Getrag 235/5 Dogleg Five-Speed Manual Gearbox and Driveshaft for BMW

Getrag 265/5 is the king of the E30 M3, the Getrag 235/5 is the “holy grail” of the BMW 2002 (E10) world. This ultra-rare, close-ratio dogleg gearbox was a factory option even for the legendary 2002 Turbo.

Unlike the more common Getrag 245 five-speed conversion (from the E21), the 235/5 was a specific “racing” option from the early 1970s and is significantly harder to find in 2026.

1. Technical Specifications

The 235/5 is a “direct drive” gearbox, meaning 5th gear is 1:1. It was designed to keep the M10 engine in its power band during competition.

• Shift Pattern: Dogleg (1st is down and to the left).

• Gear Ratios: 1st: $3.37$ | 2nd: $2.16$ | 3rd: $1.58$ | 4th: $1.24$ | 5th: 1.00.

• Internal Design: Features Porsche-style synchromesh, which provides a different shift feel compared to the Borg-Warner synchros found in later BMW gearboxes.

• Speedo Drive: Includes a mechanical speedometer drive, making it a “plug-and-play” solution for the mechanical gauges in a 2002.

2. The Driveshaft & Installation

Installing a 5-speed into a 2002 requires a shortened driveshaft because the 5-speed casing is longer than the standard 4-speed.

• The “Factory” Shaft: Since the 235/5 was a factory option, a specific OEM shortened driveshaft exists. Finding one included with the gearbox is a major value-add.

• Modification: If you don’t have the OEM 235/5 shaft, you must shorten a standard 4-speed driveshaft by exactly 90 mm and have it professionally balanced.

• The Slave Cylinder: The 235/5 uses a different clutch slave cylinder orientation than the 245 conversion; ensure your kit includes the correct throw-out bearing and fork.

3. Comparison: 235/5 vs. 245/5

Most 2002 owners perform the “5-speed swap” using the Getrag 245 from a 1980–1983 BMW E21.

• 245/5 (Overdrive): Common, affordable, and has a $0.81$ 5th gear for highway cruising.

• 235/5 (Dogleg): Rare (~2,000 units made), expensive, and has a $1.00$ 5th gear for racing.

Warning: Using a 235/5 with a standard 3.64 or 3.91 rear differential will result in very high RPMs on the highway. This gearbox is best paired with a taller differential (like a 3.36 LSD) to balance street usability.