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Looking for a little insight.

I have a 5-speed transmission in a 1981 e12 (June manufacture date) that needs to be replaced. What other alternatives do I have other than the 265 getrag 5-speed? Would a 4-speed from a 79 or 78 work?

Any insight appreciated. Looking for a reasonably priced alternative that will work,

A 4 speed would bolt up to the engine, but the trans is roughly 4" shorter so you would need a different driveshaft and linkage. Other later 5 speeds will bolt up, but also need a different driveshaft and linkage, but not have any provision for a speedometer drive.

What's your location and idea of reasonable priced?

The Getrag 265 5spd has the reputation of being the strongest tranny BMW built!

Why does it need a re-build??

I have this very tranny in both of my cars. Are you changing the fluid every four years or so?
Greg
Ps,,,,Where are you?

Hi Mike and Greg,

I agree. The Getrag has been very strong. I am in Central New Jersey, Princeton area.

I agree, the Getrag has been strong and trouble free. I know what it feels like when the linkage goes bad, but this is different. The gear shifter is still tight, but stick in reverse even in neutral. I think the shifter mechanism is bad inside the transmission. It probably bent rail not allowing it to pull out of gear.

My idea of a reasonable price is $300 or so for the part.

Just a little background - The car is a daily driver I imported from Montreal in 2006. As much as I like driving it all the time, it has developed quite a bit of rust, so it's not the perfect restoration candidate. That is why I would like to keep the cost down.

I agree the 4 speed bolts up, however you would need the shifter and drive shaft to do the job. then you would loose 5th gear and all you have to do is ask us 530i owners how much we love 5th gear when we do the upgrade. you should figure about 500 for the trans. if you can beat that FANTASTIC!! but that's the average price I have seen for one. you can try www.car-part.com for one but watch out many times they assume a manual is a 5 speed when it isn't.

Good luck
Sam

I've got all the 4-speed stuff I pulled out of my '75. It's all available...

pghosh1741 wrote:Hi Mike and Greg,

I agree. The Getrag has been very strong. I am in Central New Jersey, Princeton area.

I agree, the Getrag has been strong and trouble free. I know what it feels like when the linkage goes bad, but this is different. The gear shifter is still tight, but stick in reverse even in neutral. I think the shifter mechanism is bad inside the transmission. It probably bent rail not allowing it to pull out of gear.

My idea of a reasonable price is $300 or so for the part.

Just a little background - The car is a daily driver I imported from Montreal in 2006. As much as I like driving it all the time, it has developed quite a bit of rust, so it's not the perfect restoration candidate. That is why I would like to keep the cost down.

With a little patience and research you should be able to find one for ~$300, plus shipping, which is significant with the weight and size of it. A 4 speed is nearly as heavy, plus you need additional parts.