Factory auto to factory 4 speed

GRKOALA

GRKOALA

Peter K
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Hi, I'm contemplating converting my 1974 e9 auto into a 4 speed manual. I'm not planning on racing the car but more enjoying it on the weekends through the hills.

Is the original ZF 4 speed manual box suited well to the 3.0 for what I need?

Is it as simple as finding a good manual e3 and exchanging the gearbox, clutch, pedals out of it into the e9?
 
I've had an automatic trans 2800 CS, a 4 speed manual 3.0 CS, and now a 5 speed (overdrive) in a 3.0 CS. IF you are going to go to all the work to make a conversion, I'd highly recommend the 5 speed. There is a lot of info on this Forum about these conversions. Each step from the automatic to the 5 speed OD was an improvement over the previous transmission - for my driving enjoyment.

Good luck with the project mate,
 
Last edited:
Hi Gary, thanks for your advice and your first hand experience. Ill Get my feelers out for a good 5 speed. A 4 speed, clutch Etc from an e3 is available and it was tempting, however the forums all sway towards your advice.

Thanks again
 
Gary Knox said:
IF you are going to go to all the work to make a conversion, I'd highly recommend the 5 speed.
Click to expand...

Agree. It isn't that you need more gears so that they can be more closely-spaced - the BMW 6 has an amply wide torque band, so even a 3-speed would work OK. It's just that the 5-speed gives you an overdrive top gear. For better or worse, most of my driving is on the freeway, so the ability to lower the engine speed (and noise) is welcome.
 
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