Transmission guidance (6MT/GS6-45BZ)

[NickD]

My GS6-45BZ out of my '12 e82 135i had bad bearings in it. So I pulled it and found a used one to toss in. I have that in there now and discovered it has the common 2nd gear syncro issue. I'm not interested in taking another chance with a used trans only to add it to my list of of failures. I also don't want to move to a GS6-53BZ at this point as it's going the same route with a used trans and I'd have to ditch a ton of new parts (clutch/flywheel/short shifter, etc.) that I just installed as well.

What I want to do is have one of these transmission rebuilt. I found a list from ZFs website of supported rebuilders; however, when I called them I found that are all rebuilding ZF autos for large trucks (school busses, delivery trucks, etc.) and I found one place that handles C4 Vettes; cool. No one wants to touch my GS6-45BZ. Though I found some random guy on FBMP that said if I could find him a rebuild kit, he'd do it. So I dunno what to quite make of that.

Speaking of rebuild kits, as an individual with no networking in the automotive parts/manufacturing world I can't seem to find a rebuild kit. I've found some of the parts but I'm not even sure if they'll sell them to me.

Realistically, what are my options at this point? Is there any place I can ship my transmission off to for a rebuild? I do not want to attempt to rebuild this myself. I see that ending in failure.

[N55e82Simon]

Miles not an expert but is it possible to just change the bad bearing? If the rest of the transmission is good maybe that’s doable at any transmission shop?

[NickD]

I was hoping to just change the bad bearing but I need to source the correct bearing and still rip into the entire transmission. I don't know which bearing it is exactly. Only the input shaft bearing is accessible externally; I think.

[moose09876]

Correct, only input shaft bearing can be replaced externally. Which bearings went bad on you original one? FWIW, I've still got mine sitting here with a good synchro, but if you're paying someone to do the job, just get a new one.

I kind of hijacked this thread a while ago. https://www.1addicts.com/forums/show....php?t=1102647

ganzeboom.net :

GS6-45.SEALKIT1 €65,00
GS6-45.GEAR-1ST €413
GS6-45.SYN.R-AM €138

But of course, they wouldn't sell to me because I'm not a transmission shop. Gatekeeping at its finest.

I'll be in your position when mine goes. I'm keeping my eye out for an F80/82 trans / clutch / flywheel since they're designed for more power, more likely to find a cheaper low mileage one, and someone on here posted a whole write up about how to swap it.

[NickD]

I think you actually chimed in on my original thread I had regarding the bearing sound I was hearing. I did find this site with some parts:

https://www.autogear.fi/en/manual-tr...5bz-dz/c/6103/

Though, I need to work through exactly what to get and figure out IF they'll see it to me or I'll run into what you did when buying parts.

I have the clutch from the 550i in there now and I've seen the thread on swapping in an F80 trans. I suppose that's an option at this point. I would really love to get at least one of these trans rebuilt though. I'm surprised there's no shops that touch these or even aftermarket performance shops that build these up for any kind of track use.

[e80two]

Originally Posted by NickD

My GS6-45BZ out of my '12 e82 135i had bad bearings in it. So I pulled it and found a used one to toss in. I have that in there now and discovered it has the common 2nd gear syncro issue. I'm not interested in taking another chance with a used trans only to add it to my list of of failures. I also don't want to move to a GS6-53BZ at this point as it's going the same route with a used trans and I'd have to ditch a ton of new parts (clutch/flywheel/short shifter, etc.) that I just installed as well.

What I want to do is have one of these transmission rebuilt. I found a list from ZFs website of supported rebuilders; however, when I called them I found that are all rebuilding ZF autos for large trucks (school busses, delivery trucks, etc.) and I found one place that handles C4 Vettes; cool. No one wants to touch my GS6-45BZ. Though I found some random guy on FBMP that said if I could find him a rebuild kit, he'd do it. So I dunno what to quite make of that.

Speaking of rebuild kits, as an individual with no networking in the automotive parts/manufacturing world I can't seem to find a rebuild kit. I've found some of the parts but I'm not even sure if they'll sell them to me.

Realistically, what are my options at this point? Is there any place I can ship my transmission off to for a rebuild? I do not want to attempt to rebuild this myself. I see that ending in failure.

Same dilemma last year. No reputable rebuilders, and N54 options are getting up there in mileage, and you don't want to replace it with what just came out as you know you're going to develop the same problems again. I dropped in the 6MT from an S55 M3. Most peace of mind out of the 3 options, lots of low mileage options out there, and they're still in production if you want a new one. Beefier than the trans that came out, as well.

https://www.1addicts.com/forums/show....php?t=2196170