US BMW E46 Non-M RWD Manual Transmissions: Getrag 250G, ZF 320Z and GS6-37BZ Identification

The checked Getrag catalog changes from 23001434410 / TAJT to 23007527733 / TBDS at 09/2003 and identifies the later path as not retrospectively exchangeable; treat them as production branches, not blanket substitutes. The checked ZF five-speed exchange path 23001434485 / THMW to 23007503993 / THCH does not authorize cross-chassis or interface assumptions. GS6-37BZ 23007532498 / THEG is the separate 03/2003-forward 330 six-speed branch, not a supersession that can replace the earlier 330 five-speed without the matching clutch, driveshaft, shifter, crossmember and other conversion work.

Use the recipient and donor 17-character VINs, exact build dates, US/LHD identity, body, model, engine and factory RWD manual configuration. The supported matrix is: 323i/323Ci and 325i/325Ci RWD use the Getrag S5D 250G, with the TAJT/TBDS 09/2003 tag branch kept separate; 328i/328Ci RWD and 330i/330Ci RWD before 03/2003 use the ZF S5D 320Z; 330i/330Ci RWD from 03/2003 use the ZF GS6-37BZ THEG six-speed. BMW's US release states that the six-speed replaced the prior 330 five-speed while 325 models retained a five-speed. Still match the actual tag/case, input-shaft and clutch interface, output flange/guibo and driveshaft, shifter carrier/linkage, crossmember and mounts, reverse switch/connectors and itemized seller contents. Inspect input/output play, shaft rotation, leaks, drain-plug debris, case ears and threads, noise, cold/hot shift quality, synchronizer behavior and all-gear/reverse engagement. Require donor mileage and test basis, warranty/returns, core and freight-damage terms. Never infer xi, M3/SMG, automatic or cross-chassis interchange, and use professional lifting/support plus the current exact-unit BMW service and fluid procedure.

A documented exact-tag used/recycled unit or specialist-rebuilt/remanufactured assembly can be considered after the recipient matrix and interfaces are verified. Require written identity, donor/application, build branch, test process, included shifter/switches/flanges, warranty, core and freight terms. Seller claims spanning several chassis, short-shift kits, lightweight-flywheel packages, SMG conversions, six-speed conversions and adapter/swap projects are not factory interchange evidence and remain outside this guide. BMW-0014 retains shifter-joint/bushing service, BMW-0025 mount service and BMW-0026 the 330 six-speed clutch/flywheel decision.

A BMW model badge, five- or six-speed count, Getrag/ZF family name or seller compatibility table does not identify a complete donor gearbox. Match both VIN/builds and the full physical tag/case. Keep 323/325 Getrag, 328/pre-03/2003 330 ZF five-speed and 03/2003-forward 330 ZF six-speed branches separate; also verify the 09/2003 Getrag tag split, input/clutch, output/driveshaft, shifter, crossmember/mounts, switches, condition, contents, warranty/core and freight. Exclude xi/AWD, M3/SMG, automatics and cross-chassis swaps. Use qualified lifting/support and the current exact-unit BMW procedure.

Supersede reviewed 14 unique research sources for this guide. 4 also appear above as a seller or official action and are not repeated here; 10 additional citations follow.

Research last verified 2026-07-29.

1. Press bmwgroup — 41193Open source
2. Press bmwgroup — 41405Open source
3. Press bmwgroup — 41497Open source
4. RealOEM — showpartsOpen source
5. RealOEM — showpartsOpen source
6. RealOEM — showpartsOpen source
7. Bmwfans — 23007532498Open source
8. Bmwpartsdeal — manual gearbox s5dOpen source
9. Bmwpartsdeal — manual transmission gs6 37bz dzOpen source
10. Charm — Application and IDOpen source