E46 B3s manual conversion?

The place to talk about ALPINAs.
e.g. News, Reviews, Insurance, Warranties, Running Costs, Sightings, general questions etc.

Moderators: Charles, neil, D4

Post Reply
BetterCallJimmy
Posts: 41
Joined: Sun May 12, 2019 1:09 pm
Location: Chislehurst, Kent

E46 B3s manual conversion?

Post by BetterCallJimmy » Sat May 29, 2021 9:21 pm

So following my purchase of my b3s (004) she had her inspection and health check at BMR Performance. Needless to say that the Service was excellent and Barry was very helpful.

There are a couple of areas where work will be needed and one main area is the gearbox. Apparently there is likely some significant wear which likely would require a replacement of the box. Now I understand that this is the weakness of the car anyway.

Barry raised the prospect of a manual conversion. This really intrigues me as I do like 3 pedals and for a 3 series size car I think it suits the vehicle quite well. I don’t dislike the automatic but I do know that there is a significant performance difference between the manual and automatic. (The manual is faster).

I would be interested in your thoughts.
Last edited by BetterCallJimmy on Sat May 29, 2021 9:43 pm, edited 1 time in total.
--------

E46 - B3S #004
E90 - D3 BiTurbo #99
G30 - B5 Biturbo

Previous F87 M2C (Yes, it was orange )

hashluck
ALPI
ALPI
Posts: 331
Joined: Tue Mar 10, 2020 9:15 pm
Location: Berks/Oxon
Contact:

Re: E46 B3s manual conversion?

Post by hashluck » Sat May 29, 2021 9:34 pm

Whatever you decide I know BMR have done a few now with very happy customers and great reviews.

I am slightly alone I think in preferring mine as configured by Alpina and will do all I can to keep it that way.

Fast3000
ALPINA
ALPINA
Posts: 829
Joined: Sat Feb 01, 2014 9:22 pm
Location: Buckinghamshire

Re: E46 B3s manual conversion?

Post by Fast3000 » Sat May 29, 2021 9:35 pm

Personally would get it done on a coupe saloon or touring..
As you say a weak part of the car and known to sap power! Mines a vert so suits the cruiser appeal! Interestingly the z4 roadster alpina is a manual but I would guess the chassis is stiffer then the older e46 roof chopped off design..so suits the car more..
Current
2004 BMW B3S #156 (Keeper)
2015 BMW 320d F30 ED Sport (70mpg)
Previous
2011, 2016, 2018 - Kia Sportage (Rolls Royce customer care)
2007 BMW Z4M E86 Coupe (Animal)
2006 Audi A4 B7 2.0T (Good car)
2001 VW Golf GTI MK4 (Meh)
1994 Ford Escort 1.6 Zetec (light n dandy)
1992 Fiat Tipo GT (Fun car)
1991 Ford Orion 1.6 Ghia (beefy engine)
1984 Ford Fiesta 1.1L (Audio more expensive then car)

Elan
ALPI
ALPI
Posts: 303
Joined: Mon Mar 04, 2013 2:09 pm
Location: London

Re: E46 B3s manual conversion?

Post by Elan » Sun May 30, 2021 12:27 am

I had the conversion carried out by BMR on my B3 Touring. I didnt mind the Auto but the manual suits the car and is more fun!
Current Collection:
F30 B3 BiTurbo #133, C2 2.7 #515, B3 3.3 Touring #113
E46 M3 manual, E92 M3 manual
Porsche 997.1 Turbo Manual, 997 GTS, 996 C4S, 911SC Targa
Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale
Lamborghini LP560-4 Manual

simon13
ALPINA
ALPINA
Posts: 3385
Joined: Sun Feb 26, 2006 9:10 pm
Location: Camberley, Surrey

Re: E46 B3s manual conversion?

Post by simon13 » Sun May 30, 2021 9:53 am

My B3S touring is manual 6 speed. Much better car. BMW UK fixed all cars as autos for some reason. Theres plenty of LHD manuals in europe though as they had the choice when new
Image

Sab
ALPIN
ALPIN
Posts: 515
Joined: Mon May 14, 2007 9:29 am
Location: London

Re: E46 B3s manual conversion?

Post by Sab » Sun May 30, 2021 4:39 pm

I owned a 335i se in manual and that’s was the combo it needed.

If the B3s was available in manual I would’ve had one.

We only live once! 😀

Not sure anyone can say they own a manual B3s - now that sounds special indeed.
E36 B3 3.0 #178
E46 B3 3.3 #188
Cupra Ateca
E30 C2.7 - Stolen

If you ever have everything under control, you’re not moving fast enough

BetterCallJimmy
Posts: 41
Joined: Sun May 12, 2019 1:09 pm
Location: Chislehurst, Kent

Re: E46 B3s manual conversion?

