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Re: e21 differential
Posted: Sun Jun 11, 2017 12:39 am
by giorgio2g
Actually the good news are that he told me that i could return it if it wouldn't fit and send me another. The bad news are that he obviously is clueless about what kind of gearbox i need so i can't be sure that he'll send me the right one next time. Anyway i am going to ask him for more photos, before he sent me the next one so maybe i could verify that it's the right gearbox.
Re: e21 differential
Posted: Sun Jun 11, 2017 1:02 pm
by giorgio2g
Question: Is there any way at all, that i could fit the gearbox i bought into my car and run properly?
Re: e21 differential
Posted: Sun Jun 11, 2017 6:25 pm
by E21noob
giorgio2g wrote:E21noob wrote:Not there. Just on the edge. Look at the photo I posted. You should find the letters ME or MF.
After removing a thick layer of dried motor oil, this came up.

Thats the right marking.
https://www.etkbmw.com/bmw/en/parts/inf ... 3001220986
E30 m40 engine.
Wont fit your m10.
Sorry for the dissappointment.
If you get seller to show these marking we can confirm m10 fitment.
Re: e21 differential
Posted: Sun Jun 11, 2017 6:31 pm
by giorgio2g
So if i have a picture of the markings on the top of the bellhousing, that is enough to identify the gearbox type?
Re: e21 differential
Posted: Sun Jun 11, 2017 6:31 pm
by E21noob
giorgio2g wrote:Question: Is there any way at all, that i could fit the gearbox i bought into my car and run properly?
Well, you could chop the front of your 4 speed bellhousing and weld it on the e30 box..
You'll find it has been done.
I wouldn't though.
Get the right box, just be patient. They come up here regurarly.
Re: e21 differential
Posted: Sun Jun 11, 2017 6:48 pm
by E21noob
giorgio2g wrote:So if i have a picture of the markings on the top of the bellhousing, that is enough to identify the gearbox type?
Yes.
But to be sure as many pics as possible.
Re: e21 differential
Posted: Sun Jun 11, 2017 9:03 pm
by giorgio2g
E21noob wrote:
Well, you could chop the front of your 4 speed bellhousing and weld it on the e30 box..
You'll find it has been done.
I wouldn't though.
Get the right box, just be patient. They come up here regurarly.
You're right, this is not the best solution. Anyway i am waiting to hear back from the seller that sold me the gearbox whether he can find for me a 245 gearbox. I told him to send me a lot of pictures in order to be sure next time. Fingers crossed i'll have some good news tomorrow...
PS: I found out that getrag 245 was also been used in E12 518 and E28 518. Both of them used M10 engines. Could be any problem if the gearbox is going to be out one of those cars?
Re: e21 differential
Posted: Sun Jun 11, 2017 9:42 pm
by uwbuurman
Dont thing an e28 box has the cable output you need for the odometer
Re: e21 differential
Posted: Sun Jun 11, 2017 9:53 pm
by Jeroen
Read the gearbox topic once more...
Re: e21 differential
Posted: Sun Jun 11, 2017 10:24 pm
by E21noob
giorgio2g wrote:E21noob wrote:
Well, you could chop the front of your 4 speed bellhousing and weld it on the e30 box..
You'll find it has been done.
I wouldn't though.
Get the right box, just be patient. They come up here regurarly.
You're right, this is not the best solution. Anyway i am waiting to hear back from the seller that sold me the gearbox whether he can find for me a 245 gearbox. I told him to send me a lot of pictures in order to be sure next time. Fingers crossed i'll have some good news tomorrow...
PS: I found out that getrag 245 was also been used in E12 518 and E28 518. Both of them used M10 engines. Could be any problem if the gearbox is going to be out one of those cars?
No problem. Just make sure all of the above is correct, including the markings.
Re: e21 differential
Posted: Mon Jun 12, 2017 9:07 am
by petroscf
Giorgo I hope the guy finally sends you a gearbox that fits right, so that there will be a happy end in this story...
Re: e21 differential
Posted: Tue Sep 05, 2017 12:30 pm
by giorgio2g
Happy ending at last. I lately did a few repairs at a great mechanic for old bimmers in Athens (courtesy of petroscf) and he had a 5 speed eco gearbox so i took the opportunity, bought it and he made the change. I am extremely satisfied by the work and the way my car drives now. I just wanted to write you that almost* everything worked out well before i open a new thread with various questions i want to ask.
* I still have an e30 gearbox if anyone ever need one.

Re: e21 differential
Posted: Tue Sep 05, 2017 3:38 pm
by petroscf
Good thing that you found solutions finally giorgo
Also I was really pleased to meet you in Athens and have the chance to drive together a few km

Till next time then
Re: e21 differential
Posted: Thu Sep 07, 2017 11:18 am
by Jeroen