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Re: The Illusive M7 (archive)
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Posted by Big-T on February 26, 2001 at 08:53:11:

In Reply to: The Illusive M7 posted by Shadowchaser on February 25, 2001 at 23:27:51:

First of all; I'm very excited to hear about your M7 project. It would be great if you post some pics as you go along.

As far as the transmission, it's not an issue of handling capacity, but rather it's that any BMW M car should have a manual transmission (or SMG). The steptronic is still just an automatic transmission. A performance vehicle with an automatic transmission is really just a cruiser, regardless of how much power it has. You must do the 6-speed conversion...in my humble opinion ;)

In any case, you're breaking new ground, and I think many here on the board would be very interested in following your efforts. Document everything you do for the engine swap, etc.

Good luck! Six-speed rocks! :)

Big-T

Hey Board,

O.K. I am approximately 6-7 months from building the fabled M7. First I must marry my fiance' on June 10th of this year. After the wedding she is looking forward to my undertaking this project as she has a 1994 E32 740I. As a base I will be using the 1999 740I Sport. Then M5 engine, gauges, and Dinan mods will be retrofitted into the beast. This raises the popular drivetrain question. Stock trans or Euro-spec 6 speed manual retrofit? I have been noticing the talk about transmission upgrades for the E38 to a 6 speed manual. The european version has the 6 speed parts for the job, but correct me if I am wrong wouldnt the stock ZF 5HP24 5 speed steptronic be a better choice considering these factors:

The Alpina B12 uses the ZF 5HP24 5 speed steptronic to contain the 6 liter 12 cylinder monster. This transmission handles 430bhp @ 5400rpm and 600nm of torque @ 4200rpm.

Compare this with the M5's 5 liter V-8 engine which creates 394bhp @ 6600rpm and 368nm of torque @ 3800rpm.

I pulled these numbers from the M5 brochure and the Alpina website.

Now if I am wrong about the stock BMW transmission handling capacity not having the same attributes as Alpina's B12 transmission, wouldn't an Alpina transmission strengthening program suffice to compensate the extra power of the new engine. I know the transmission for the B12 and the B10 are the same so I know the 12 cylinder transmission will function on an 8 cylinder platform.

Now I need the all knowing board's input into my dream. Let's all pool our knowledge to create the car BMW forgot.


May you all be safe and enjoy the thrill of the drive.

Until next time.

Justin




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