engine and drivetrain 6 Speed Transmission Question

[toddman]

Has anyone tried mounting a 6 speed manual e36 or e46 tranny into a 2002? They seem to be plentiful, and not terribly expensive. I'm not bothered by the machining for a bell housing change, my biggest concern is if the transmission tunnel would accept one of these larger transmissions.

Thanks

Todd

[Tommy]

my biggest concern is if the transmission tunnel would accept one of these larger transmissions.

Won't accept, that's for sure. But sheetmetal work in such not so visible area shouldn't be a problem if you're not worried about fitting it to engine. I've had a tranny (5-sp) from my e46 330i on my hands and they tend to be much wider and higher at rear. Old trannys from big sixes (m30) require some tunnel work and I'd guess it's about same for the newer ones.

Tommy

[M3M3]

seems the first question would be how/if it would connect to the engine.

[Pancake]

Not well I'd imagine (assuming we're talking about an M10). They are fitted to M52/S52s etc, so it would be the same bolt pattern as the M20.