Second Hand BMW 3 Series Gearbox

No – these are different generations entirely: the E46 ran from 1998 to 2006, while the E90 generation covers 2005 to 2012 (facelift 2008), and the two use fundamentally different engines, bell-housing patterns, and mounting arrangements. Even where an engine code looks similar across the boundary, the ancillary and mounting differences mean a cross-generation swap is not straightforward. Always confirm compatibility with the breaker against your exact registration and engine code before purchasing.

These sit in the same E90 generation (2005–2012, facelift 2008), so there is a reasonable chance of compatibility if the engine codes match – the engine code is the single most useful detail here, more reliable than the year alone. However, because the 2008 facelift can bring ancillary and mounting changes mid-production, whether a pre-facelift unit crosses cleanly to a post-facelift car is something you should confirm with the breaker against both registrations. Supply your engine code (found on your V5 or via a VIN check) to get a confident answer.

No, and this is a really important distinction: the 320d is a diesel and the 325i is a petrol, and their gearboxes are matched to entirely different engines with different bell-housing specifications and torque characteristics. Fuel type is a fundamental fitment factor, so a diesel gearbox must be sourced for a diesel car and a petrol gearbox for a petrol car, regardless of what the badge says. Always quote your engine code to the breaker, not just the model number, as this confirms exactly which unit you need.

For a mechanical component like a gearbox, trim level does not affect fitment – SE, M Sport, Sport, and Luxury are cosmetic and equipment packages, not mechanical specifications. What matters is that the engine code, fuel type, gearbox type (manual or automatic), and year within the generation all match between the donor car and yours. You may find cosmetic differences between parts you receive from different trim cars, but a gearbox is purely mechanical so trim is irrelevant here.

Yes, this is critical – a manual and an automatic gearbox are completely different units and are not interchangeable; swapping type would require extensive ancillary, ECU, and wiring changes that go well beyond fitting a replacement part. When contacting a breaker, confirm whether your car is a manual or automatic before anything else, then supply your engine code to narrow down the exact specification. Fitting the wrong gearbox type is not a straightforward swap, so be explicit with the breaker about what you need.

The E46 generation ran from 1998 to 2006, and where the engine code is the same across both cars there is a good basis for compatibility within the generation. That said, BMW made running production changes throughout the E46's life, and ancillary or mounting differences within the generation are possible, so whether a very early unit fits a late car without modification is something to confirm with the breaker against both registrations. Give the breaker both engine codes and both registrations for the clearest answer.