BMW Z4 Roadster Transmission Conversion

I

Imperial.Deadstock

New member
Greetings Everyone,

There is a very important issue with my BMW Z4 2.5 roadster because it comes with an automatic transmission. Foremost, do not get the wrong idea that an automatic transmission is an issue nor am I trying to piss the automatic transmission owners. I just want to drive a manual transmission car not to mention that the BMW Z4 is my dream car. As such, the issue is simple. I want to convert an automatic BMW Z4 into a manual BMW Z4. Do me and yourself a favour by not mentioning that it does not making economical sense to do so.... It is a very simple thing. I want to know the how the conversion can be done mechanically only.

Just in case that you might still wanna challenge the idea of converting an automatic BMW Z4 to a manual BMW Z4, there is no manual BMW Z4 in my country (even if there are manual transmission BMW Z4s, I would not want to wait for it. I have waited for 8 years). Could not locate the 6 Z4M(s) in my country as well. Some might say that I could import the car into my country. Nope. It cannot be done as the government does not allow it (after 3 years from production date). Engine swap in my country is illegal by the way. So I want to keep it simple where everything could be swapped in and out for vehicle inspection. I have time and money. So do not worry about it.

BMW Automatic Z4 to BMW Manual Z4 Conversion Criteria
- Not interested in swapping a V10 or V8 whatever engines that require serious modification such as modifying engine mounting etc.
- Interested in swapping manual Z4M (3.2L engine), Z4 2.5i (2.5L engine), Z4 2.5si (2.5L engine) or Z4 3.0 (3L engine).
- Will install the ESS Tuning Twin Screw Supercharger after the conversion.
- If you know how it can be done, kindly inform me on what is required.
- Don't intend to sell the vehicle. As such, do not tell me about the value of the vehicle.

I will appreciate it if you could help me out with the conversion. This is going to be a little tricky but do not try to tell me that it cannot be done :driving:

Best Regards,
Imperial.Deadstock :fuelfire:
 
Hang on a minute hear you just want to make your auto manual?
No engine swaps?

Just to be clear?

Ok no problem or big deal i would go for a 3.0 6speed box off of a m54b30? if you have a m54b25 or get it from a an N54 if thats what you have? I would just get the box off the same series engine as yours. I doubt they will be different. They certainly all look the same to me.

I would look to get the prop shaft a new clutch and fly wheel. And also obviously the pedal assembly. Not sure what other pipe work you will need obviously some from the brake fluid reservoir and pedal.

Anything is possible as we have mounted a 5speed box to a Lexus v8 engine in a Toyota supra. good luck to you and take a look on REALOEM for parts.
 
Instead of starting the whole thing with an arsey tell me what to do perhaps introduce yourself properly before demanding information..lots of knowledgeable members on here but manners go a long way...good luck on your quest
 
Hey Machine Monkey,

It could be an engine swap. It could be anything. Basically I'm not a grease monkey. So technically speaking, I don't know what could be done. Additionally, I would prefer not to waste money because space is limited in my country but I will if I have to. If I could use the same engine, I will use it. If I can't, I would do an engine swap if required.

Could you tell me exactly what is required..? My research tells me that no one has successfully done a swap from automatic to manual with the same engine. Some said there are many things required to be changed like the ECU etc. for instance.

It will help if you could list all the items required so when I got everything, I will get a fitter to fit everything up (:

Best Regards,
Imperial.Deadstock
 
Am I seeing that right? Your second post in like, 9 years!?!?!
You've been lurking all this time? lol
:?
 
I couldn't begin to list everything you will need to do.
Or how and what is legal where you are?
It will be a lot of work!!
Yes ECUs will probably be a problem. But i cant see why a manual wont bolt on to you auto equipped engine?

Your best bet would be to buy a crashed damaged (rear end) car and then you will have all you need.
But not to badly damaged as it may have transferred shock down the running gear.

Obvious things
clutch fly wheel and then clutch releases bearings.
slave cylinder and clutch pedal assembly.
Gearbox and prop shaft as i bet the gearboxes are a different length.
Then obviously codding and doing away with the ecu that controls the auto box.
The diff will most likely have different ratios.

Best bet would be like i say buy the 3.0l manual. If you go for anything else like an M have deep pockets.

I am not shore of you level of mechanical competence? This wont be easy!! It wont be a simple bolt off and on job done in a weekend.
 
I'd guess your cheapest/easiest option would be to get hold of a donor E46 3 series with the same 2.5l engine, still you would need the pedals from a Z4 though
 
Isn't there someone here who has done this? The only person I have seen successfully swap a box. Or maybe it was manual to auto?
 
Good luck, the mechanical stuff will be do-able but I'm looking forward to the write up on cracking the loom and module coding issues, way beyond me I'm afraid :cry:

http://www.n54tech.com/forums/showthread.php?t=27664 :popcorn:
 
Would the differential have to be changed, the reason I ask is because auto boxes go straight through in top gear (I think).
A manual box would be straight through in fourth and then overdriven in fifth or sixth.
Are there clutch pedal switches/sensors.
Perhaps the coolant radiator has to be changed because it contains the transmission cooler?
Not to mention reconfiguring the engine ecu, does the auto box have it's own ecu?
 
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