Eta transmission in an IS car.

#1

Hi

I need to change transmission’s in my KP car. I bought a used trans from a 89 325i and it turned out to be an eta (325e) trans. I know the gear ratios are the same. Are there any other issues I need to consider for fitting this trans into my 1988 325IS?

Thanks
Don Stevenson

#2

No issues. It’ll work just fine.

Carter

#3

If the guibo flange is on it then yes the ETA has a larger guibo. I know this as my non-spec E30 has an i engine with an e trans behind it. As well as an E driveshaft. The Center bearing on the E is different too…The mounting points on the i are narrower than the E. Meaning the E center bearing is bigger. Errr…At least the mounting is. If you buy an E and an I you will see what I am talking about. :unsure:

#4

Hi All

Carter was right on the money. This eta tranmission works fine in a non eta car. As long as it is a leter edition eta transmission. The really early eta trans had a different shift linkage. One FYI, look closly at any trans that you buy out of the car. People tend to break the transmission mount brackets at the rear of the trans. They are pretty fragile. They can be fabricated and welded back on but this all should be reflected on the purchase price.

Thanks to all here and Happy Holidays.

Don (who is dreaming about racing in frosty New England).

#5

Don, the earily eta with the different shift linkage had holes that went through to the cavity of the transmission. If you don’t put bolts with sealant in those holes, the transmission will leak.

You will think that the leak is from the rear seal.

You will replace the seal twice before you realize the problem.

Or, you’ll read about it here first.

Regards, Robert (ask me how I know) Patton

#6

To sum it up -

if it has the extra holes, plug them.

The output flange may be a different size, but you can swap on the flange from your '/is transmission - change that seal while you are in there. You’ll need a very thin walled 30mm socket to get that flange off, but other than that, its not a hard job swapping those flanges out.

I think it may have a hole on it for a flywheel sensor as I think the etas used a sensor back there instead of the front mounted crank reference sensor on the M20B25 motor. You can just put a bolt in there and plug that hole as well.

#7

Robert Patton wrote:

I have been (assuming this is a slow trans fluid leak, normally dripping down the side near the front to the drain plug.

Ouch

Robert, you are the man - Thanks! :silly:

#8

If you have an early transmission with the shifter mounting through holes, you won’t have slow leak. At speed it will leak "real good"… And MTL stinks when it gets on a hot exhaust.

Hmm, perhaps some lessons in diagnostic techniques would be in order?