[FFMan]

Does anyone know what the ratios are for the 5 speed and 6 speed box. Does the 6 speed have a taller top gear, or just closer spacing with the same top ratio?

Also, is the later 6 speed manual an easy swap in ? Has anyone done it ?

I ask only because i do a lot of motorway miles in my 325 and it seems to me the engine could cope with taller gearing and probably return better economy.

thanks

 

[Zell]

At 74 mph, I'm at about 2400 RPM in 6th gear. Also note I do have a 3.07 final drive, but that's not too big of a difference from the non-ZHP diff.

Swapping in a 6-speed will take a lot of time and a good sum of cash that will not be paid for by the better fuel economy. I would just stick with the 5-speed.

 

[Bimmerguy82]

Does anyone know what the ratios are for the 5 speed and 6 speed box. Does the 6 speed have a taller top gear, or just closer spacing with the same top ratio?

Also, is the later 6 speed manual an easy swap in ? Has anyone done it ?

I ask only because i do a lot of motorway miles in my 325 and it seems to me the engine could cope with taller gearing and probably return better economy.

thanks

E46 5 speed- 4.23, 2.52, 1.66, 1.22, 1.00

E46 6 speed- 4.35, 2.50, 1.66, 1.23, 1.00, .85

The 6 speed is a little closer ratio and has an overdrive gear.

 

[Jaundiced Outlook]

Good source here for transmission & final drive gear ratios:

http://www.bokchoys.com/differential/GearRatios.htm

Highway miles on my car could be better, too, but I sure do like my 3.46 final drive around town.

 

[Avet4]

not sure what diff you have now, but if there was a lower number diff available for your car that might be way less expensive... but obviously it would ruin your acceleration pretty dramatically too.

 

[goodtohave]

not sure what diff you have now, but if there was a lower number diff available for your car that might be way less expensive... but obviously it would ruin your acceleration pretty dramatically too.

I have disagree...

I have a 5 speed wagon, they came with a 3:46 diff and I found it too tall.

Revved high on th highway and made 1st gear annoyingly short.

I put a 2:93 from a 330, easy 2 hr bolt in swap, and as people want the 3:46 I did a straight trade.

Best thing I ever did. 500 less revs on the highway and a 1st gear I can use.

The car does not feel slower in daily driving, just a more usable car.

Given the choice a 3:07 would be my choice,

Let the arguments begin!

 

[Lemonsqr]

This is a well known swap. I Wish the 6speed tranny were cheaper

 

[Blocked Out]

This is a well known swap. I Wish the 6speed tranny were cheaper

I have one for sale at a reasonable price


Sent from my X10a using Bimmer App

 

[FFMan]

could you pm your location and asking price please ?

Do you have the part no of the transmissions also ? I need to see how easy a swap it is.

 

[FastKA24DET]

At 74 mph, I'm at about 2400 RPM in 6th gear. Also note I do have a 3.07 final drive, but that's not too big of a difference from the non-ZHP diff.

Swapping in a 6-speed will take a lot of time and a good sum of cash that will not be paid for by the better fuel economy. I would just stick with the 5-speed.

even with 2.93 differential on 6 speed at 7400k rpm is 71 mph and with 3.07 that would put you at 68 mph

 

[ex46static]

I have one for sale at a reasonable price


Sent from my X10a using Bimmer App

send me info please. I am about to do a TMS rear diff and want the taller gear for highway travel. VERLY INTRESTED. INFO PLZ

thanks

 

[Mc 007]

can i have benefits if i put a 330i 6 speed gear on my 325ci?

 

[MachRc]

I have disagree...

I have a 5 speed wagon, they came with a 3:46 diff and I found it too tall.

Revved high on th highway and made 1st gear annoyingly short.

I put a 2:93 from a 330, easy 2 hr bolt in swap, and as people want the 3:46 I did a straight trade.

Best thing I ever did. 500 less revs on the highway and a 1st gear I can use.

The car does not feel slower in daily driving, just a more usable car.

Given the choice a 3:07 would be my choice,

Let the arguments begin!

too short you mean for the 3.46 (i totally agree)

and yes a 3.07 or 3.12(taller gearing) would be super, and less frantic and less high strung..

but if you have an extra gear like in a six speed, a 3.23 or higher would be nice as you will have that extra final gear.:thumbup:

 

[cyberkaa]

As posted above, this is what you need:
http://www.bokchoys.com/differential/e46_gear_ratio_calculator.htm

 

[Mc 007]

interesting