current E12. Another FYI, the speedo drive bits out of a 4 speed are the same, and I'm pretty sure the shifter support and linkage is the same in a E28 535 as E12. You still need a pedal base and pedals, but you're well on the way.