I have an 83' 320i, and I'm pretty sure that the tranny can be swapped from only another 83', because of this reason. 83' trans is a 2piece light weight case, maybe the drive shaft from the model you got the tranny from would help solve your situation. I just put in a pree 83 tranny in my 83 3201. anyone know is there is a legnth difference? the 83 shaft seems to be an 1 1/2 or so too long. any Ideas??? thanks in advance.