Length of E30 Getrag 260 Shift Selector Rod?

[Guerc]

What length is a standard E30 325i shift selector rod? Measured from post-to-post?

I am cutting up an 11" E34 selector rod to make the M50/ Getrag 260 connection. Please let me know. Thank you.

Yes, I've searched. Please PM me, it's quite urgent.

[JGood]

Per previous discussions, the length varies by year/model. You might be able to find somebody who can measure theirs, but make sure they have the same year/model as yours. There are at least 3 different rods for e30's.

[White325is]

I have one. Its like 7 3/16's Id have to double check but Im sure thats what it is...

[Beej '86 325es]

I suppose it's a matter of preference for where you want the shifter located. For mine, I ordered a new E30 325i selector rod and had it cut/rotated/rewelded...no length change and it's position in the cabin is perfect.

[JGood]

I suppose it's a matter of preference for where you want the shifter located.

Yep. It will also depend on your shifter. The cars with rods with longer lengths had a bent shifter that compensated and allowed it to sit centered in the console.

[Guerc]

Excellent. Thanks... 7-3/16 give or take an inch either direction

I've already cut 3" out of my 11" selector rod. I guess I need to cut it down another 1.5". I'm going to thread it, and use a threaded insert to adjust for driveline twist.

[flyboyx]

Excellent. Thanks... 7-3/16 give or take an inch either direction

I've already cut 3" out of my 11" selector rod. I guess I need to cut it down another 1.5". I'm going to thread it, and use a threaded insert to adjust for driveline twist.

I originally considered threading my rod but after I thought about it a while, I decided that it was a really bad idea. It wouldn't be an issue except that to access 1st,2nd, 5th, and reverse, the shifter needs to work in torsion. Even with hardened parts and a lock nut, the chances are really good it will work loose on you. Then you will be stuck with only second and third.

I suggest jacking up your car, crawling under the and doing the leg work to make it fit right. This will be your best course of action. I have an obd2 swap thread on this forum. There is a lot on there that won't apply to you, but I have a few photos that might help you through it

[Spaz]

I originally considered threading my rod but after I thought about it a while, I decided that it was a really bad idea. It wouldn't be an issue except that to access 1st,2nd, 5th, and reverse, the shifter needs to work in torsion. Even with hardened parts and a lock nut, the chances are really good it will work loose on you. Then you will be stuck with only second and third.

I suggest jacking up your car, crawling under the and doing the leg work to make it fit right. This will be your best course of action. I have an obd2 swap thread on this forum. There is a lot on there that won't apply to you, but I have a few photos that might help you through it

Or After finding the correct angle you are happy with, weld it all other with the rod still inside.

-Cam

[dougsic]

Or After finding the correct angle you are happy with, weld it all over with the rod still inside.

-Cam

Good suggestion. This is exactly what I did and it worked out very well. Surprising just how little the rod really needs to be rotated.

[flyboyx]

i still don't think its the best idea. the diameter of the bolt is going to be pretty small due to the threads. i think there is also a pretty good chance it will eventually break off next to the weld. grain structure issues due to stresses caused from the weld itself. you mention that you are using an e34 selector rod. i'm not familiar with that, but my solution was to use the back half of an e36 rod with the front half of an e30 rod because the e36 rod is a larger diameter and the e30's will interference fit inside the hollow center. this gave me an excellent way to hold the parts together and adjust them while getting everything set up. i just put a couple of tack welds along the joint so it will come apart easily if i change my mind about the position.

[kickinindian]

Rezzing this thread any pics of this installed?