M3 adapter to run late shifter on early trans... A myth?

[MR 325]

We've seen part number 25112225369 kicked around a few times in this section over the years. This is a M3 part that is supposed to allow the use of a late model style aluminum shift carrier on an early model E30 that originally came with the sheet metal carrier.

Well here I am with my 1984 Euro 323i trying to install late model 325i shifter parts in to the car. I bought the bracket (25112225369) brand new and have it here with me. The bolt holes do not line up with the transmission! Unless I'm missing something here it was my understanding that this bracket bolts to the same holes that the sheet metal console mounts originally used in the transmission.

I'm looking for somebody who has done this personally and has first hand experience.

[LJ851]

Is it possible the 265 out of the m3 has a different bolt spacing than your 323's gearbox?

I've got a 265 handy if you'd like a measure.

[Todd Black 88]

Try TCGoose, I think that's his user name. He has just swapped from the sheet metal early carrier to the later aluminum style on his.

[LJ851]

Have you unlocked the mystery ?

[MR 325]

Try TCGoose, I think that's his user name. He has just swapped from the sheet metal early carrier to the later aluminum style on his.

Couldn't find that name.

Have you unlocked the mystery ?

Nope! I need to get this thing done damn it!

Might have to rebuild the early stuff if I can't figure out a solution.

[TG Goose]

It was me, I have that piece too, but both my eta tranny's have the bosses for new style shifter so I never actually got to use it

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[MR 325]

Damn!

I'm really beginning to think this part is a long running bit of misinformation. I've even PM'd jlevie since he's recommended this bracket quite a few times over the years. I provided him a link to the thread asking for insight but he hasn't replied.

[gath]

Not much info but some mixed reaction on this issue.. ;)

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=184851

and in this thread they say it only works with G265

http://www.mye28.com/viewtopic.php?p=679120

"The E30 M3 bracket only works with the G265, and I happen to need one, so if you're not going to use it..."

[reelizmpro]

Matt, take some pics? I'm having a hard time visualizing what you are dealing with. I always believed that bracket would make everything work as well.

[gath]

If am not wrong, I think Matt has this early model and wanted to use this shift lever like in a late model
using this bracket
but it seems it only works with g265 as seen in those pics.

[MR 325]

You've got it right and that's exactly what I wanted to do.

I'm going to officially call this M3 bracket myth BUSTED!

[FLG]

You've got it right and that's exactly what I wanted to do.

I'm going to officially call this M3 bracket myth BUSTED!

Don't know if it makes a diff. But If you look at the pics... It appears some trimming is required on the trans.


Edit.. Nvm did some reading and saw where the pic was from. It also visually appears there's a big width different between the sheet metal mounts on a 265 vs a 260. I don't think that part will work.

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk 2

[reelizmpro]

There must be a way. My M tech has an early ETA trans with a late model shift console. Either they made a bracket work or swapped the entire rear cover. I believe I have the late model rear cover IIRC but i know it's an ETA trans because they cut the wiring but left the bell housing sensors.

[FLG]

Matt, ive got an idea.

What if you took these pieces from your early bracket,

http://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-shift-tower-mount-25111208580

These go here (1 in the pic)



And bolted them to the back of the transmission where they would normally go.

Then bolted the piece you have, flat across the top? (so the open part would be facing the floor)

Long shot, but its worth a look into. Might need to stack up some washers or use some spacer to get it high enough to clear the selector joint, not sure..hard to make out size from pics.

Could maybe even mount them to the transmission where the number 4 screw would go, if you needed the bracket to be closer to the transmission since is less thick in that direction.

Hope this all makes sense, its early and im tired.

[MR 325]

I thought about that too! (Well maybe my roommate did...)

Thing is those mounts on my trans are shot so I'd have to buy them if it did in fact work.

I'm just going to make my own DTM style shifter with some help from Myster-E. ;)