Transmission ID...

[themilkguy]

My '73 520 has a 4-speed transmission and I am considering an upgrade to a 5-speed. However, that's a topic for another day.

Nice segway, eh?

When I bought the car the last owner had been planning to bring her back to life, but ran out of steam. When I got her home I found a transmission (amongst other things) in the trunk. (boot?)

The only identifying marks i can find on it (other than the emblem) are the numbers 19083, and finding that was a hunt through the years of grime.

<table><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/RF ... site"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_DxINW8BJy8o/TTD9k ... 4-2129.jpg" height="108" width="144"></a></td></tr><tr><td>From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/craviation/ ... site">1973 BMW 520</a></td></tr></table>
and...
<table><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/LP ... site"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_DxINW8BJy8o/TTD9k ... 4-2129.jpg" height="108" width="144"></a></td></tr><tr><td>From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/craviation/ ... site">1973 BMW 520</a></td></tr></table>

Insight greatly appreciated. If this isn't a model number where can I find one?

Thanks,
Craig

[Mike W.]

My first guess was a 232 like they used in 2002s, but looking at Realoem it suggests it would be a 242 like was used in early E21 320i's. I believe the 242 is considered a stronger transmission, better synchros I think, but I don't know how to ID them or tell the difference. That's something a 2002 forum would be better on. Really they'd be better on most of the drivetrain as it was similiar and we never got 4 cylinder E12s here, but this is definitely the place for body/chassis questions. And I'll try and help regardless, just that my knowledge is weak on some things like 4 cylinder transmissions.

[themilkguy]

Mike - your first guess was right on the money!

I spent another hour hitting the transmission with brake cleaner and a brush, and was able to find the numbers.

232 0 013 00

4-speed manual from the 2002-era, '67-'70

http://www.metricmechanic.com/catalog/g ... -chart.php

Thanks for the other advice too, I'm going to hunt around for a 2002 Owners Group to lurk in. How odd it feels to have such a 'Frankenstein' of a car! Engine of a 2002, body of a Fiver...

Cheers,
Craig

[Pete K]

Hey, don't go knocking the M10 powered e12s! They are top little cars that don't suffer any of the handling problems you get with putting a "boat anchor" under the hood I've never met another e12 on the track, but I've seen off plenty of e28s including an M5, M535i and a 528i special.

You'll find plenty of stuff that is different from the 6 cylinder ones - engine (obvioulsy), radiator, gearbox, drive shaft, diff, rear brakes. Plenty of things in common though - style and good looks!

Give me a yell if you a have a 4 cylinder specific question.

Cheers