Choice of transmission

One 328is · #1 (**permalink**) 05-08-2005, 11:11 PM

With forced induction.
Would you rather have a manual shift or an automatic?

Dado · #2 (**permalink**) 05-09-2005, 07:56 AM

the auto won't last. Definitely go with the manual.

One 328is · #3 (**permalink**) 05-09-2005, 09:16 AM

Have been thinking about selling my 328is. I have been looking at AMG's and S4's. Noticed a lot were automatic. In case of the AMG, seems there all automatic.
I am use to manual shift. But was wondering, when I saw the large number of atuomatics on the S4's and AMG's.

Alphaman · #4 (**permalink**) 05-09-2005, 07:21 PM

Dado you say an auto wont last? I started a topic wondering what a stock auto in my 525i can handle. BUT after doing a little research and waiting on some responses seeing that the companies I contacted were closed, I may have to disagree with you. The auto tranny in my car is a 4L30E which is for all intents and purposes a GM tranny. There seems to be a plethora of high performance rebuild kits as well as bolt on replacements for some of the weaker areas of the tranny.

This leads me to believe a well built tranny can handle quite a bit of punishment (not 500-600 HP punishment) but I would venture to say 400hp punishment. There is also a company out there that will do custom work on the valve body and the main pump to increase pressures so that you don't burn the band out as easily. Just my .02 cents for now. When I hear back from the shops I contacted I will be further able to elaborate on what CAN and CAN'T be done with an auto.

Dado · #5 (**permalink**) 05-09-2005, 07:32 PM

What is a 4L30E? Have only heard about the 4L60E and 4L80E. Now it depends what the car would be used for. If it will be used for strictlly drag racing with insane amount of power might as well go with the turbo400 tranny. That would take over 1,000hp.

BTW I was talking stock manual tranny to stock auto and the manual would take more beating.

BMWBry · #6 (**permalink**) 05-09-2005, 07:36 PM

Manual is the best. Cheaper to rebuild and more options. Its just gears.

Alphaman · #7 (**permalink**) 05-10-2005, 04:20 AM

The 4L30E is the trans found in the BMW 5 series and 3 series from 91/92 - 97/98. You mentioned the good ole turbo 400. I take it companies make adapters to mate other than BMW trannies to BMW engines? I haven't explored that. If they exist I would be a happy camper.

Alphaman · #8 (**permalink**) 05-11-2005, 01:12 PM

Well after speaking to a few trans shops that specialize in performance work it seems that an auto trans isn't all to bad. Example is the 4L30E in the E36/E34 series. These transmissions can be rebuilt and reworked with new clutches and bands as well as having the valve body tweaked for higher pressures. A service is also offered to redo the torque converter so that it increases the torque multiplication as well as lessens the loss of power through the tranny.

The full service, with your core, costs approx $2500. Now before you sneer at the price and say "Ha! A manual trans is cheaper!" keep in mind that getting a hold of one and doing the conversion as well as replacing the clutch, flywheel and pressure plate will cost nearly the same. Anyway, the auto trans after it is reworked will hold up to 400 whp without much of a problem as long as you don't beat the hell out of it. I.E. Neutral drops, constant relentless burnouts and donuts, etc... But for an everyday driver the occassional light to light blitz and trip to the dragstrip as well as heavy highway use it's fine.

So there you have it the scoop on auto transmissions in a BMW. The vendor that I spoke with is IPT in Wayne, NJ. The person to speak to is Joe he is the tranny man. You can find their site here:

http://www.importperformancetrans.com/