Does a 1983 Euro 635 CSI 265/5 fit a '73 CS?

aguirola

aguirola

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I have read the various threads, but I have yet to find a really concise reason to install it in a Coupe. Is the 265/5 the best option?

We can rebuild it, or any other box here, replace any worn parts, but have the feeling that MM or other, might be a sound investment. Of course, on the other hand, the labor charges here are infinitely lower, parts, I can bring from the USA, so confused on that issue also.

Please do tell all you wish, I will appreciate it.

I have an untouched, factory, dog leg CR box in my '85 535-Hartge, and I think it is great, and in comparison to the 4 sp. on the CS, much more flexible, as the 4sp., is way too long.

The rear end ratios are different on both cars (I think), as yet have not ascertained what is in the Coupe.

As an aside, it has a 3.3 Korman Stage 2 motor with 3 Webers and the assorted items that the previous owner had installed. It does feel more powerful and linear than a regular 3.0 would.

Is the transmission installation overly complex? Same bellhousing, or the one from the 635 would work? If the drive shaft will need shortening, I would have top send it to the USA as no one here will balance it after the cut. Does the 265/5, of '83 vintage have a speedo sender cable location?

Please bear with my lack of knowledge on the issue, as CS ownership has only been a few weeks long and only 50 miles of driving on plastic tires, so not extremely secure about it.

Thank you.


Regards, Alberto

 
Alberto: I took out my original auto trans and put in a 4-speed. It amazed me that the car actually had that power and torque, but I suppose the auto trans was really weak. It came out when I could no longer find reverse and got tired of pushing it out. I had the four-speed on hand, and another car, so I took my time and did the work myself.

Several years later I got a complete '81 E12 with five speed, took the five speed and a few other bits and set the remains to the crusher. I put the 265/5 in myself, and a new clutch, etc. without more than some cleaning and new gear oil. It whined a bit for the first month or so, but then got quiet and I have had it in for over ten years now.

My suggestion is to do as I did: clean it, new oil, new shift platform bushings, new seals if you want, and drive. The work is not complicated if the receiving car already has a four-speed.
 
sfdon said:
A cr tranny with a 3.45 or 3.64 diff is a PITA
Constant shifting gets old fast and the shrill whine of an overworked engine is wearing.
If you can locate the correct 3.07 or even a 2.93 it works well.
The diff in your e28 won't fit in your coupe.
There is a 3.07 on ebay though that fits the cr and your coupe:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/BMW-E3-E9-E...pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr
Click to expand...

Thank you for the comments and the tip for the ebay diff.. According to the Owner's Manual, I have a 3.45 diff as a std. application, being a European 3.0CS.
My E28, is staying as is, it is a 26K miles car, an original Hatge, in perfect condition.

I appreciate your comments about the CR, yet I would like to hear why so many have installed them.

Regards, Alberto
 
Hello Alberto, I had a euro 635 with the close ratio dogleg trans. Gearing was too short for me, I was shifting 1-3-4 in town, especially when I left home far up on a ridge.

As stated, the trans ratios and differential must work together. Revving the motor to get speed rewards the driver with acceleration, but the shifting gets old quickly. One needs to be comfortable with the characteristics of the car and constant shifting to keep the revs within an acceptable, pleasant range is a goal to enjoy.
 
As an example- I am driving a CR version to Utah on Sunday.
Straight road for 600 miles.
Zero benefit.

Perfect time to have an OD model instead.

Once in Utah however it will be 3 days of hard and fast driving by the owner and he will love to have a CR.
 
In EL Salvador, I would mostly use the car at no traffic moments, difficult to properly enjoy the car, but still a delight as no speed limits, if exercised with care, if you have ever driven in Latin America...
So what do I do? Stay with the 4 speed? CR?
Again, my 535 with the CR is a blast to drive here as is. Can I expect more or less the same on the Coupe?
Does this '83 CR have a speedo provision? Installation issues?
Let's pass awhile on the drive-ability comforts/discomforts, as for now, not a huge deal.

Thank you for the inputs.
Regards, Alberto

PS. What is a 'good' CR worth?
 
600 mile straight road situations are an American scenario. In El Salvador you would have fallen off the map. Personally I love the CR in the E36 318i as you spend more time in the higher part of the power band. The E36 has a quiet engine and really smooth shift so it is really fun to drive.

I am not sure if the coupe is the same, it has a larger engine and the shifting is not as crisp. Maybe with a short shift kit it makes sense, I think the closest thing would be to get the opinion of E24 CR owners, I think there was one or two here, maybe Scott Andrews.
 
I drove my e23 for 6 months with a 3.07 in the city- never liked it.
Keep in mind that the math is the same- a 3.07 diff hooked up to a CR
Is the same as an OD (.81 to 1 ratio in 5th)hooked up to a 3.64.
I spent years on the Pan-American Hwy, mostly in panama and equador.
In those countries an OD can be nice along with Mexico. In Colombia where
I lived an OD would have been wasted. Match your driving to your driveline
and you will be happy!
 
No the 83 will not have a Speedo input but I believe there is a description in theses forums that will show how the gearbox can be made to have a speedo drive fitted!!
 
Hi Alberto,

as Don and some others already mentioned: A dogleg doesn't make sense by keeping the short diff.

I did this on my CS for a certain time, but never liked it - only added a gear by having the same ratio like before with the 4 speed gearbox. You're just shifting like hell ;-). If you don't plan to join any hillraces, this is simply of NO benefit.
I never considered to install a longer diff instead and exchanged the dogleg with an OD. That suit's way better to me.

Sold the dogleg receintly to a 02-owner, who want's to exchange his weak gearbox to a stronger one, which is able to stand the torque of the installed Alpina engine.

Ingo
 
If you are going for a rebuild, google Jim Blanton transmissions. On the E24 boards he comes highly reccomended and is supposed to be the guru.
 
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