Automatic N52 - ZF 8HP swap or Manual swap

[gaseosx]

Trying to decide if I should 8HP swap or manual swap, coming from 2008 automatic Z4 roadster. (I can't sell this car, otherwise I would just get a coupe)

8HP swap in theory doesn't sound bad compared to a manual swap, but I need to fact check a lot of things:
2011 528i, X3 x28i, X5 8HP transmission for drop in compatibility
-Does the trans cooler lines line up to the original position for all or some models? If not then I need to use AN lines which adds complexity.
-I have heard that the 8HP runs much cooler than the 6HP so are there overcooling concerns if I use the stock trans cooler attached to the radiator?
-How am I going to mount the newer shifter (F series shifter)?
-Verify if original guibo drops in
-Verify original drive shaft length works or need custom drive shaft (maybe use newer carbon fiber F series driveshaft that people are retrofitting into E46's)
-Verify starter still mounts to transmission compared to newer 8HP's (looking at images it looks like it is)
-Need to look into CANTCU wiring
-Still need to use xHP to flash the original TCU

[3002 tii]

Manual seems way simpler, not sure why you’d want to replace with an auto.

[gaseosx]

Mainly because if everything is as I suspect, the 8hp is a straight drop in besides the wiring. With a manual swap I need to switch to a manual style radiator, expansion tank support bracket, install a clutch pedal box, and a couple other things. Not to mention the 8hp is a very high performing box that feels much better than the 6hp.

[86Zed]

The 8HP swap has been gaining a lot of traction in grassroots motorsports, etc. as a replacement for MT and older, slower auto boxes. Paddle shifter functionality is not half bad either and it can hold a serious amount of power.

Not sure you'll find the detailed answers you are looking for in the immediate ZPost section. Found these browsing for a bit

https://www.e46fanatics.com/threads/...-swap.1291160/

https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/s...l-to-auto-swap!

George Hill at Hill Performance Bimmers is a name that came up here. Give him a call, he is a treasure trove of information and willing to help others out. Tony at TC Design in Campbell (your neck of the woods) probably has some experience as well.

[gaseosx]

Thanks for the contact information, will give those two a call.

Yeah, I’ve been looking at the documented e46 and e90 swaps and this looks pretty doable. This swap looks really ideal for me with the two overdrive gears for gas mileage and this thing shifts pretty damn fast.

[jra]

Have you looked into the DCT swaps some are doing? Just started reading into these myself.