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 M3 Forum
 E36 M3 (1991-1999)
 Changing the final drive ratio
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| Author | Topic: Changing the final drive ratio |
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Damillster Member Posts: 24 |
posted 02-21-2001 03:57 PM
  
I believe the '97 M3 Sedan is one of the best cars in the world. It is practical, fast, and full of soul. I've driven hundreds of cars (I really mean hundreds--check out my web site: http://pragmaticwonders.home.mindspring.com ), and it is hard to beat. It is ALMOST perfect. I have one complaint, and it is one of the reasons I haven't purchased one: the final drive ratio. I do a lot of highway driving, and I average around 75-78 MPH on long trips. I would like a more 'relaxed' cruising gear. As far as I can tell, there really isn't an easy way to do that. The final drive ratio is determined exclusively by the rear-end ratio (as fifth gear is direct, 1:1). Numerically lowering the rear-end ratio would work, but it would result in slower acceleration (which I would never sacrifice), and probably increased clutch wear. I've searched around and around and haven't been successful in finding a solution that is reasonable. The only thing I can think of is to numerically lower the rear end ratio and change (numerically raise) each gear (1-4) to compensate for the new rear end ratio. This doesn't seem very practical, though. Do any of you have any suggestions? BTW, I'm glad this forum is here. What a great way to bring Motorsport fans together. [This message has been edited by Damillster (edited 02-21-2001).] IP: Logged |
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deviation Junior Member Posts: 1 |
posted 03-21-2001 06:49 PM
Hmm, I'll definitely agree with you there. The M3 is near perfect, but the gearing is so low that highway cruising isn't quite what it could be when you're just droning along on extended trips. I've heard that it is possible to replace the tranny with a (european?) 6 speed version, although that may only be applicable to euro-spec M3's. I know I'd certainly kill for a 6th gear to slide into. Jake IP: Logged |
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Frank Administrator Posts: 207 |
posted 04-03-2001 02:33 AM
Hi and thanks for your input! You guys just hit on one of the three things that could have made the E36 M3 better in my opinion...more horses...one more gear...alittle more differentiation from the other 3 series. I think I read in the European Cars mag about a couple of m3 with 6 speeds...i will try to dig it out if i still have it. Have no clue on whether it's really cost effective unless you're looking to do a complete makeover...i think the cars in the mags were supercharged. If i find it I will post it here. IP: Logged |
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Damillster Member Posts: 24 |
posted 04-03-2001 04:18 PM
Thanks, Frank. I know that the European version had six gears, but those transmissions are VERY expensive (assuming you could even put one in a US version). Maybe I could find a Euro version and import it, but for that money I would probably be better off to get the new US model. I was hoping to find a gearset change, or 'overdrive unit' that would retro-fit. I'm probably out of luck, though. Thanks again! IP: Logged |
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AO97M3 Junior Member Posts: 2 |
posted 04-15-2001 01:42 PM
I just got the new Bekkers catalog and they have an 6 speed Euro tranny for the short block for around $6000. IP: Logged |
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Damillster Member Posts: 24 |
posted 04-15-2001 05:21 PM
That's great! I wonder what I could get for the 5-speed (trade-in?). Is Bekkers online? Thanks! IP: Logged |
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Frank Administrator Posts: 207 |
posted 04-27-2001 10:45 PM
Here's the link to Bekkers...
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Damillster Member Posts: 24 |
posted 02-02-2002 03:41 PM
Sorry to 'up' this old thread, but I was hoping that someone would be able to shed light on my original question. I'm still trying to figure out a way to get the overall top gear ratio down under 3.00:1 without affecting the other ratios. If anyone knows how, or if, this can be accomplished, please let me know. Changing out the tranny to a six speed is not really an option. Thanks, D IP: Logged |
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Beau Member Posts: 78 |
posted 02-02-2002 06:16 PM
Why not look into swapping 5th gear? I don't understand the point of the 5th being direct. In my Miata 4th was 1:1, 5th was .84. A few swapped fifth to .73 as the engine would buzz north of 4k at 80 mph or so. If you can't find a suitable replacement from BMW I betcha you could have one custom ground and installed for less than half the price of the Euro tranny. - Beau IP: Logged |
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Damillster Member Posts: 24 |
posted 02-02-2002 06:50 PM
That sounds great, if it would work. But my impression (limited as it is) is that there really isn't a 'gear' in the 5 position. It is direct from the tranny to the rear end (nothing in between). But, maybe someone with more tech knowledge could confirm or deny that. IP: Logged |
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Beau Member Posts: 78 |
posted 02-02-2002 08:12 PM
Oh... whoops. I've seen photos/guts/drawings of various manual trannies over the past several years, wonder why this never dawned on me (logical reasons aside). - Beau IP: Logged |
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