HardBall66

Yeah, the price is not bad but the shipping kills it.  I wonder if there other models which might be compatible or modifiable?

Also check out Schmiedmann in Denmark.  Shipping might be pretty hefty, although no VAT as they would be exporting:

https://www.schmiedmann.com/en/five-speed-transmission-pg186-catu-oa

Thanks Ray, sounds like I can access everything I need.

That's awesome, thanks Brent - I'll start collecting the E-39-specific parts while I'm on the lookout for a manual parts car with one of the engines you listed above.  Cheers.

Thanks guys, so 328 (i assume E46? How about E36?)  Any other models that might bolt pretty-much straight on?  Z3?  330? Cheers..     

6 hours ago, viskop said:

Sorry Matt, I cannot help with advise, but I do wish you all the best in your project. I'm just very glad that my BMW's manual conversion is completed.

Thanks Charl - yes, I'll look forward to enjoying it as much as you do!

6 hours ago, BM WORLD said:

6 or 8 cyl ? What model and year have you got 

Hi Brent - 1997 528i Touring.  Cheers.

Hi all, I'd like to do a manual conversion on my E39 Touring.  I want to do as much of the work as possible myself (should be fun and educational, right?) and I'm on a budget so I was looking to pick up a manual parts car - perhaps something on TradeMe or Turners with a blown head gasket.  

My question is: Which models would allow me to swap a manual gearbox straight into my E39 with little or no modification?  

I appreciate there will be some re-coding involved (I have the kit to do that myself), and there will be other factors such as diff ratios, driveshaft, etc.  I see quite a few manual 316/ 318s around, but I assume they wouldn't handle the power - anyway I'd like to know which donor cars to keep a lookout for as a start.  Any info would be much appreciated.  Cheers.

Hiya Hyden - Wellington Car Carriers start at $65 +GST.  I'm gonna use them to transport a parts car from Wellington to my place in Waikanae shortly.  Wish I could help you myself but the tow bar on my 528 wagon is only rated to 1200kg - but let me know if you need an extra pair of hands or whatever.

Awesome, thanks Peter - I'll check it out.

35 minutes ago, viskop said:

 The only other member I have met, and know, is my son!

Hi Charl, thanks for that - I'd be keen to double the number of forum members you've met!

Hi Olaf, thanks - I'll definitely subscribe to the Wellington meetings room.  

My old wagon is not much to look at currently (paint is shot on bonnet, roof and passenger doors, and now the headlining is starting to go, but I'm steadily chipping away at it - tailgate strut replacement was no fun at all, but will hopefully not need to be done for another 20 years now!

One little mod I've done is to re-install the MID into the glove box after the previous owner fitted an after market head unit. 

Hi all - I have a 1997 528i Touring in Oxford Green which I bought for $1,000 in 2015.  I'm steadily restoring it as time and money allow.  I wasn't overly handy when I started, but thanks to Google and YouTube I can now do a fair bit of maintenance myself, which is not only a lot of fun and extremely satisfying, but also makes classic BMW ownership a relatively affordable hobby.

I'd be keen to meet up with anyone in the greater Wellington area or thereabouts who'd like to team up to help each other out with repairs, retro-fits or whatever. 

I set up a Facebook group if you want to drop in and say Hi.