Changing from 5 speed to 6 speed box.

[Sgr74]

My 2003 2.5 has a 5 speed box. It needs a 6th gear. Other than motorway/distance driving, what are the other benefits to changing the box. I know it's a lot of work, would it be worth it?

 

[GuidoK]

My 2003 2.5 has a 5 speed box. It needs a 6th gear. Other than motorway/distance driving, what are the other benefits to changing the box.

Not much difference other than that. The gear ratio's 1-5 are virtually the same.
If you change to a 6 speed box, remember that you also have to change the propshaft as the 5 speed is shorter.
And maybe you also need a different style clutch plate; bmw somewhere changed 5 speed boxes from a 9 spline input shaft to a 22 spline input shaft.
All 6 speed boxes have 22 spline input shafts. (its best to put a 22 spline 330i clutch in anyway, they're stronger)

 

[Sgr74]

My 2003 2.5 has a 5 speed box. It needs a 6th gear. Other than motorway/distance driving, what are the other benefits to changing the box.

Not much difference other than that. The gear ratio's 1-5 are virtually the same.
If you change to a 6 speed box, remember that you also have to change the propshaft as the 5 speed is shorter.
And maybe you also need a different style clutch plate; bmw somewhere changed 5 speed boxes from a 9 spline input shaft to a 22 spline input shaft.
All 6 speed boxes have 22 spline input shafts. (its best to put a 22 spline 330i clutch in anyway, they're stronger)

That settles it then. Not worth the hassle. Thanks for the info.

 

[Scooba_Steve]

Depends, if you can get a box with the parts needed and were looking to change your clutch anyway then, assuming mounts etc. all the same then not much more to do.