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Trans ratios (long) (archive)
[ Follow Ups ] [ CS (E9) Message Board ] [ Msg. Board FAQ ]
Posted by Michael P on July 09, 2001 at 11:25:29:

In Reply to: keep the 4 Re: 5-speed located, anybody need it? posted by bimmer brett on July 09, 2001 at 10:44:37:


my 30 year old CS 4-speed is much smoother than my 17 year old E28 5-speed.

The ZF is noticably smoother, or "less notchy" than the Getrag, but the tradeoff is that 2nd gear syncro...

but you gotta love the 'long legs of the 4' (can't remember who came up with that line).

That was me - but it was pointed out afterwards that the first four speeds of the 5-speed Getrag are the same ratio as the 4. Ratios vary slightly between the ZF and the Getrag, though.
According to Haynes:

ZF
1: 3.85
2: 2.08
3: 1.375
4: 1
Reverse: 4.13

Getrag
1: 3.855
2: 2.202
3: 1.401
4: 1
Reverse: 4.3

Trans ratios are only half the story though, since final drives seem to be all over the place, depending on year and model. They range from 3.25 to 3.45 to 3.64 (3.07's have also been rumored to exist). If you're after acceleration go for a 3.64 - for highway cruising a combo of 3.25 f-d and a Getrag 5-speed (eew) is the ticket.

By the way, I put this together from info exchanged on the CSR.



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