cutting shifter linkage!?

[E30_80Y]

I am putting a ZF tranny with my S52, the seller tells me it's from a manual e36 1997 or 1998 M3. I was planning on using my stock M42 e30 shifter and linkage, but it doesn't seem to line up. The shifter is pushed back almost 3 inches.
My question is has anyone ever cut and reweld those linkage?
I have measured and I'm pretty affirmative that i need to cut out exactly 2 and 3/4 inch off each.
can someone chime in before i do so?

[10Toes]

Yes, I used E46 linkage just had to cut it, take out a section, and weld back together.

[E30_80Y]

Yes, I used E46 linkage just had to cut it, take out a section, and weld back together.

ok kool thank you, i just wanted to make sure i'm not the only one doing this! before i actually do it and regret it.

[sharksforthecup]

look at the picture in post#8

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=139206

I'm going to have to cut and re-weld mine too, only I need to take out 8-10 inches.

[Vince30]

They put zf trannys in m3s? Thats interesting, they use those a lot in marine applications, good stuff.

[dude8383]

LOL I'm surprised you haven't noticed this...I believe that the 328is came equipped with a ZF box as well.

They put zf trannys in m3s? Thats interesting, they use those a lot in marine applications, good stuff.

[BigD]

328s and 96+ M3s have the same ZF transmission (95 M3 might too, not sure). Use the shifter assembly from the M3, don't cut anything.

[E30_80Y]

i installed the shifter, after shortening it and rewelding it, now it's super long throw shifter. I might need to buy a short throw shifter later on. from 1st to 2nd gear, it actually hits the center console(if i shift hard, so if i go gently it'll be ok)

[rThor432]

now it's super long throw shifter.

The ZF's shift throw is a lot longer than a Getrag 260's. I've had both behind my S52 and I noticed the longer throw instantly.

As a few other guys suggested, I would recommend buying a new rod rather than cutting/welding. Costs ~$9ish iirc and makes it easy as pie. I bought one when I pulled my 15 degree rotated rod and G260.