Post by BetterCallJimmy » Sun May 30, 2021 4:53 pm

Thank you for your comments! I bought an original Alpina Wooden Gear Knob so I think it's fair to say I have decided :D :D

Now I cannot wait to get it sorted!
--------

E46 - B3S #004
E90 - D3 BiTurbo #99
G30 - B5 Biturbo

Previous F87 M2C (Yes, it was orange )

Marc 76
ALPI
ALPI
Posts: 401
Joined: Wed Feb 10, 2021 4:53 pm

Re: E46 B3s manual conversion?

Post by Marc 76 » Sun May 30, 2021 9:56 pm

I wouldnt hesitate if its the way you want to drive it, and if the current auto box is on its last legs there's the perfect excuse!

Also its nothing that cant be undone by yourself or a future owner.
F11 D5 BiTurbo #049
1990 Escort Series 2 RS Turbo
1983 Escort 400bhp Time Attack Car

simon13
ALPINA
ALPINA
Posts: 3385
Joined: Sun Feb 26, 2006 9:10 pm
Location: Camberley, Surrey

Re: E46 B3s manual conversion?

Post by simon13 » Mon May 31, 2021 12:51 am

I'd say do it, the engine is wasted strapped to an auto box. They rev really well. You'll notice all that extra low end torque the auto box saps aswell. I went 6 speed but you can go 5 speed like Elan. The 5 speed box is much cheaper way but the factory manuals were all 6 speed

I've got a quaife in mine. I'd say also an LSD helps too.
Image

Sab
ALPIN
ALPIN
Posts: 515
Joined: Mon May 14, 2007 9:29 am
Location: London

Re: E46 B3s manual conversion?

Post by Sab » Mon May 31, 2021 7:29 am

Sorted!!! 😀
E36 B3 3.0 #178
E46 B3 3.3 #188
Cupra Ateca
E30 C2.7 - Stolen

If you ever have everything under control, you’re not moving fast enough

BetterCallJimmy
Posts: 41
Joined: Sun May 12, 2019 1:09 pm
Location: Chislehurst, Kent

Re: E46 B3s manual conversion?

Post by BetterCallJimmy » Tue Jun 01, 2021 1:23 pm

simon13 wrote:
Mon May 31, 2021 12:51 am
I'You'll notice all that extra low end torque the auto box saps aswell. I went 6 speed but you can go 5 speed like Elan. The 5 speed box is much cheaper way but the factory manuals were all 6 speed

I’m a fan of keeping cars as stock as possible with “tasteful” upgrades suiting the character of the car. I can therefore justify both the LSD and the manual conversion. The latter, however, only with the six speed, because that’s how it came from the factory.

Ps. Re Tasteful I accept depends very much on the car; my sunset orange m2 is soon getting a GTS Bonnet (body colour sprayed) and carbon splitters and spoiler. I think it works on the m2 because it’s an angry machine. The only exterior mod the b3s is getting will be the deko set.
--------

E46 - B3S #004
E90 - D3 BiTurbo #99
G30 - B5 Biturbo

Previous F87 M2C (Yes, it was orange )

Fast3000
ALPINA
ALPINA
Posts: 829
Joined: Sat Feb 01, 2014 9:22 pm
Location: Buckinghamshire

Re: E46 B3s manual conversion?

Post by Fast3000 » Thu Jun 03, 2021 10:20 pm

Are the 6 speed boxes m3/z4m parts?
Current
2004 BMW B3S #156 (Keeper)
2015 BMW 320d F30 ED Sport (70mpg)
Previous
2011, 2016, 2018 - Kia Sportage (Rolls Royce customer care)
2007 BMW Z4M E86 Coupe (Animal)
2006 Audi A4 B7 2.0T (Good car)
2001 VW Golf GTI MK4 (Meh)
1994 Ford Escort 1.6 Zetec (light n dandy)
1992 Fiat Tipo GT (Fun car)
1991 Ford Orion 1.6 Ghia (beefy engine)
1984 Ford Fiesta 1.1L (Audio more expensive then car)

simon13
ALPINA
ALPINA
Posts: 3385
Joined: Sun Feb 26, 2006 9:10 pm
Location: Camberley, Surrey

Re: E46 B3s manual conversion?

Post by simon13 » Thu Jun 03, 2021 11:21 pm

yes, the late 330i's also used the same box. If you can find someone breaking a 6 speed 330i this is by far the easiest way

I've got a converted SMG e46 m3 box and a custom propshaft as the B3S uses a 330d prop. So my prop is half M3 half 330d. Some 3.3 cars also use a large case diesel diff as well off a 330d to keep you on your toes!

B3S seems to use a medium case diff which is wierd as they make more power than a 3.3!
Image

Post Reply