Getrag 280 to 265 in an M5

[ChicagoMatt]

This is a great writeup. One question I have is about the bell housing that comes with the G265 in the E30 M3 (P/N 21112225293). Could this bell housing be used instead of the 85-535/635 (P/N 21111225493) one?
Also, what about the aluminum shift console (and selector rod) from the e30 M3, will that put the shifter in the right spot for an e28 or e24?

[ChicagoMatt]

The answer to my quesiton is: yes, you can use the bell housing from an E30 M3 to connect the s38 to a G265. The shape is exactly the same except for right around the rear engine lift point and it actually just leaves the lift point more exposed but conforms to the actual block shape perfectly. The bolt pattern is the same but some of the lengths are different and I had to obtain some special lengths like M10x95. Feel free to contact me for the details.
All of the internal dimensions such as clutch pivot point, slaver cylinder mount point, and input shaft length/spline position relative to the engine are identical. There is a mount point for the speedo, which of course is not used and results in a vacant 'hole' in the bell housing, it's near the starter and the weird 'w' shaped cavity at the edge of the housing.

One unexpected issue I did run into is that the G265 I got from an e30 M3 had a different (longer) output flange. I did not notice this right away and the difference was enough to eat up more than the play available in the drive-shaft. Fortunately the G280 has the shorter output flange and I was able to exchange the two. Thankfully this can be done with the trans in the car....

I now have the whole thing hooked up in my '88 M6 and everything is working great.

My second quesiton about shift console is a definite: no. The M3 console is much too long.

On another note, I installed a UUC short shift kit with dual-shear selector rod. I got the kit for M5/M6, and I could not help but notice that the dual-shear selector rod was actually the proper width for the G265, which is pleasing to me but if I had bought it to go with the G280, I would be quite disappointed. The selector rod connecting point on the G280 is too wide to fit the dual-shear rod. Maybe there is something I'm missing since I had no reason to go further into solving that problem, but it seems to me like you would have to get the end-piece from a different model if you were going to use it with a G280.

Overall the 265 is very quiet, though a bit notch-ier than the 280 overall, and obviously everyone knows about the ratios... really just makes the engine rev a little more at lower speeds, and what could be wrong with that?!

[gazm3]

glad you like the dogleg behind the s38. i swapped my 3.73 for a more cruise friendly 3.45 and it works nice, still has the revvy nature, but cruise RPM is 2800rpm@100km/h rather than about 3150. at the 7000rpm cutout I have gps top speed of 221km/h, which is probably not great for the autobahn. Im doing a faiirly major engine upgrade shortly (bigger crank, cams, chain upgrade, adjustable cam wheels, bigger valves, better valve springs/retainers, and the important crank hub upgrade. Engine builder is happy to have redline to the low 8000 zone so the dogleg will be a great partner.

I rekon for a std engine and cruisability the 3.15 or 3.23 ratio will be the one to use. If u dont mind it revving the 3.45 is brilliant.

[Drew in NYC]

^^^ No dogleg here. Unless I'm missing something, the gearbox in question is the overdrive G265/6.

http://www.mye28.com/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=61367#p532545

[kcmfive34]

When you're done with the swap, if that Getrag 265 bell housing is up for grabs would be happy to consider giving you something for it. Just name the price!

[Mike W.]

There is a mount point for the speedo, which of course is not used and results in a vacant 'hole' in the bell housing, it's near the starter and the weird 'w' shaped cavity at the edge of the housing.

Nope, that's for checking the timing and to view the pressed in ball on the flywheel, which actually is supposed to be done here in Calif when it's smogged, they are supposed to check timing, computer controled or not. And on M30 Motronic cars I have seen them do it. The speedo drive hole is in back, perpendicular to the driveshaft at about a 45 degree angle somewhat towards the drivers side. If it still had the drive assembly in it, I would remove it and plug the hole. You could probably get away without removing it, I suspect the pitch of the teeth will hold it in place, but you never know and it is just a slip fit. A little hard to get out due to the stiction of gear oil and not being able to really grab hold of it, but it does just slide in and out. And I suspect you will have an oil leak if you remove it and don't plug the hole.

And I do just happen to have a M30, G265/6 bellhousing if whomever kcmfive34 is speaking to, doesn't.

[dan101smith]

Resurrection, and a bit O/T - if you were fitting a 260/6 to an M5, would you need to use the sensors from the 280 or the 260?

[wkohler]

The sensors aren't transmission-specific. Use the originals from the M5 since they will have the proper length.

[dan101smith]

Good to know, thanks.

[Freude am Fahren]

If one plans to install a CR Dogleg transmission in lieu of the G280, do the "ears" on the Dogleg also need to be cut by 27mm to accommodate the "bow"? Is there an alternative not to cut the ears on an otherwise expensive transmission while still achieving proper alignment of the shift and selector rods?

[Freude am Fahren]

Double Post... My sincere apologies.

[derrith]

You can use the original sheet metal shift console instead of modifying the transmission. Or you can shorten and reweld the aluminum shift console.

[mooseheadm5]

I'll be doing this in the spring. I think I will make a new bow rather than cut the trans bits off. Will report back.

[clovold]

I know this is an ancient thread, but what did you do about the clearance above the M3 adapter bow? The holes in the bow don't line up with the upper shift arm support, it's too low so the arm hits the transmission and doesn't allow room to get the bolt through. I'm not sure it it's safe to grind a bit off the top of the transmission or what is best.

What did you do?

[harrypalmer]

Wrong place to post question. Sorry.

[Nebraska_e28]

Will the 5-Speed (overdrive) transmission 260/6.03-TAJE (I assume it is a Getrag) found in the 1990 E34 be a direct exchange fit for my 1986 E28 worn Getrag 260/6? BTW no idea what this ref: 260/6.03-TAJE means.

My current E28 Getrag 260/6 needs to be replaced so I am looking for alternatives. Any insights will be appreciated. Thank you.

Please start your own thread for these types of questions rather than tagging into others. There's a wealth of members that will happily assist.

[harrypalmer]

Yes you are absolutely correct. My mistake I will delete my post.

[Hffvdbl]

Great write up!