Tranmission Swap - which shift lever to use?

[Cabrio330]

I have a 1991 325ic M-Tech with automatic transmission that I am about to swap to a Getrag 260 5-speed. I don't have the time or frankly the capability to do this myself so I am having my mechanic do it. I know it will cost more that way, but selling this car and buying one with a 5-speed is not an option - too much emotional value in the current car, e.g., my son and I reupholstered the seats together, etc.

My last manual transmission car was a daily-driver 2004 E46 330i ZHP 6-speed - by far the best manual transmission experience I have ever had, and I miss that car a lot. It was even better than the E46 M3 I had, which had an OEM shifter like a boat oar (comparatively speaking, of course!). Hopefully those of you reading this will know about the ZHP 6-speed - I particularly liked the height of the shift lever and the OEM ZHP shift knob. So my goal is to replicate that shifting experience as much as possible in the E30.

So, what shift lever should I get? Specific part number would be great, if you have it. Also, any other OEM components of the swap that I should consider swapping for an improved experience? Sorry if that question is vague, but hopefully you get my point.

Thanks!

[blocke]

You can get the ZHP knob from Tischer for like $65.
The shift lever comes down to personal preference, and has been debated up and down this board. I myself have the kit that Blunt sells, I think it's a Z3 1.9 lever. I love it.
The big difference though came from replacing all of the bushings and cleaning up the play in all the linkage. I have never driven a ZHP, but I can say that the rebuilt shifter is a night and day difference over stock.
You can always go with a DSSR if you need a tighter feel as well.

Hope this helps!

[MaksV]

I like the Z4 3.0L shift lever.

[Wanganstyle]

use the ZHP shift lever in your e30 with a 5 speed, or install a ZF 6 speed transmission into it!!! I love my ZF 6 speed e30 :)


Its piviot point provides a great shift action, its also OEM BMW layback for our USA left hand drive market. the USA only model ZHP was the car that BMW used to flagship the ZF 6 speed transmission :)