Information on rebuilding a manual transmission.

enderw88 · Wed, Jul-25-2012, 12:48:39 AM

I recently installed an E46 6speed transmission and have the old 5 speed sitting in the garage. I don't really feel comfortable selling it, since I am reasonably certain that it was responsible for my really difficult shifting problems.

Anyway, I have never rebuilt a transmission before and think it might be entertaining to tear it down and give it a shot. THIS IS NOT ECONOMICALLY SMART, I just like doing strange things.

Does anyone know of any rebuild guides for this transmission?

Roland H · Wed, Jul-25-2012, 01:12:21 AM

No, but a GM transmission shop would be a good place to start.

enderw88 · Wed, Jul-25-2012, 01:18:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roland H

No, but a GM transmission shop would be a good place to start.

For a ZF transmission? Do you mean any transmission shop, or GM in particular for a reason?

prostreeter · Wed, Jul-25-2012, 01:27:45 AM

I find that the easiest way to do it is to let someone else do it. I think you'll need specialty tools to tackle something like that , but hey knock yourself out.

aeronaut · Wed, Jul-25-2012, 02:00:35 AM

Great challenge!

Killbot711 · Wed, Jul-25-2012, 02:54:10 AM

Go for it. Just take lots of pictures as you take it apart so you have something to reference when you put it back together.

Roland H · Wed, Jul-25-2012, 03:53:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by enderw88

For a ZF transmission? Do you mean any transmission shop, or GM in particular for a reason?

ZF transmissions are common in many GM cars. You could just start trying random trans shops though and see what they say.

MMMGP · Wed, Jul-25-2012, 04:00:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roland H

ZF transmissions are common in many GM cars. You could just start trying random trans shops though and see what they say.

Hmmm, I always thought it was the other way around. My old 2K 328i had a GM auto trans which is now used in the entry level Caddy CSV.

m3onrails · Wed, Jul-25-2012, 04:57:06 AM

I've heard from someone who knows someone who works for ZF that these trannys were installed and put together with a jig, and that they're impossible to put back together without one. How true that is, I'm not sure, but just thought it was worth mentioning.

enderw88 · Wed, Jul-25-2012, 05:09:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by m3onrails

I've heard from someone who knows someone who works for ZF that these trannys were installed and put together with a jig, and that they're impossible to put back together without one. How true that is, I'm not sure, but just thought it was worth mentioning.

I have heard the same rumor, and it wouldn't be surprising, gear trains are extremely sensitive...

Wed, Jul-25-2012, 12:48:39 AM	#1
enderw88 Craig Join Date: Aug 2011 Posts: 1,620 In the garage: '95 BMW M3 Reputation: 0 Location: Tucson	Information on rebuilding a manual transmission. I recently installed an E46 6speed transmission and have the old 5 speed sitting in the garage. I don't really feel comfortable selling it, since I am reasonably certain that it was responsible for my really difficult shifting problems. Anyway, I have never rebuilt a transmission before and think it might be entertaining to tear it down and give it a shot. THIS IS NOT ECONOMICALLY SMART, I just like doing strange things. Does anyone know of any rebuild guides for this transmission? __________________ 95 BMW M3 Current Project Cosmos Black, E46 6SP, VSL Rad, Stewart Water Pump, AA Header, Turner high flow cat with AA Stainless Cat Back, Euro Intake, Euro HFM, 24lbs/hr injectors, unknown tune?, BW SS Brake Lines, M X-Brace, Mason Engineering Aluminum Strut Bar, MM Underpanel. Complete front and rear suspension overhaul. Tucson, AZ

Wed, Jul-25-2012, 01:27:45 AM	#4
prostreeter Registered User Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 145 Reputation: 0	Re: Information on rebuilding a manual transmission. I find that the easiest way to do it is to let someone else do it. I think you'll need specialty tools to tackle something like that , but hey knock yourself out.

Wed, Jul-25-2012, 02:00:35 AM	#5
aeronaut Registered User Join Date: May 2012 Posts: 502 Reputation: 0 Location: Central MD	Re: Information on rebuilding a manual transmission. Great challenge!

Wed, Jul-25-2012, 02:54:10 AM	#6
Killbot711 long time lurker Join Date: Jul 2010 Posts: 105 Reputation: 0 Location: El Paso	Re: Information on rebuilding a manual transmission. Go for it. Just take lots of pictures as you take it apart so you have something to reference when you put it back together.

Wed, Jul-25-2012, 04:57:06 AM	#9
m3onrails E-Famous Join Date: Feb 2012 Posts: 567 In the garage: '11 AUDI A5 Reputation: 0 Location: Bestchester	Re: Information on rebuilding a manual transmission. I've heard from someone who knows someone who works for ZF that these trannys were installed and put together with a jig, and that they're impossible to put back together without one. How true that is, I'm not sure, but just thought it was worth mentioning.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode