Transplant advice please

[Peter Coomaraswamy]

I hope I'm in the correct spot for asking this question; My 3.0 CS has an automatic (BW 3 sp.) that I would like to swap out for a manual. I have located a 1977 530i with a 4 speed in my local area. Would this be a candidate for an engine/transmission swap?

Thanks for your help

 

[Arde]

I am not sure about the one used for the 530, but if you undertake the conversion you might as well go for a 5 speed. That would be a Getrag 265 transmission and the conversion is well documented. The 265 would come for example from a 1980s 528.

 

[Honolulu]

This has been covered time and again, and you should use the search function to find the list of donor cars.

Since the 79-81 E12 series (528i) trannies (Getrag 264) will fit, and those cars used the M30 engine same as coupes, I'd expect the E12 530i trans to fit as well. Neither of those cars are commonly found anymore except in junkyards.