When did BMW switch from ZF to Getrag gearboxes in E3/9's?

Really strange ratios on the ZF 5spd. Starts off with a 1. gear that is a lot longer than first on either the ZF or Getrag 4speeder but ends in 5th with a 1:0 as the fourth on the ZF and getrag 4spd.

Now thats what I call a close ratio 5 speed...
 
Tierfreund said:
Really strange ratios on the ZF 5spd. Starts off with a 1. gear that is a lot longer than first on either the ZF or Getrag 4speeder but ends in 5th with a 1:0 as the fourth on the ZF and getrag 4spd. Now thats what I call a close ratio 5 speed...
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yes, VERY "CR"

This is because the demand for endurance racing meant optimization for track use once going, for extended periods. So, the ratios so close helped during a race when getting to turn 1 first was not as important as staying on the power curve for 4-6 hours or longer and finishing first!
 
corsachili said:
dp-I didn't think that Getrag made 4spd gearboxes in 1973 ........and I just like the idea of getting back to the car's true character, even if it's not optimal.
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I've owned/serviced quite a few Bavs and coupes in the past 20+ years, and do not recall ever seeing a ZF in a 72 or later car ...well, except for the 2 or three automatic to manual conversions where I either wanted the "snick-snick" of the ZF, or a Getrag wasn't available! The old slushboxes only drain something like 30% of available horsepower, so the conversion was a WONderful uprate that always left a smile! It would be interesting to see a consensus on a Getrag 4-sp or ZF for your '73, but truth is I think the case could be made that either would be "original" for your L !
 
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