Transmission Swap - United Bimmer Community

**RSF5** · 03-04-2006, 11:05 AM

I just bought my first BMW which took me a while since I'm still in high school and got a great deal on a 99' 323i that was in perfect shape. It is an automatic but still very fun to drive but I really was dying for a manual transmission. I was wondering if anyone has any advice if it’s worth it to swap it out or on the cost or anything else? (This is my first post on this website, Harry if you see this I heard about it from Chris W. the other day!)

witeshark · 03-04-2006, 11:20 AM

Here: http://www.unitedbimmer.com/forums/s...l+Transmission

Welcome to UB.C

**RSF5** · 03-04-2006, 11:25 AM

Thanks, the switch doesn't seem too costly considering the fun that would come with it. Looks good.

**xsperf** · 03-04-2006, 05:14 PM

the parts arent expensive at all, you just have to make sure that you know someone who will be willing to do the swap

Storamin · 03-04-2006, 05:16 PM

It's normally cheaper to sell your current car and buy one with a manual.

**doughboyea** · 03-04-2006, 06:33 PM

True, unless your car is worth $18k and the swap costs $2k...If this were similar to an E30, it's definatly NOT worth the effort.

Dough

**donald1476** · 03-04-2006, 07:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Storamin

It's normally cheaper to sell your current car and buy one with a manual.

QFT.
Speaking from experience

**RSF5** · 03-04-2006, 07:47 PM

Yeah but trading in this car is really not an option right now, I'm probally never going to find a deal as good as the one I got on it on a manual car.

**RSF5** · 03-04-2006, 07:48 PM

Although if I could find a good deal then I probally would.

Storamin · 03-04-2006, 09:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by doughboyea

True, unless your car is worth $18k and the swap costs $2k...If this were similar to an E30, it's definatly NOT worth the effort.

Dough

No, even IF your car is worth 18k and the swap costs 2k. Automatic cars are normally more expensive than manual cars of the same condiiton. Even at 18k.

**doughboyea** · 03-04-2006, 09:41 PM

Umm, what? Maybe I didn't make myself clear. I'm saying that if it costs a considerable amount more than the value or equal to the value of the vehicle, then it's not worth it in my opinion. My example was such that a vehicle, who's resale value at the time is at $18k, a $2000 retrofit is far less of a porpotional figure than if someone with a vehicle worth ~$2000.

I should add that unless your sickly inlove with your car, it could behoove you to consider selling ur auto and getting a manual car. Then again, if you've had the car for a while and know all about it's troubles or lack there of, you may be hesitent to go for one that you know nothing about.

Dough

**RSF5** · 03-05-2006, 01:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by doughboyea

Umm, what? Maybe I didn't make myself clear. I'm saying that if it costs a considerable amount more than the value or equal to the value of the vehicle, then it's not worth it in my opinion. My example was such that a vehicle, who's resale value at the time is at $18k, a $2000 retrofit is far less of a porpotional figure than if someone with a vehicle worth ~$2000.

I should add that unless your sickly inlove with your car, it could behoove you to consider selling ur auto and getting a manual car. Then again, if you've had the car for a while and know all about it's troubles or lack there of, you may be hesitent to go for one that you know nothing about.

Dough

thats the thing right there, is I could sell my car to get a manual but I've had this car for a couple months and I've gotten all the bugs out of it eg. Cracked Transmission pan, Old Gasket, Air conditioner fix, Lose gas tank, old window motor, turn signal wiring fix. Now the car runs awesome and I don't feel like going through all of that again with a car I don't know.

witeshark · 03-05-2006, 01:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RSF5

*snip* turn signal wiring fix. Now the car runs awesome and I don't feel like going through all of that again with a car I don't know.

Yeah, I hear this

**komodo** · 03-05-2006, 03:07 AM

Haha, your question seems to have been answered already.

Welcome to UB.

Might I know you in real life also, or do you just know Chris?

**RSF5** · 03-05-2006, 11:10 AM

I knew you slightly at MSH, I was there freshman, sophomore years and I went to Alpharetta when you were a senior. But I was talking about cars with Chris (go figure, Chris talking about cars) and he mentioned this website. I’m the guy they all call French by my last name. And thank you for the welcome.