5 speed conversion questions

[Blaise]

I am doing some homework on converting my 1977 530i automatic to a 5 speed.

As I understand it, the ideal transmission is the Getrag 265/6, found in 1980-81 528's.

They are also found in some later cars (early 528e?, 1985 models and e30 M5), but they do not have the correct speed drive. So....is there a way to use these later transmissions with our current speedos?

Thanks

http://www.firstfives.org/fspeed.html

[T.Hanson]

If you check the FAQ's and Google search previous posts you'll find a plethora of information. That and lots of it too.

There's even an extensive list on cross over parts. Saves time waiting for individual answers.

[Mike W.]

http://www.firstfives.org/bboard/viewtopic.php?t=1075

Speedometers

In case you're wondering why you can't just use that perfect low mileage tranny out of that nice 535is somebody rearended, the speedometer is the reason. Only the 265 trannys have any provision for a speedometer drive. Later cars all used electronic speedometers that took an input from the differential. As did all 7 series cars. But not all G265's are fully set up for a speedo drive, but they can be. Only the E12 and early E24 trannys will actually have the full speedo drive in place. This gets a little complicated, so bear with me here. There are two parts to the speedo drive, one is towards the end of the tranny, just under the drive flange, the other slips in where you hook up the speedo cable. "Most" seem to have the drive gear that goes under the output flange, but not all. Some just have a spacer in there. But don't worry, it's not that bad. Pull the drive flange, I believe it's a 30MM deep socket, it doesn't have to be thin wall like the manuals say, it just can't be heavy thick wall, like an impact socket. Or if that's all you can find, grind down the impact socket and it will work. It's about 100 foot pounds, so it's not loose, but nothing like the crankshaft nut either. It's got a lockplate on there, which you can reuse, or just use red locktite and torque it down. And a drive gear from a 4 speed works, so if you have one you can use it. Same thing with the part of the drive that directly drives the speedo cable, it's the same part as the 4 speed. And it isn't even locked or bolted in place, it just slides in and out of there. However... it isn't quite that easy just due to the stiction of the oil and the "O" ring seal. You can kind of grab them with a pair of needle nose pliers, but not real well. The removable drive is actually 2 pieces, but it's always come out together for me, if not, just use the needle nose and grab the other part. When installing it, it should just push in. Oh, the "O" ring might be a little stiff, so lube it up, but don't force things, if you have to it's not aligned and you will break something.

[Blaise]

Perfect. Thank you Mike.

I did some searches but had not found that thread. We should put that in the FAQ section, it is very informative.

Thanks again.

[Mike W.]

I need to go thru and tweak it a little bit first. It's close, but not quite there.

[garyinwestoz]

I need to go thru and tweak it a little bit first. It's close, but not quite there.

did it get tweaked?