E36 325is - Is there a 6 Speed Transmission out there?

Question

Hi, As the subject says, is there a 6 speed manual transmission that is a direct bolt on replacement for the factory 5 speed in the 1995 E36 325is? Something just doesn't site right with me with the 5 speed. The engine is at

3500 -3700 RPMs when I'm doing 75 - 80 MPH. That just seems really high for a "cruising" speed. My 2000 540i with 6 speed manual is no where CLOSE to those RPMs at the same speeds. (Yes I realise it's a completely different car.)

And who is this Getrag company who's name I keep seeing pop up with BMW transmissions?

Thanks, Wayne K

Bob Smitter · Accepted Answer

Here si one conversion:  is way expensive!  You may want to consider just installing a lower ratiodifferential.Bob

Bob Smitter · Answer

Here si one conversion: is way expensive!  You may want to consider just installing a lower ratiodifferential.Bob

Bob Smitter · Answer

Here si one conversion: is way expensive!  You may want to consider just installing a lower ratiodifferential.Bob

Dave Plowman (News) · Answer

The sixth gear may not intrinsically be a lower ratio than fifth on a five speed. But I'd agree - something like 21 mph/1000 rpm in fifth seems very low for a BMW which are all designed for very high speed cruising. My old

525 auto from about the same time was something like 36mph/1000 in 5th gear. But the easiest way would be to change the final drive unit.

BMW buy in their transmissions and Getrag make the manual ones - ZF the autos, although some US cars use GM.

Wayne K. · Answer

Are you taking about the gears in the rear end? If so, who makes different gear sets for the E36 3 series? Where can I purchase a different "final drive unit" Will I find them on  and the like, or is it a more specialized piece of kit?Cheers,Wayne K.

Bob Smitter · Answer

Differential building is an art. You don't just install gears. That said, here are 2 places I can recommend:

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Both have great reputations, and I have personally bought from Jim Rowe at Metric Mechanic.

Bob

Dave Plowman (News) · Answer

To me the easy way would be a secondhand complete unit. Probably from a328.

E36 325is - Is there a 6 Speed Transmission out there?

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