PMC Motorsport adapter / conversion kit / clutch kit Ford Barra – BMW M57 5-speed manual ZF GS5-39DZ E39 525d 530d / E46 330d – 240 mm / 9.45"

Adapter plate allowing connection (swap / conversion) of the Ford Barra engine (4.0 in-line six from Ford Falcon and Territory – naturally aspirated and turbo, e.g. 190, 195, 240T, 245T, 270T, 325T) with the ZF GS5-39DZ 5-speed manual transmission used in BMW with the M57 diesel engine (E39 525d / 530d, E46 330d). The heavy-duty GS5-39DZ gearbox (1000 Nm+) is an ideal base for drift projects. An ideal solution for amateur and professional motorsport.

Planning a Ford Barra engine swap in your BMW (E30, E36, E46, E34, E39, E90, E91, E92, E60, E61, E81, E82, E87)? Our adapter is a reliable solution. Replace the automatic transmission with a BMW manual gearbox and gain new performance possibilities.

PMC Motorsport adapters not only enable automatic-to-manual transmission conversions in vehicles with a Ford Barra engine, but also support performing a Barra swap in BMWs and other rear-wheel-drive vehicles – Barra is one of the most popular engines in drift and drag projects.

The aluminum gearbox adapter plate is designed to simplify transmission installation as much as possible, avoiding radical modifications such as cutting off the entire bellhousing – only preparing a starter motor opening is required. Custom flywheels dedicated to PMC Motorsport adapters are made of aluminum with a replaceable friction surface, checked and balanced before shipment. Flywheel designed for 240 mm pressure plate (GS5-39DZ / GS6-53DZ / BZ BMW OE). Adapter thickness: 20 mm (0.78").

PMC Motorsport gearbox adapters are synonymous with precision and top quality. The design process based on 3D scanning and inspection using a measuring arm ensure a perfect fit. Production on modern CNC machinery guarantees ideal engine-to-gearbox alignment, which is critical for drivetrain durability.

Additional Information

Installation Manual

The flywheel is bolted to the crankshaft using the supplied bolts with a torque of 72 Nm (53.1 lb⋅ft) using threadlocker. To install the adapter, a BMW M50 / M52 / M54 starter motor must be used (not included) – starter motor adapter is included in the kit. Release bearing, clutch release fork, and clutch slave cylinder are not included – they must be selected for your specific gearbox.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which engines does this adapter fit?

For Ford Barra in-line 6-cylinder engines from Ford Falcon and Territory: Barra 190, 195, 240T, 245T, 270T (BA / BF FPV and FG), and 325T.

Which gearboxes does this adapter fit?

5-speed manual gearbox ZF GS5-39DZ from BMW with M57 diesel engine in versions THBA, THBC, THBG, THBK, and THBM (E39 525d / 530d, E46 330d). The gearbox has a 28x35-10N spline hub.

Does the bellhousing need to be cut?

No. The adapter is designed to eliminate bellhousing cutting – you only need to prepare a cutout for the starter motor.

Which additional parts do I need to complete installation?

240 mm clutch pressure plate and clutch disc (28x35-10N), release bearing, clutch release fork, and slave cylinder dedicated to GS5-39DZ transmission, as well as a BMW M50 / M52 / M54 starter motor (see question below). These parts are not included in the kit. PMC flywheel does not require an automatic flexplate (starter ring gear).

Which clutch pressure plate fits the PMC flywheel?

Pressure plate with a diameter of 240 mm (9.45") BMW OE style – from BMW M57 (including stock GS5-39DZ pressure plate) / M57N / M57N2 / N54 / B58 / E46 M3, Sachs XTend 3000 951 877 (BMW M57) or Sachs Performance 883082.001243. ACT / Spec / Tanaci clutches are also frequently used – custom pressure plates must match BMW OE flywheel pattern (M57 / M57N / M57N2 / N54 / B58). For the GS5-39DZ transmission, a 240 mm clutch disc with a 28x35-10N spline, a dedicated release system, and a slave cylinder must be used.

Which starter motor should be used?

BMW M50 / M52 / M54 starter motor – e.g. BMW OE 12 41 1 466 102, 12 41 1 712 937, 12 41 1 715 238, 12 41 1 735 524, 12 41 1 738 602, 12 41 1 738 604, 12 41 1 740 375, 12 41 1 740 378, 12 41 1 740 379, 12 41 2 344 247, or 12 41 2 354 709. Starter motor adapter is included in the kit, the starter motor itself is not.

Can I use this adapter with a 6-speed GS6-53DZ / GS6-53BZ gearbox?

Yes. The PMC Motorsport gearbox adapter plate itself is universal and fits most BMW gearboxes (applies to adapters manufactured after 2022). When switching gearboxes, you only need to change the flywheel and clutch disc.

Is this adapter compatible with the ZF 8HP automatic transmission?

Yes. The PMC Motorsport adapter plate is universal and fits most BMW gearboxes (applies to adapters manufactured after 2022). For conversion to a ZF 8HP automatic transmission, replace the standard flywheel with a PMC Motorsport 8HP torque converter adapter.

What is included in the kit?

Aluminum gearbox adapter plate with mounting bolts, PMC Motorsport custom flywheel with replaceable friction surface, crankshaft bolts, pressure plate bolts, ball pin / clutch fork pivot pin – replacement for BMW OE 21 51 1 223 328 –, and starter motor adapter. Clutch, release bearing, clutch fork, and slave cylinder are not included in the kit – they must be selected for your specific gearbox.

Can I buy only the adapter or only the flywheel?

Yes. Every component of the kit is available separately.

Does the price include customs duty for shipments outside the EU?

No. Product prices and shipping quotes do not include customs duties or import fees that may apply in the destination country.

Can I purchase with 0% VAT?

Yes, if you are a B2B customer outside Poland with an active European VAT number (verified via VIES) or if your order is being exported outside the EU.

Is the included manual sufficient for installation?

The manual describes joining the engine and transmission outside the vehicle. Depending on the car, additional custom work may be required: engine mounts, bushings, firewall modification, tunnel clearance, driveshaft length. We recommend professional installation.

Please note that a lightweight rigid flywheel provides uncompromising throttle response at the expense of factory dampening elements. This results in direct drivetrain operation, which may cause natural increase in audible gear noise from the gearbox. This is an expected and desirable characteristic in sports vehicles resulting from the rigid connection between engine and drivetrain.