[xfrieddoughx]

Hey folks,I have been snooping around forums and haven't found that anyone has done a manual transmission swap on a f30.I am wondering is it possible? And what does it take? I might be buying a f30 and hate auto.Thanks!!

[AlpineX]

There is absolutely no reason to perform or attempt this swap unless you have a specific car in mind, and it better be unique.

[xfrieddoughx]

Well..F30 M Sport Red guts but auto.Change my mind?

[Gen13 F36]

Originally Posted by xfrieddoughx

Hey folks,I have been snooping around forums and haven't found that anyone has done a manual transmission swap on a f30.I am wondering is it possible? And what does it take? I might be buying a f30 and hate auto.Thanks!!

What does it take?

Money.........and more money.

If you actually go for it



This is not like the old days... just an example
240sx/ Silvia S14 transmission mt swap total cost $1500
Used transmission with drive shaft $800 - 1000
Pedal set with clutch cylinder $200-300
Labor $300

BMW
Transmission $$$$
Clutch pedal and supporting parts $$$$
Labor $$$$
Coding $$$$

[xfrieddoughx]

I know I know.I have all the parts tranny and everything.I need a coder basically..

[chowser51]

don't buy the f30.

just go find a manual car that you like and buy it. You're going to hate yourself if you get the F30 with auto and want a manual.

[AlpineX]

Originally Posted by xfrieddoughx

I know I know.I have all the parts tranny and everything.I need a coder basically..

You have a parts car? This will be a major undertaking, and honestly going to give you far more problems than reasonable vs buying a manual car from the onset

[bimmer456]

Originally Posted by chowser51

don't buy the f30.

just go find a manual car that you like and buy it. You're going to hate yourself if you get the F30 with auto and want a manual.

Or get an F30 with a manual.

[chowser51]

I found one near me! When i was searching before I did 200 miles and no one had one. Now i find one that’s 25 mins away.

https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-...Type=spotlight


Here Op. there’s 3 near you

https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-...Extension=true

[kern417]

Cluster
Steering wheel
Transmission
Potentially new DME/ DME Harness
Shift knob, pedals, trim, etc.
Potentially Rear diff, axles, etc.
Coding

Just off the top of my head. Probably subrames, mounts, and other stupid stuff under the car as well. I'm pretty sure Mission Performance did it on their F31?

[Solidjake]

When I had my E46 I did the auto to manual swap. It was ok but didn't feel the same. Just buy an F30 that came manual from factory....

[xfrieddoughx]

I'm getting one for a goood price man paying 30k for one is insane haha.Well.It looks like I should just find one manual yea? I really want the one I'm looking at haha

[IAmATeaf]

The auto is a good box. I’ve driven manuals all mylife and had to get an auto due to lower back problems, honestly I thought I’d put up with it for a year and change the car for a manual but I now love it

[torkles]

Originally Posted by xfrieddoughx

I'm getting one for a goood price man paying 30k for one is insane haha.Well.It looks like I should just find one manual yea? I really want the one I'm looking at haha

no you don't. you want one that's manual. that's why we are having this convo. if you don't want an auto one then don't get an auto one.

[xfrieddoughx]

Originally Posted by torkles

no you don't. you want one that's manual. that's why we are having this convo. if you don't want an auto one then don't get an auto one.

Yea..I do but it's hard to find one without paying that kind of money.Im thinking of seeing how this auto shit is worst case I sell it and end up saving for a manual one.you are right hahah but it has everything i want but that ya know.

[xfrieddoughx]

Originally Posted by IAmATeaf

The auto is a good box. I’ve driven manuals all mylife and had to get an auto due to lower back problems, honestly I thought I’d put up with it for a year and change the car for a manual but I now love it

Do you like the manual mode or the 8 speed box? How is it cause I will never be in Drive mode tbh.

[bimmer456]

The manual mode is good if you have the sport auto with paddles. You can shift with the paddles or console lever shift gate which fewer cars have nowadays. I use the console lever more often as it is easier to shift when turning. The sport auto shifts are immediate in sport mode almost like a DCT.

[krumpet]

I had a manual F30 up until a week ago, it was fun but the manual transmissions they put in the F30s aren't the greatest.

They aren't good enough to warrant going through the PITA of swapping IMO.

If it was an older car and a better manual transmission I'd say go for it, but it's not worth it here.

Side note now I have the sport auto and it's pretty damn good.

[Gen13 F36]

Originally Posted by xfrieddoughx

Do you like the manual mode or the 8 speed box? How is it cause I will never be in Drive mode tbh.

Just to mention ... the new M5 uses the ZF transmission, Aston Martin uses ZF and alot others high performance cars

[track.n.trail]

Zero reason to even think about doing this especially since you don't have a car yet. It would be an insane amount of work including interior trim, ECU work, etc.
Just buy a car with the transmission you want.

[2000Z3M]

it is doable, about 12k right now
https://www.autoblog.com/2019/08/13/...on-conversion/

[Ktroopa]

Just buy a manual f30. I bought what I thought was the dream combo; red interior, estoril blue, and 6mt. But after owning it for almost two years I regret getting a manual. Its just not the same feeling compared to a 90s japanese compact sports car.