Howitzer

I know my car very well and I've put all of the miles on it so I'm much more inclined to keep it and upgrade it than jump into another manual trans 5. So my question is can you convert an A/T to Manual? If so, what would this cost? Anyone with experience doing this?

skelevirus

this would seem to be a question for the guys in your sig... seein how ur sponsored by em

but your best bet would be to start looking for a wrecked manual trans vehicle... and if ur going that route, swap in the V8 as well

theXman

I don't have any experience about the conversion. But I believe that the cost and benefit is not there. You'd better off getting another car with M/T. Just my 2 cents.

Howitzer

That expensive, huh.. oh well.

rctmthouse

not worth it, I was thinking of doing the switch from auto to 6 speed with my Boxter S back before I had my first kid, did lots of research on it but at the end, ended up selling it and bought the 6 speed. More cost effective and always better to get the OEM version.

PraiseTheLowered

awesome question

Howitzer

skelevirus, just LOOKING at your avatar makes me think Chris Hanson is going to come beating down my door any minute.

v_therussian

I don't think anyone with any real expertise about this specific issue has really weighed in yet. I don't mean to undermine the people who have answered the thread - the answers are solid and pretty much accurate from the consumer's standpoint. But I have a feeling that people who would get more involved in working on their cars may feel differently. I'm saying "may", because in reality I'm also an amateur. But I have heard many stories where people converted to manuals when their automatic "clutches" went.

I would start with finding a good clutch/manual tranny specialist in your area and have him give you an estimate of all the work that you'll need. See how much of it is DIY'able and you just may be able to even the cost - especially considering that if you are intending to keep your car "forever", you'll eventually have to service the auto tranny too.

xBMWx

You could ask Nick "nicke60gre" who upgraded his E60 from a 520i to a 530i, i.e. did a total engine swap-out. I can't remember what else he all swapped out as part of that mod, but I'm sure a quick search will enable you to find his post.

Alternatively, and possible a little more costly , get yourself a manual jet black 545i/550i and transfer the mods... well maybe not the black M54 badge

turboawd

I'm sure it could be done, but look at all the possible costs.
Transmission, clutch pedal lines reservoir, maybe different length drive shaft, trans mounts, gear selector and other various shift gate parts.
Programming??

Good luck.