» Site Navigation | | » Recent Threads | | | | | | 10-10-2010, 04:11 PM | #1 | Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: California Posts: 23 | DIY Transmission replacement - how hard? I'm starting lose 4th gear (at only 125k miles!), so it's time to do something about it. Has anyone swapped out a 5-speed Getrag themselves? What kind of experience was it for you? Oh, and I'm looking for a used one, preferably in northern California. | | | 10-10-2010, 05:30 PM | #2 | Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Gulfport, Florida Posts: 3,208 | Yes I've swaped a Getrag for a Getrag and a Getrag for a ZF. it is pretty easy. It takes about 2-4 hours depending on how fast you work. I swapped clutch disks 3 times too which is about the same as removing the transmission. You will need the correct tools for the job or you will be sorry you tried to do it yourself... | | | 10-10-2010, 11:05 PM | #3 | Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Minneapolis Posts: 1,587 | Yeah, it's really not that bad, especially a manual transmission. JohnBoy is correct on needing the proper tools. You'll need to get the car in the air properly and safely. Female Torx sockets, lots of long socket extensions, transmission jack, etc. I bought a cheap Harbor Freight transmission jack and it's a lifesaver. I've heard of people changing transmission by just bench pressing it into place! No thanks Make sure you replace everything in there for piece of mind. Full clutch kit, pilot bearing, clutch fork pivot, etc. | | | 10-11-2010, 12:59 AM | #4 | Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Raleigh/Charlotte, NC Posts: 1,233 | bench pressed it into place many times. NOT EASY __________________ -Jeff | | | 10-11-2010, 02:27 AM | #5 | Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Merritt Island, FL Posts: 351 | With 2 guys working it can be done before lunch. You will also need and a good assortment of ratchet extensions. No need to pull the engine, just tilt it back on the mounts. The top bolt around the bell housing are tough to get, but not impossible. The starter is also a little difficult, but once you do it once you feel your way around it once it will be no problem. __________________ Alpine Weiß 1995 318ti M50tu mostly stock, chip'd 413, AFE Intake. e36 M3 front brakes, e30 M3 rear calipers. e28 3.25 LSD + e30 axles. Custom stainless Magnaflow 2 in 1 out muffler. R.I.P schwartz 1990 325is | | | 10-28-2010, 03:53 AM | #6 | Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: london Posts: 57 | Quote: Originally Posted by Xenocide bench pressed it into place many times. NOT EASY | lool | | | 10-28-2010, 04:24 AM | #7 | Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Minneapolis, MN Posts: 307 | For a beginner, please attempt this on a weekend, so you have time to get it done! Yea, me and some of the other guys can do it in 2 hours, but if you have no idea where the bolts are and how to get them out, it can take alot longer than that. Err... Like days | | | 10-28-2010, 05:36 AM | #8 | Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Portland Or Posts: 2,666 | I recommend a couple 16" Wobble extensions, that way you get the wrench back farthur and can move it better, I have a pair of 16" and 24" extensions with wobble ends, lifesavers on tranny work... MIne are 1/2 drive.... Dave __________________ Dave - PDX 1995 318ti - Active Black and Tan. 2005 330xi - Mtech 1 - 6spd - Orient Blue/Black | | | 11-01-2010, 07:01 PM | #9 | Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: CA Posts: 95 | I also agree on the HF trans jack. It's a lifesaver, and makes the job incredibly painless. I got the HD one, NOT the scissor jack style. This jack is also great for pulling diffs and subframes~ Definitely worth it. | | | 11-03-2010, 04:31 PM | #10 | Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Leeds, England Posts: 133 | You can use a trolley jack, but trans jack much better. Lots of 3/8 wobble bars and make sure you have the right torx sockets. The starter pin might get welded in making it a pain to get the trans off. Took me two evenings, I always take johns times and double them, and I would like to think I am not an idiot :E __________________ Supercharged 318Ti | | | | Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests) | | Posting Rules | You may not post new threads You may not post replies You may not post attachments You may not edit your posts HTML code is Off | | | |