Speaking from experience - helper spring - The BMW 6 Series (E24) Forum

I converted my 82 auto to a 5 speed a while back. I have a June build making it an E24, same as yours. It took me quite a while to figure out the helper spring as I could never get a good picture on what I was missing.

The Bentley manual in Section 12 on page 12 Fig 5-5, shows the spring A and the mount B on the hydraulic hose and what appears to be the fire wall. The fire wall may trick you as what the spring really sits against is part of the steering column. You may not have this on your steering column if you have the original steering column from the automatic transmission car. I had to source another steering column from a manual car. Yes, the only difference I have found between the steering columns is that the mounting plate exists only for a manual car.

Currently my helper spring fell off and I have been driving it around for a while like that. I'm sure it's not good for the clutch. Since I don't drive my car that much, I always pull the clutch towards me with my foot after shifting gears. Seems to be okay and once I recover from a broken rib, I'll put the spring back on.

What is most frustrating, is that you need this extra plate on the steering column to make the spring work. It's been so long since I did the swap I can't remember what the plate on the steering column looks like. Unless you are really good with a welder, I don't think it is too easy to make the bracket ourself.

If anyone on the board just happens to have a steering column from a manual car out of the car, please take a picture and post. This will clear up one of your issues.

Another word of advice, make sure you wire the transmission in properly. From Bentley, in Section 22, page 20 Fig 4-9, if you do not wire as shown, the auto back up light switch will draw down your battery in a most mysterious way. It took me 5 years to figure this one out. At times, there will not be enough amps to start your car. This could be right after you have turned it off, or if it has been sitting for a while. Very difficult to trace. I was never stranded but I always carried jumper cables. On a strange note, my battery lasted about 7-8 years. I fixed the battery drain problem about 2 years ago and have not had the problem since.

Good luck. Holler if you have a problem. I'm am not a mechanic and this is the only 6ir I have owned. I get through life by trial and error. Seems like I have learned a lot and continue to learn.