[Mono]

I cannot find an E90 330i 6MT in Chicago to test drive. No dealer seems to carry 6MT's. I have driven an E46 6MT. For comparsion purposes, is the E90 6MT gearbox/drivetrain any diifferent from the E46 6MT gearbox/drivetrain? Should I expect the same feel?

[stressdoc]

I have a 5-speed in my 99 323. My test drives of E90 6-speeds felt significantly better in terms of slightly shorter throws and more precise tracking. A great box, IMO. Not much useful info though, folks like ZenDriver are likely to have much more credible experience.

[ZenDriver]

folks like ZenDriver are likely to have much more credible experience

I honestly couldn't tell you. The first thing I did to my E46 was throw a UUC SSK into it which sort of obliterates the stock shifter's feel and that was 4 years ago. Before that, my E36 had whatever crazy f-ing thing Ben sent me to throw into it and it hadn't been stock for just about the lifetime of the vehicle.

It goes without saying that I think the E90 throw is too long, but otherwise, it shifts like butter. I would prefer a bit of notchiness- I like having the feeling of positive engagment into each gear.

[jhbodle]

Don't quote me on this, but I believe the E90 330i gearbox is the same as the 6 speed E46 gearbox. The 325i one is definately different, however - it's a new, lighter model that can only handle 215bhp.

[Mono]

Originally Posted by jhbodle

Don't quote me on this, but I believe the E90 330i gearbox is the same as the 6 speed E46 gearbox. The 325i one is definately different, however - it's a new, lighter model that can only handle 215bhp.

That's what I thought, can anyone else verify this?

How about clutch feel and engagement points? How do they compare?
If they are exactly the same as the 2005 E46, then I may just order an E90 without test driving the 6MT. However, I really need to confirm this first? My local dealers don't stock 6MT cars and said I will have to have one built.

[xyz123]

The following is an excerpt from the Product Information book for the 2006 3 Series:

“A new generation of 6-speed manual transmissions has been phased into the various BMW Series, beginning with the Z4 and then introduced in E46 330 models and the 5 Series. The new 330 models continue with the Type H unit: the 325s introduce a somewhat lighter-duty version, called the Type I. This new “gearbox” is about 10% lighter in weight than the Type H and has even higher mechanical efficiency, contributing to fuel efficiency. Its gear ratios differ slightly from those of the Type H, not for performance or economy reasons but because of internal design factors.”

The book I have is an early edition but I don’t see why anything in the description would have changed.

[xyz123]

A bit more of the description from the Product Information book might be of interest to some;

"Compared to earlier BMW manual transmissions, both units offer tangible customer benefits.

- Even more effective synchronization of shifting

- Lighter and more pleasing feel as the shift lever is moved from gear to gear

- Firmer engagement of gear once selected

- Sportier shifting, via shorter shift "throws" from neutral to each gear

- Use of lifetime transmission oil, which never needs to be changed

- "Clean bearings" design for main bearings in transmission; protects bearings from contamination, ensures adequate lubrication at all times and therefore enhances durability.

[SCA]

E46 330i and the E85 Z4 3.0 have the same tranny as the E90 330i.

[SCA]

Originally Posted by jhbodle

The 325i one is definately different, however - it's a new, lighter model that can only handle 215bhp.

Correct, but I believe it is able to handle more hp.

[jhbodle]

Originally Posted by SCA

Correct, but I believe it is able to handle more hp.

I hope so - BMW over-engineer most parts of the car, so I was surprised to hear that the gearbox was rated at the exact output of the engine. My old E36 316i Auto's 4 speed gearbox was rated to 193bhp!

Originally Posted by ZenDriver

I would prefer a bit of notchiness- I like having the feeling of positive engagment into each gear.

You've described it best.I feel the same way about the E90 manual tranny.Some call it rubbery,really kills the mood.

[db17k]

Originally Posted by xyz123

- Use of lifetime transmission oil, which never needs to be changed

Wow lifetime Transmission oil!? i didn't know that. guess that'll save you $700 down the road
u

[ZenDriver]

Wow lifetime Transmission oil!? i didn't know that. guess that'll save you $700 down the road

$700? For what?

[stressdoc]

I'm putting new redline tranny oil in at 75k.

[Tierfreund]

The E90 325 has a very much better shifter feel than the E90 330. The 330 unit is a lot more notchy and requires more pressure in gears 1-4 to apply. 2nd gear on the 330 often crunches a bit when cold.

The e90 325 gearbox is the better unit.