Factory or Blanton (archive)

The grinding going into 3rd sounds like a worn synchro, but that's strange as 1st and 2nd normally wear out before third. Regarding the throwout bearing, they all do that with high mileage but its an easy 5 minute replacement that is normally done with the clutch, so not part of a transmission tear down and rebuild.

Aside from exchanging it for a factory rebuilt unit, the next best alternative is to have Jim Blanton do the work. He's the preferred repair person in the US when it comes to manual box BMW transmissions. Some even believe his rebuilt units are better than BMW given modifiations he can make. I wouldn't trust anyone else to work on the unit given its fine tolerances. I and other members on the list have tapped him for his experience in repairs and custom rear axle upgrades (one-off 3.23 ratios, etc.) and been very satisfied. You can reach him at Blanton Transmissions in Kansas City Missouri 816-221-8584.

Hope this helps and let us fellow 6spd owners know your decisions and details of alternatives... we'll be in the same boat sooner or later and yours is the first 6spd to come up. How many miles on it? Also, if you go with Blanton and you have or will eventually have a 3.15 rear fitted you might want to investigate the cost of changing the 4.25 first gear to something a bit taller like 3.75. It appears to have been matched to the 2.65 rear axle.

Greg K
1991 850 6spd

I'm in the unfortunate situation of needing to repair/replace the 6 spd in my '91 850. I've been told by my mechanic that my only option is sending the trans to Texas for a $3500. rebuild. Is this true? (Symtoms are grinding shifting into 3rd(syncro?) and "gurgling" in neutral(throwout bearing?)) Thanks for your suggestions.

Follow Ups:

Re: Factory or Blanton Kurt G. 00:45 4/08/2001 (1)
- Re: Factory or Blanton Greg K 13:28 4/08/2001 (0)

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