Remove and Replace

TRANSMISSION, REMOVING AND INSTALLING

Removal of the transmission is best accomplished on a lift using a transmission jack. Use caution and safe workshop practices when working beneath the car and lowering the transmission.

Torx head bolts are used to mount the transmission to the bellhousing. Be sure to have the appropriate tools on hand before starting the job.

1. Disconnect negative (-) battery cable.

2. Raise the vehicle to gain access to the underside of the car.

WARNING: Make sure the car is stable and well supported at all times. Use a professional automotive lift or lack stands designed for the purpose. A floor jack is not adequate support.

3. Disconnect harness connector from reverse light switch on transmission.

4. Remove complete exhaust system and heat shields See 180 Exhaust System.

NOTE: Disconnect the oxygen sensor harness connector before lowering exhaust system.

5. Remove driveshaft. Service and Repair

NOTE: It is not necessary to fully remove the driveshaft. As an alternative, unbolt the driveshaft flex-disc from the transmission flange and unbolt the driveshaft center bearing support from the body Then bend the driveshaft downwards in the center to disconnect. Use stiff wire to hold the driveshaft in place.

6. Disconnect shift rod from transmission selector shaft. Disconnect shift console from top of transmission. Service and Repair

7. Unbolt clutch slave cylinder from side of transmission. Do not disconnect fluid hose. Suspend slave cylinder from body using stiff wire.

CAUTION: Do not operate clutch with slave cylinder removed from transmission.

8. Support transmission from below with jack. Unbolt transmission cross-support and bracket. Lower transmission/engine assembly until it rests on front crossmember.

NOTE: On cars with M50 engine, place a block of wood between the front stabilizer bar and the engine block before lowering the transmission/engine assembly




9. Remove transmission mounting bolts (Torx� head). Note length and location of bolts.

CAUTION: At no time should the weight of the transmission be supported by the transmission input shaft.

10. Separate transmission from engine. Do not place any strain on transmission input shaft. Lower jack and remove transmission. Mark location of aligning dowels in engine block.

WARNING: Make sure the car is stable and well supported at all times. Use a professional automotive lift or jack stands designed for the purpose. A floor jack alone is not adequate support.



- Installation is the reverse of removal.

- Lightly lubricate the transmission input shaft with Microlube GL 261 before installing.

- Be sure cylinder block dowels are correctly located.

- Center the rear of transmission in the driveshaft tunnel before tightening the transmission support bracket.

CAUTION: BMW recommends using Microlube GL 261 on the clutch disc and transmission input shaft splines. Otherwise the clutch disc may bind on the input shaft and cause hard shifting. This lubricant is available under the BMW Pad No.81229407436.

NOTE: Washers should always be used with Torx head bolts. Installing bolts without washers will make them difficult to loosen.

- Install the driveshaft and preload the center bearing bracket.

- Refill transmission with appropriate lubricant before starting or towing the car. refer to "Oil Change In Manual Transmission"