235/5 Rebuild/Freshen

[markmac]

Having sh&t for luck finding anyone to help me with this project.  I'll spare the details, I have all the parts to build a complete 235/5 (one is assmebled in the back two sections of a JH trans that really looks good.  Retro Engineering in the UK and GR Box in Italy both can do the work with their eyes closed, unfortunately the shipping costs that I am seeing (like a grand each way) makes it kind of a non-starter.  I have heard folks talking about Metric Mechanic, not so sure about them though.  Bill Holmes used to be the go-to guy, no idea what he is up to any more and if he is still doing  BMW stuff, other than that fresh out of ideas for sources here in the US.

[otisdog]

I bought one from Jack Fahuna that he had rebuilt a couple of years ago....then I ended up selling it. Jack transferred his one year warranty (valid upon installation) to the new buyer. Haven't heard from the buyer since. Also bought one from Retro....shipping was around $300.

[markmac]

I just entered their (Retro) info into DHL, it was over $1000, fuguring the trans is about 90lbs (?) with box/crate.  I can send an email to Jack to see if he or someone he is associated with is doing them.

[williamggruff]

Shipping costs are expected to drop dramatically over the next few months due to slow down in the economy and the resolution of numerous supply chain backups. 

Edited December 7, 2022 by williamggruff

[Dudeland]

You may want to look into folks that deal with freight.  The run of the mill Fedex, UPS et al are always crazy high.  You may want to ask Retro (sp?) to see what they use.  You may be able to leverage Retro's better shipping costs, and wrap the shipping into the total cost of the rebuild. 

[Dudeland]

In the FWIW category, you can use a cooler to ship out the transmission.   The PO of my car had the 245 shipped in one of those blue coleman coolers. 

 

Regards

 

Just a moment...

WWW.COLEMAN.COM

 

[andyleonard]

If you guys aren't using Pirate Ship to ship parts...you're missing the boat. Mmm.

 

I've recently used them for a turbo and a header and the re$ults were extraordinary.

 

www.pirateship.com

[markmac]

Thanks for the tips.  Option B could be to throw all of it up for sale as a lot, the only problem is that not being a 'transmission expert' I really can't state the condition (accurately) and that makes it hard to price and ultimately sell (and since I am not a shyster that sells garbage, it makes it tough to go that route).

[Einspritz]

Have you called Bill Watson @ Road Rockets?

 

He did my Turbo 4 speed and said he could build my 235/5 that is truly apart in a box.

 

That said, cost will be on the order of MM.

 

Or

There has been talk about Pete's gears in Hayward, San Leandro, or some such.

 

Tho' I have been too lazy to reach out to find out.

[2002iii]

I have heard good things about Pete's gearshop in Hayward too.

[andyleonard]

FWIW, maybe 4-5 years ago I had a good conversation with someone at Pete's Gears about doing a 235. They knew what it was and didn't find it daunting. I never followed up. This was before all the replacement parts turned up missing.

 

[Mark92131]

22 hours ago, markmac said:

Bill Holmes used to be the go-to guy, no idea what he is up to any more and if he is still doing

 

Still working out of his house shop in Ramona as far as I know.  His son was doing a lot of the heavy lifting, but Bill was still getting his hands dirty last time I checked.  He refreshed my Getrag 235/5 a few years ago.  Try giving him a call (760) 709-2002.

 

Mark92131

 

 

[Shagnasty P. Snaggletooth]

22 hours ago, markmac said:

Option B could be to throw all of it up for sale as a lot,...

If you decide to let it all go but choose option C, (selling the 235 and the JH box separately), I would consider the JH box, since I used one to supply the parts for my current 235 and it worked out great. I have another 235 that might need a few synchros from it.

[gwb72tii]

you ought to call Jim at MM and talk with the guy. vast reservoir of BMW specific mechanical knowledge.

[tripperdude]

And leave yourself a little bit of time for that call.