Shift Lever and Short Shifters

[rThor432]

^^
The OEM part is basically the same thing as most aftermarket shifters (like B&M) except it is cheaper.

My Z3 M shifter is the same as my co-worker's B&M shifter, but cost something like $100 less.

[tofubento]

This may be a dumbquestion...but why not sue a premade short shifter like BnM ? or is there really that much of an advantage of using another OEM part(s)?

[ZJP]

Yeah that's definitely usable. Not sure where the shifter would be located in the console (because of the odd bend) but it's got all the right parts.

Cool - thanks for clarifying that.

I will post back the results after the installation.

[rThor432]

Yeah that's definitely usable. Not sure where the shifter would be located in the console (because of the odd bend) but it's got all the right parts.

[ZJP]

Probably would, you can use the shifter from pretty much any manual BMW up to the E46 at least. I havent seen the E9x shift lever, but I'm sure it hasnt changed much if any.

a pic for reference.

[rThor432]

Does anyone know if an oem shift lever from a 335i would work in a 318is?

Probably would, you can use the shifter from pretty much any manual BMW up to the E46 at least. I havent seen the E9x shift lever, but I'm sure it hasnt changed much if any.

[rThor432]

the notch is exactly what im trying to avoid! i want short SMOOVE shifts.. ;)

If you want smooth shifts just replace the shift lever without replacing all of the bushings in the system. Unless your stock linkage is excessively sloppy, replacement of the bushings isnt necessary. My 318is with the stock linkage at 140k felt great with no excessive play, so I just replaced the shift lever. It is much more smooth than my eta, which got all new bushings. Both have Z3 M coupe shifters.

[ZJP]

Does anyone know if an oem shift lever from a 335i would work in a 318is?

[robspeed325i]

Because it comes with that riser cup, it's by far the best shifter for the money. BTW that cup makes a world of difference for those used to the super notchy feeling of the super short shifters.

the notch is exactly what im trying to avoid! i want short SMOOVE shifts.. ;)

[blueapplesoda]

Ive been using that blue ebay shifter for about a year and half now and i love it, and if you wanna get one, make sure it comes with orings and a bunch of snap rings, cause i got the purple one and it didnt come with anything, so i had to buy the blue one with all the parts, lesson learnt. i love it for the most part, more direct feeling rather than squishy stock shifters.... except that snap ring holding the gold ball on the shifter diggs into the the nylon bushing, and it makes my chrome shift knob get a bit warm. but w/e its all good.

Because it comes with that riser cup, it's by far the best shifter for the money. BTW that cup makes a world of difference for those used to the super notchy feeling of the super short shifters.

[robspeed325i]

this has probaly already been covered but this thread has 36pages. how long does it take to replace an e30 shifter and are there any realy good links to show how do it?

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=41971

=p

[alpinweib30]

this has probaly already been covered but this thread has 36pages. how long does it take to replace an e30 shifter and are there any realy good links to show how do it?

[robspeed325i]

installed a z4 2.5 last night and love it! i didnt have to bend it and as far as i know i havent had any rubbing on my HB. installed in an 89 325i. compared to stock its night and day!! notchier, shorter, tighter. just how i like her/them! id recommend stock piling your mods like i have over almost a year and doing them all in two days. its like buying a new car. steering rack, tierods, LCA's, springs, shocks, bushings, m3 rear bucket, short shifter, wheels and tires. mmmm. much thanks to elliot (e30trash) and patrick for their help and time.

cool, thats what im going to do... get through winter and then do a lot of stuff, like a nice drop, the ssk, and maybe some bily HDs if i can find a good used set. also prolly re-do my stereo then too. :)

[lowlightbw]

installed a z4 2.5 last night and love it! i didnt have to bend it and as far as i know i havent had any rubbing on my HB. installed in an 89 325i. compared to stock its night and day!! notchier, shorter, tighter. just how i like her/them! id recommend stock piling your mods like i have over almost a year and doing them all in two days. its like buying a new car. steering rack, tierods, LCA's, springs, shocks, bushings, m3 rear bucket, short shifter, wheels and tires. mmmm. much thanks to elliot (e30trash) and patrick for their help and time.

[robspeed325i]

i see, how much was the ssk from ebay?

about $35 including shipping.