Author Topic: DIY Short shifter (P/N's, prices, step by step) (Read 108180 times)

dude8383 · « **Reply #30 on:** May 14, 2007, 02:45:56 PM »

Quote from: achtungE30;25696

Thanks, but even still - gotta get under the car to remove the circlip and washer, remove selector rod. I had my car on stands this saturday and crawled underneath to the bellhousing and saying to myself, "Shit, the car just isnt high enough and I still gotta crawl at least another 3 feet, to which my chest would be in contact with the bellhousing.

I guess I'll try ramps next time.

I can't imagine why you would be so close to the bell housing...

Why can't you slide in from the side?? Thats how I was able to reach it.

nomad · « **Reply #31 on:** May 21, 2007, 01:33:00 AM »

what's the best single or pair of bushings to replace to get the shift to be crisper? I have an E36 M3 shift rod waiting to go in to my '91 is.
I bought the odd shaped shifter bushing and the small foam pad that fits in it, as well as the plastic cup. I figure I can reuse the little yellow washers and circlips if they are in ok condition. I just want to take acare of some of the sloppiness in the shifting along with a mildly shorter throw. I could have waited for a z3 shifter rod but it probably would have cost more.

achtungE30 · « **Reply #32 on:** June 13, 2007, 10:30:43 AM »

Well I finally did this mod....had to take my car the local german car mechanic because I couldnt figure out my stumbling issue - so I had him install it while he had the car on the lift... When I got the car back, the shifter now sits 1-2" forward in neutral than before and shifting 1st,3rd,5th is now pushing up against the center console. He claims that the shifter arm underneath is too short. He's also asking me to ask you guys how long is the shifter arm from lever to trans so he can adjust a "fix" to it. I'm not quite sure thats necessary as all you have done it without issue.

I questioned him to a point without insulting him but what did he do wrong so I can correct it later myself? I used the Z3 1.9 shifter from BMA.

r0ckrat · « **Reply #33 on:** June 13, 2007, 02:35:12 PM »

Spin the selector rod 180 deg (after disconnecting the pin that runs though it) and see if that solves the issue or not. I don't remember if the 1.9 shifter has a kink in it or not...

christophbmw · « **Reply #34 on:** June 16, 2007, 01:24:54 PM »

anybody running the Z3 1.9 shifter? or does anyone know the ratio of our stock shifter?

achtungE30 · « **Reply #35 on:** June 17, 2007, 06:29:15 PM »

NICE!!! With a friend, I was able to "flip" mine and low and behold its sitting properly now. Shifts are crisp and short. Like brand new!

jrobie79 · « **Reply #36 on:** August 13, 2007, 09:27:59 PM »

i just bought a 3.0 lever from the dealer, now will i have to bend the lever itself? cause it came as a straight lever from the factory, but the stock one i took out had a kink in it, will this screw up shifting and will i be hitting the console? or will it sit properly in the middle there.

Asserti · « **Reply #37 on:** August 14, 2007, 12:21:14 PM »

Nice write-up! I'm going to do this one too, but don't know yet wich rod I'll take.

Also pay attention to this one folks:

Quote

Remove the shift knob by pulling straight up
with a firm tug. Be careful as you can punch
yourself in the face when the knob lets go or
punch the rear view mirror since you�re
tugging at it so hard. I find that if you
position yourself so that you cover the shifter
knob like you�re covering a grenade, you�ll
pull the knob and you just hit yourself in the
stomach.

First time I pulled a knob I left the car with my nose bleeding

bmwpower · « **Reply #38 on:** August 14, 2007, 01:29:41 PM »

Quote from: shellback;22141

i'd like to piggyback on that question:

which is the shortest and with the least "notch"?
Thanks,
Chris

+ 2.....................

silverblades181 · « **Reply #39 on:** August 14, 2007, 01:46:35 PM »

I just installed the Z4 3.0 and I love it. I had to slightly bend the selector rod since it was touching in 4th gear but I didn't change all the bushings so I assume that's the reason. I'll change them when I do my clutch.

dude8383 · « **Reply #40 on:** August 14, 2007, 02:35:21 PM »

Quote from: bmwpower;31600

+ 2.....................

I'd say the Z3 1.9l. Its the least notchy and the throw is definitely shorter.

carlos318is · « **Reply #41 on:** September 30, 2008, 09:33:38 AM »

Quote from: asubimmer;2649

Has any one used the Z4 2.5 and if so what is it like and is it simple to fit ie do you need to bend the push rod

carlos318is · « **Reply #42 on:** October 23, 2008, 06:53:23 AM »

Can any one say what is the best one to use:confused:

Lars0ne · « **Reply #43 on:** October 23, 2008, 12:13:12 PM »

i would guess Z3 M or the Z3 3.0 if u want to move ur hand less.
but it has to be a balance between the feeling and the function.
shorter = more power to move it and vice versa. but if u are hee-man while driving u wont bother.

carlos318is · « **Reply #44 on:** October 24, 2008, 04:42:10 AM »

I can not decide weather to go for the Z4 3.0 or the Z3-m does anyone have any suggestion's