Anyone successfully swap a manual trans for an automatic? 2006 MCS - thought of changing manny to auto but not sure how realistic or good/bad an idea that is.

Thanks!
Greg

 

from what i remember from even the old fox body mustangs, it can be done but cheaper to just start off with an automatic if thats your thing. the ecu the wiring the flywheel, the brake system all have to be toyed with, the standards slave runs off the brake system. The pressure plate and clutch swaps for the flywheel . the harness is different. there is no kickdown. then there is located the pedal assembly and shifter and console. then the speedo. then then then, its a lot of the little things that can get you the meat and potatoes are easy.

 

Sell the car...buy the one you want.
Simpler....cheaper....numerous parts would have to get changed, added, etc...not like doing it on a _70's car... Even the engine mounts are different (engine sits more to the side and lower with the auto)...

 

A shop near me does the other way around all the time from Auto to Manual. Its a very popular conversion on the Cooper to go to a 6 speed Mileage goes through the roof.

But coding the Auto Control Module and getting all the parts working might be an issue.

I would have to agree with the others that you might be better off looking for an MCSa of the same year, the plus side is that I think the chance of it having been driven lighter is VERY high, as most people that bought the MCSa are women and people that did not know how to drive stick.

I bought my 06' MCSa used (yes I can drive stick and even enjoy it, but the paddles are awesome) it was perfect and equipped with all options but the Bluetooth and the heated seats.

NOW, if you are getting the parts CHEAP to free and have access to all the parts, then I would suggest that you use ALL the control modules from the donor car that way you will not have to recode the ECU and other control modules.

 

Thanks for the replies. I do love the manual, but the wife is less and less happy with it...and I am not against paddle shifting, so thought if swapping transmissions was viable, then why not...

Thanks!
Greg

 

Why Not

Short Answer COST

Control Modules, and Wiring, Program Computer to new Control Module, location of the Motor.

If you feel you have to do it BUY a whole front of a wreck and swap everything!

 

Agreed. Either live with the manual, or sell it and buy an auto.

Years ago I did an auto to manual conversion on a Civic which was a lot of work, but not too bad. Knowing what I went through, there is no way I would recommend doing a manual to auto conversion as there are more parts necessary and more to worry about.

 

Is there R56 thread on this?

 

Sell it. Get an Auto. Manual is a simpler car. You have wiring harness to add, ecu to add, change heater hoses, get a trans rebuilt - that cost me 6k. That scratches the surface of your work. I have an Auto - it’s great, has 185k on it - rebuild done at 182k. We love it. Or get an automatic and have 2 minis.

 

i have 2 now R57 and R59

I’d have to find someone willing to do a side by side swap and we tackle em both together moving over parts from one to the other. I’d never go out and get all the parts separately.

and I just remembered that my spare 2013 N18 engine sitting in
garage up for sale with every part is… wait for it… an automatic

 

There is all sorts of weird stuff. The intercooler intake pipe and the lower radiator hose are different parts - and no, they don’t interchange. I got a manual lower hose by mistake, and I had to get the correct one. There is a lot of detail. But have fun.