E46 M3 gearbox into a Z4M

sadar · 03-11-2013, 04:26 PM

Has anyone tried this swap seeing that the Z4M gearbox is so troublesome on the 2nd gear - gearshifts ?
Will it even work ?

inTgr8r · 03-11-2013, 04:39 PM

Won't fit into the tunnel

mfanatic325 · 03-11-2013, 05:00 PM

Yeah otherwise we would've had them already

You can reduce 2nd gear grind by any or all of the following ways:
1) upgrade the transmission mount bushings
2) install a short shift kit such as AutoSolutions
3) learn to shift correctly

For #3, I don't mean it in a derogatory way, but rather a serious tone. It has been discussed that for our transmissions, pulling straight down into 2nd is not the correct way to shift. Instead, put more force towards the left while pulling down. Try to keep your shift action short, precise, and crisp. No right-hand jerks

RobMCoupe · 03-11-2013, 06:04 PM

E46 M3 have similar problem with 1>2 shift. What works for me is don't force it into second. Give it a little pause help smooth out the shift. Also VibraTechnic engine mount along with others mention help a bunch.

beta · 03-11-2013, 06:23 PM

The reason we got a different gearbox than the e46 one is because that one didn't fit. I wouldn't expect you to be able to fit it for a reasonable cost if BMW gave up on the idea.

The only real thing that helps the grinding so far is the vibra technics engine mounts.

I'm not convinced stiffer transmission mounts help that much, but I don't have them installed so I cannot say for certain.

I don't think SSK helps either, I do have that installed (and it's worth every penny, just not for fixing grind).

I'm hoping that vibra-technics makes us a transmission brace. That + engine mounts has a real possibility of fixing the grind (or at least making it so you have to slam the transmission into second to have a problem). Read the thread I linked for more info.

Other than that, search the forum. This topic has been covered 5 million times. The current best answer is what Rob says above: learn how to do a heartbeat pause between 1st and 2nd.

bignosejim · 03-11-2013, 06:53 PM

Here's another vote for the Vibra-Technics engine mounts. Not only does the car shift sooo much smoother, but when you hit the gas the car just goes.

They are worth the cost and are the best mod I've done to the car (and I have the AS SSK).

Beedub · 03-12-2013, 06:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bignosejim

Here's another vote for the Vibra-Technics engine mounts. Not only does the car shift sooo much smoother, but when you hit the gas the car just goes.

They are worth the cost and are the best mod I've done to the car (and I have the AS SSK).

seriously agree!!!! Theyve made a huge difference to my car!! HUGE!!

sadar · 03-12-2013, 07:31 AM

I've changed to stiffer transmission mounts , but still have gear change issues.
I must try these engine mounts.
But what is actually the problem ? can the gearbox be modified (by opening it up) to stop this behavior ?
The denial and popping out of gear, from 3rd down to 2nd really grates my sack.

beta · 03-12-2013, 12:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sadar

I've changed to stiffer transmission mounts , but still have gear change issues.
I must try these engine mounts.
But what is actually the problem ? can the gearbox be modified (by opening it up) to stop this behavior ?
The denial and popping out of gear, from 3rd down to 2nd really grates my sack.

More than likely it's the amount of rotation between gear box / engine under acceleration or hard cornering. Only way to make sure though is to wait for vibra to make us a brace. If that still doesn't solve it, it means it's an issue with the gearbox itself.

The 3->2 denial AFAIK is fixed with stiffer mounts + engine mounts. It's the 1->2 that's better, but not completely fixed.

mfanatic325 · 03-12-2013, 01:05 PM

It's odd because I only have tranny mounts + the AS ssk and I've never had 1st to 2nd grind nor 3rd to 2nd rejection, even at the track. Maybe you really just have to slow down your shifts and/or gently guide the lever into each shift gate?

inTgr8r · 03-12-2013, 01:12 PM

IIRC vibra stated that there was not a lot to be gained with a new trany mount.
The multi axis OE design is pretty good.

I'm looking forward to getting my vibra's installed to see just how good they are.

bignosejim · 03-12-2013, 08:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by inTgr8r

I'm looking forward to getting my vibra's installed to see just how good they are.

