Posted by Troy Rudolph on August 04, 1999 at 14:32:21:
In Reply to: Re: '80 528i Auto to 4 or 5 speed? posted by Marlen Padberg on August 04, 1999 at 13:20:58:
1) I did not change the rear axle ratio. As you noted, first through fourth are nearly identical in both boxes. So, the acceleration is the same, but there's a nice reduction in revs in fifth.
2) I bought a new 5-speed driveshaft on sale from Maximillan ($562). Shortening the 4-speed shaft or buying a 5-speed shaft from recycler would certainly be cheaper. I chose to buy a new one because the shortening process plus the cost of installing new u-joints and center bearing was about $400 and with a new one, I wouldn't have to trust anyone but BMW. Today, I might choose differently; it seems that there are more driveshaft services available now than then.