How to swap out an automatic transmission to a manual transmission?

Tiny
MIDHUN
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 BMW 330
  • 2.9L
  • 6 CYL
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 220,000 MILES
I have the car listed above 330i, 4 door model. I would love to make it manual gear. Is it good to convert to manual gear and is it really hard to do the process? And also, will there be any issues in the future if I make it to manual? Also, do you have any idea where to get the whole parts for the conversion possibly? Please explain to me all the details I need to know about it. And also, is it good to put a turbo in this car? And also, the process of putting the turbo and pros and cons of this as well.
Monday, April 4th, 2022 AT 11:22 AM

1 Reply

Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
There is nothing wrong with doing this, but it is going to require some pretty extensive changes and parts. In fact, in the end, it may be easier and cheaper to just find a vehicle that is already a manual.

However, you are going to need to get a manual pedal assembly with all the linkages. Change the shifter to a manual and possibly cut the floor if it doesn't fit with enough clearance.

You will need the transmission and all the different mounting hardware.

Lastly you will need to be ready to adapt and even fabricate some parts unless you get a donor vehicle that has this set up already. If you have that, then it is just a matter of transferring the parts over.

As for the turbo, again, you can add it but I am not sure this engine had a turbo, so you are going to have to go aftermarket and those kits are pretty easy to bolt on assuming they are made for this engine. If they are then they come with all the brackets and oil lines that you will need.

Here are a couple of guides that will help with talking a little more about these systems to give you an idea of the parts that you will need:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-a-clutch

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-turbo-chargers-work

There are no manuals or guides to tell how to do this, but anything can be done. It is just a matter of how much time and money you are willing to put into it.
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Tuesday, April 5th, 2022 AT 1:11 PM

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