You won't be disappointed!

dre99gsx · 03-20-2023, 08:54 AM

10 years later...

I'm not sure how much longer my OEM 6spd is going to last with the abuse I am putting on it, but my only reasonable upgrade would be the E46 transmission.

Instead of relying on anecdotes, has anyone *tried* to install one in the z4 chassis? Any data on why it doesn't fit? Too long/too short, hits the tunnel in some particular spot, etc?

Can it fit with some minor fab work and not tear apart the tunnel completely?

Terraphantm · 06-08-2023, 10:24 AM

I’m not convinced it wouldn’t fit, but I haven’t seen anyone try.

There are other upgrade possibilities such as the n54 transmissions, but would require some additional modifications.

///Mcoupe · 07-09-2023, 12:56 PM

I don't believe it doesn't fit, BMW said the 6 speed doesn't fit in the 2001-2002 z3m and they put the 5 speed, that was a lie , it fits.

I think BMW lied again as the ZF they put is cheaper than the Getrag 420 of the M3.
There is a shop in south africa that has a 1400 whp turbo z4m coupe and they put the 6 speed from the M3 in it.

Willy Sea · 07-09-2023, 02:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ///Mcoupe

I don't believe it doesn't fit, BMW said the 6 speed doesn't fit in the 2001-2002 z3m and they put the 5 speed, that was a lie , it fits.

I think BMW lied again as the ZF they put is cheaper than the Getrag 420 of the M3.
There is a shop in south africa that has a 1400 whp turbo z4m coupe and they put the 6 speed from the M3 in it.

Correct, but with an unbelievable amount of fabrication work, to the firewall and floor as the getrag is a wider transmission, and shorter too. Remember the M3 is a wider car and you sit on the floor pan. Our beloved E86 chassis we sit within.

We have a S54 Z3MC, E46M3, E86MC and E86 3.0si and never experience any issues with shifting up or down, the proviso here is: the engine and gearbox must be up to operating temperature. From cold, yes, can be baulking a little. Royal Purple or Redline oils may assist here, various race shop technicians swear by these products to solve the issues discussed above.

