WTB: e9 Automatic Transmission (ZF 3hp22)

[Mewish]

I have a '74 3.0cs which has the transmission from hell. Rebuilt once only to continue slipping like a fool immediately thereafter.

I want the damn thing to be a manual, but I'm overseas as a student and my parents want to make use of my moribund Coupe. They are convinced that making it a manual would drastically lower the car's value.

Also, if any of you are (or know of) mechanics in reasonable proximity to TN/GA who can do the installation, I'm looking for that as well.

Regards,
Parker

 

[abe3.0CSi]

If anything converting to a 5 speed manual might increase value. However, the cost is about 3k(in CA). Sorry, don't know anyone in your location.
abe

 

[bengal taiga]

ZF 3HP22 Sources

The automatic is hardly the worst thing in the world. When it is functioning well, it sure makes driving more pleasant when crawling through stop and go traffic. A manual has its benefits but, unless you have a one-of-a-kind vehicle, I can't see where a decent auto to manual swap would detract from the value of the car.

Having said that the 3hp22 transmission was used on many different cars, including both 6cyl (E12 5 series/E24 6 series) and 4cyl (E21-320) BMWs and other marques. I am sure there are differences in valve bodies and certainly the converter and bellhousings for mounting to the engine. My point being that you do not necessarily need to restrict your search to an E9 donor transmission. I have not personally performed this swap, it has been done many times. Another thought is the fact that many E9's and E3's also used a Borg Warner 3 speed auto. You did not ask for one. There is no overwhelming consensus as to which is better or worse. Both transmissions have their detractors.

There are some other considerations. If you are willing to spend a little more money, there are probably even more 4hp22 transmissions from which to select. These, I suspect, are even more desirable due to their being a 4-speed auto. Not only did BMW use this trans, but so did Jaguar, Volvo, Chevrolet and even Porsche. You would probably have to modify your existing driveshaft, but otherwise, the BMW M30 6cyl 4hp22 trans would bolt up. Depending upon the year of the trans, you might also need to adapt it for use with your mechanical speedometer.

Another thought: You mentioned being in the Georgia Tennessee area. I would imagine there are many in Nashville, Memphis or Atlanta that might have a similar transmission or are capable of performing the swap. I think some of the folks in the Atlanta Chapter of the BMWCCA might be able to help or point you in the right direction http://www.peachtreebmwcca.org/ . Along those lines, it might help if you were more specific about your location. If someone is close to your location they may be more apt to volunteer their help and provide you with a donor transmission. Long distances and heavy parts are usually not the best marriage.

Good luck and report your progress on the general discussion forum.

 

[sfdon]

Begging to differ on the 3 speed Auto-
Road and Track called it "the worst they 'd ever encountered in any car ever"

Check the Hemmings May 2008 buyers guide.

The auto is lousy for highspeed freeway cruising.

 

[Percy]

Difference of opinions.

Begging to differ on the 3 speed Auto-Road and Track called it "the worst they 'd ever encountered in any car ever" Check the Hemmings May 2008 buyers guide. The auto is lousy for highspeed freeway cruising.

Have you ever liked a movie that the reviewers panned? The automatic (when functioning as designed) makes perfect sense for city driving and for many, that is the majority of their driving.

I have owned two and driven several more automatic equipped BMWs including E9, E3 and 02. The carbed E9 was extremely sluggish but I believe it was because it had a 3.25:1 or 3.45:1 rear end. High speeds were a breeze. My favorite car was the E3 BorgWarner equipped automatic, which I drove for well over 75k miles until it was destroyed while stopped at an intersection. That car shifted crisply from new almost as though it had an aftermarket shift kit in it. When pushed hard, it could spin the tires when upshifting. The difference may have been the 3.64:1 lsd rear end. As other members of my family might attest, this E3 was substantially quicker off the line then our FI manual E9. This alone made the car far more fun and easier to drive than the E9. Who knows, had that E3 been equipped with a clutch I might have felt even better about it. Granted, the E3 has never received the attention given the E9, but looks can be deceiving. In theory, I would not hesitate to put that long gone E3's running gear into my current E9.

Much of the automatics' poor reputation is probably due to poor maintenance and the fact that the design is inherently less efficient in delivering power to the road. A lot also has to do with other variables including the personal biases of reviewers. There may be some truth that the transmissions are more problematic than most, whatever that means. And sight unseen, I would vote for a torqueflite or turbohydomatic rather than BMW's selection. Maybe I was just lucky, but I think much of the manuals' mystique disappears when coupled with a well tuned high torque powerplant. The performance differences between the Muncie M22 or even M21 and the TH400 blurs at 14sec 1/4 mile times. Navigating the Alps or the Autostrada might evoke different opinions.

Lest we forget, the AMC Pacer was voted car of the year and there are other noteworthy examples. Did you enjoy Amadeus or the English Patient? Would you recommend either as the best picture of the year? Ever drive an Early 911S sportomatic? In theory, it is a wonderful idea. Die hards swear by them. The one I drove caused me to swear at it.

The automatic would not be my first choice for an E9, but if it is working as designed, it is easily tolerated and maybe even enjoyed.