M3 shifter in 89 325i...

[madsedan]

I just bought the E30 from a friend and the shifter is super sloppy and is like rowing a boat.
I have the stock shifter from an E36 M3 lying around somewhere in the garage, would this be better than whats in there until I buy a proper shift kit?
Also, where is all the slop coming from, I haven't gotten into it yet but is it the plastic cup/bushing the ball on the shift lever sits in thats just worn out or is it something else typically?

[EN318isPDX]

You got it! the shifter ball sits between two plastic bushings and sounds like you need to replace them. You may be able to put the stick from the E36 in but sure there is a good thread on stock knobs vs E30 knobs.

[FredK]

Yes. The stock E36 M3 shifter will have a shorter throw than the stock shifter. It's likely the mushy feeling is from the wear parts on the linkage: the four yellow washers and the foam insert on the selector rod joint.

The shifter essentially has the same parts as an E36 shifter.

[madsedan]

Muchas gracias, I grant both of you one virtual beer!