03-11-2013, 04:26 PM	#1
sadar New Member 2 Rep 10 Posts Drives: Z4M roadster Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: On Track iTrader: (0)	E46 M3 gearbox into a Z4M Has anyone tried this swap seeing that the Z4M gearbox is so troublesome on the 2nd gear - gearshifts ? Will it even work ? __________________ 2007 Z4Mcoupe - track car.
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03-11-2013, 04:39 PM	#2
inTgr8r Lieutenant General 2426 Rep 11,667 Posts Drives: M2 Comp Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Toronto iTrader: (10)	Won't fit into the tunnel __________________ '21 M2C Hockenheim Silver '18 718 Cayman S Lava Orange (sold) '13 E92 M3 Santorini Blue (sold) '07 Z4 M Coupe Alpine White (sold)
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03-11-2013, 06:04 PM	#4
RobMCoupe Captain 60 Rep 932 Posts Drives: 2007 Z4 M Coupe Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Bay Area iTrader: (6)	E46 M3 have similar problem with 1>2 shift. What works for me is don't force it into second. Give it a little pause help smooth out the shift. Also VibraTechnic engine mount along with others mention help a bunch.
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03-11-2013, 06:23 PM	#5
beta Lieutenant Colonel 80 Rep 1,663 Posts Drives: 2006 M Roadster Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: CA iTrader: (2)	The reason we got a different gearbox than the e46 one is because that one didn't fit. I wouldn't expect you to be able to fit it for a reasonable cost if BMW gave up on the idea. The only real thing that helps the grinding so far is the vibra technics engine mounts. I'm not convinced stiffer transmission mounts help that much, but I don't have them installed so I cannot say for certain. I don't think SSK helps either, I do have that installed (and it's worth every penny, just not for fixing grind). I'm hoping that vibra-technics makes us a transmission brace. That + engine mounts has a real possibility of fixing the grind (or at least making it so you have to slam the transmission into second to have a problem). Read the thread I linked for more info. Other than that, search the forum. This topic has been covered 5 million times. The current best answer is what Rob says above: learn how to do a heartbeat pause between 1st and 2nd. __________________ modification journal
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03-11-2013, 06:53 PM	#6
bignosejim Lieutenant 40 Rep 400 Posts Drives: 2007 IB M Coupe Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: DFW iTrader: (0)	Here's another vote for the Vibra-Technics engine mounts. Not only does the car shift sooo much smoother, but when you hit the gas the car just goes. They are worth the cost and are the best mod I've done to the car (and I have the AS SSK).
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-11-2013, 05:00 PM	#3
mfanatic325 ///M-fanatic 193 Rep 3,885 Posts Drives: '01 911 Turbo Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Cupertino, CA. iTrader: (23)	Yeah otherwise we would've had them already You can reduce 2nd gear grind by any or all of the following ways: 1) upgrade the transmission mount bushings 2) install a short shift kit such as AutoSolutions 3) learn to shift correctly For #3, I don't mean it in a derogatory way, but rather a serious tone. It has been discussed that for our transmissions, pulling straight down into 2nd is not the correct way to shift. Instead, put more force towards the left while pulling down. Try to keep your shift action short, precise, and crisp. No right-hand jerks
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03-12-2013, 07:31 AM	#8
sadar New Member 2 Rep 10 Posts Drives: Z4M roadster Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: On Track iTrader: (0)	I've changed to stiffer transmission mounts , but still have gear change issues. I must try these engine mounts. But what is actually the problem ? can the gearbox be modified (by opening it up) to stop this behavior ? The denial and popping out of gear, from 3rd down to 2nd really grates my sack. __________________ 2007 Z4Mcoupe - track car.
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03-12-2013, 01:05 PM	#10
mfanatic325 ///M-fanatic 193 Rep 3,885 Posts Drives: '01 911 Turbo Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Cupertino, CA. iTrader: (23)	It's odd because I only have tranny mounts + the AS ssk and I've never had 1st to 2nd grind nor 3rd to 2nd rejection, even at the track. Maybe you really just have to slow down your shifts and/or gently guide the lever into each shift gate?
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03-12-2013, 01:12 PM	#11
inTgr8r Lieutenant General 2426 Rep 11,667 Posts Drives: M2 Comp Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Toronto iTrader: (10)	IIRC vibra stated that there was not a lot to be gained with a new trany mount. The multi axis OE design is pretty good. I'm looking forward to getting my vibra's installed to see just how good they are. __________________ '21 M2C Hockenheim Silver '18 718 Cayman S Lava Orange (sold) '13 E92 M3 Santorini Blue (sold) '07 Z4 M Coupe Alpine White (sold)
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03-20-2023, 08:54 AM	#13
dre99gsx Captain 508 Rep 911 Posts Drives: 1994 Toyota Supra Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: NJ iTrader: (2)	10 years later... I'm not sure how much longer my OEM 6spd is going to last with the abuse I am putting on it, but my only reasonable upgrade would be the E46 transmission. Instead of relying on anecdotes, has anyone tried to install one in the z4 chassis? Any data on why it doesn't fit? Too long/too short, hits the tunnel in some particular spot, etc? Can it fit with some minor fab work and not tear apart the tunnel completely? __________________ Andre - 2J into a Z4 Coupe!
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06-08-2023, 10:24 AM	#14
Terraphantm Captain 253 Rep 775 Posts Drives: E46 M3 Coupe Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: N/A iTrader: (1)	I’m not convinced it wouldn’t fit, but I haven’t seen anyone try. There are other upgrade possibilities such as the n54 transmissions, but would require some additional modifications.
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07-09-2023, 12:56 PM	#15
///Mcoupe New Member 11 Rep 23 Posts Drives: 2007 M Coupe Join Date: May 2018 Location: Montreal , Canada iTrader: (0)	I don't believe it doesn't fit, BMW said the 6 speed doesn't fit in the 2001-2002 z3m and they put the 5 speed, that was a lie , it fits. I think BMW lied again as the ZF they put is cheaper than the Getrag 420 of the M3. There is a shop in south africa that has a 1400 whp turbo z4m coupe and they put the 6 speed from the M3 in it.
	Appreciate 0 Quote