E24 M6 Gearbox replacement

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M6 Dream
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Joined: Wed Oct 05, 2016 7:42 am
Location: Poland

E24 M6 Gearbox replacement

Post by M6 Dream »

I ve M6 '88 with s38 engine. I need to replace geagbox as it looks like 5th gear thread had been overheated and now pieces of it I am regularry finding while oil change [ little metal pieces on magnetic oil cap. I am looking for a gearbox new is the best but probably unavailable worldwide. Correct me if I am wrong] I am also looking for used one but it is difficult for me to understand what gearbox numbers should be taken for search. I think based on spec it is Getrag 280 5.50 On my ,currently in the car, gearbox [still in use] there are numbers 260 0 1302 91 and 260.0.1533.90, and 0031260G [stamped]. At the same time somwher close to my location [Poland] I have found eBay offer for GearBox for E24 M6 . i see on the pictures in the offer number 260.0.1302.90. the offer is German and no e-mail address so it is difficult to verify what e24 m6 is comming from. There is just one last digit difference. Does it count for me or it is not important and I can buy it and chenge to currently used. Please help
brickwhite
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Re: E24 M6 Gearbox replacement

Post by brickwhite »

Yes, your m6 should have a 280 Getrag in it.

However, finding a 280 that is in good condition is very hard these days. And finding parts to rebuild a 280 is just as difficult.

I hear a lot of people swap to a 265 Getrag transmission.

Here is a link to a swap....
http://www.mye28.com/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=59684

http://metricmechanic.com/transmissions/
- 12 535i
- 92 325ic
M6 Dream
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Re: E24 M6 Gearbox replacement

Post by M6 Dream »

Thanks for reply. It is good news. May be you know if numbers on my gearbox and these which I see in the ebay offer - different by one digit are still refering to the same gearbox which will fit in case of replacement
brickwhite
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Re: E24 M6 Gearbox replacement

Post by brickwhite »

I assume you are talking about this tranny?

https://www.ebay.de/itm/Getrag-260-Getr ... 3236885614

1.300 euros is quite a bit of money for a 260. You can buy those for around $400 over here in the US.

260.0.1302.90 is probably a 260 from later e28s/e24s. Not really what you want on a M6.

It may fit, but it is not preferred as you may need a different driveshaft and cross brace.

I would look for a 265

like this https://www.ebay.de/itm/GETRAG-265-BMW- ... 2738640341

but with a different bell housing... like this... https://www.ebay.de/itm/GETRAG-265-262- ... 2738670008
- 12 535i
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GazM3
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Re: E24 M6 Gearbox replacement

Post by GazM3 »

The 265 dogleg is a great match for the m635csi and pretty well bolts straight in with only a little messing about with the shifter. I changed mine when the 280 was starting to get grumpy.

Only problem is u will need to change the diff ratio. I tried to live with the 3.73 but it would cruise at 3200rpm @ 100kmh. Even the 3.45 which I have now is a little bit revvy at 2950. I’m going to go a 3.15 ratio which will work nice
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brickwhite
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Re: E24 M6 Gearbox replacement

Post by brickwhite »

I was speaking to more of the 265/6 cheaper and easier to come buy

The 265/5 Doglegs are great, I have a feeling he doesn't know what that is and what a dogleg will cost..
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TBM
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Re: E24 M6 Gearbox replacement

Post by TBM »

A good Dogleg will cost around 3900. I am rebuilding one now.... If I went the easy route it would have been around 4500 all in but I bought the trans for 2700 and the rebuild is 2500 plus the treatments I doing...
'84 M635csi
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wattsmonkey
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Re: E24 M6 Gearbox replacement

Post by wattsmonkey »

The numbers on the cases are unequivocally confusing though. The 265s start with 242; the 280 starts with 260.

I know this relates to the case with the 265 (i.e. it's the four speed 242 case in the front with an "extra bit"), but it doesn't help with making things clear.

Is the 280 a 260 with different internals? If so, the original prop will fit.
"Most of it necessary; all of it enjoyable." LJKS
'84 635CSi, dogleg...itbs and supercharger????? Eaton Mess
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David Muench
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Re: E24 M6 Gearbox replacement

Post by David Muench »

Sounds like you have a similar problem I had some time ago except mine was third gear.I tried everywhere to get a replacement Getrag 280, no luck. I eventually dropped lucky when I was told about 'ALL Gears' in Worksop UK.
They are a family firm that repairs Getrag gearboxes. They do a complete gearbox refresh for £450.00. that includes all the parts and labour. They sorted mine out great, new selectors and two new gears, and till going strong.
The downside is you have to get the gearbox out and send it to them. Have a look at their web site and give them a call
Good luck.
David.

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wattsmonkey
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Re: E24 M6 Gearbox replacement

Post by wattsmonkey »

Thanks for that David, that's worth knowing,

Rob
"Most of it necessary; all of it enjoyable." LJKS
'84 635CSi, dogleg...itbs and supercharger????? Eaton Mess
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