Geometry rules (shifter review)

[Rob]

Just installed a Z4 3.0 in my 318is, took all of 45 minutes in the 40 degree (cold to me at least) weather. Just the shift lever, new selector rod bushings and clip, nothing more. The results have really amazed me. Shifter height in the car is reduced, but not drastically. the actual shifts are ridiculously short, and extremely notchy, just a 'snick-snick' wrist movement. I love it, with the clutch stop, it feels like i can actually shift fast, almost as fast as my last car. Since the shifts are shortened, effort goes up, but its not bothersome. Overall, I think this lever may be a bit too extreme for some pansies, but perfect for guys looking for an inexpensive way to run through the gears.

Z4 on the left. The new shifter is about 2 inches shorter up top that the stocker

[OldUser1]

Re: Geometry rules (shifter review)

Just the shift lever, new selector rod bushings and clip, nothing more.

How much did the dealer charge for all of that?

[Rob]

I got it from BMA autoparts for $56, thats the lever, selector rod cup, 4 bushings, and 2 clips. The local dealership quoted me $76 for just the lever.

[OldUser1]

I got it from BMA autoparts for $56, thats the lever, selector rod cup, 4 bushings, and 2 clips. The local dealership quoted me $76 for just the lever.

I'll have to look into getting one. Maybe EuroDepot has all of that for a good deal.
When you get a chance, maybe some pics of it installed? 1st gear, neutral, 2nd gear?
Thanks.

[Rob]

I'll snap some tomorrow when its light again

[F|2eeSTy|e]

I put the same kit in my car just last week... I like it a lot.
Not the best pic, but here it is. I plan on getting a new knob soon too.

[MattM20]

I put the same kit in my car just last week... I like it a lot.
Not the best pick, but here it is. I plan on getting a new knob soon too.

is that the 2.5 or 3.0 lever?


here's a 1st-N-2nd pic of my Z4 2.5 lever. (type in ".orig.jpg" at the end of the url for a higher res shot)

[F|2eeSTy|e]

I put the same kit in my car just last week... I like it a lot.
Not the best pic, but here it is. I plan on getting a new knob soon too.

is that the 2.5 or 3.0 lever?


here's a 1st-N-2nd pic of my Z4 2.5 lever. (type in ".orig.jpg" at the end of the url for a higher res shot)

I am not exactly sure. I ordered it from BMA, and it was the exact same cost as Rob's, so I am assuming it is the same kit (z4 3.0).
Oh, btw, up top I wrote "not the best pick" and meant "pic". BMA Z4 SSK = Win... Picture = Sux

[SykoBMW]

How do you install them? I've wanted to get one, but not sure how to install.

[UNHCLL]

I got it from BMA autoparts for $56, thats the lever, selector rod cup, 4 bushings, and 2 clips. The local dealership quoted me $76 for just the lever.

I'll have to look into getting one. Maybe EuroDepot has all of that for a good deal.
When you get a chance, maybe some pics of it installed? 1st gear, neutral, 2nd gear?
Thanks.

Dont even waste your time. Just order from BMA.

[Bryson]

I'm guessing that the shifts are smoother with the m42 tranny then, and I could swear that my M coupe lower section is longer (shorter throw), but the Z4 3.0 is supposed to be a hair shorter shift than the M coupe. Is the shift lever ridiculously close to the driveshaft? Mine is, a millimeter or two.

[Rob]

Syko: its not hard at all, and I'd be happy to help you out if you want to do an install sometime over Christmas break

Like I said, I did the z4 3.0 lever, if that above is the 2.5, the shifter height will be the same, but the actual throws will be much shorter with the 3.0, which is a good thing or a bad thing depending on your perspective



I love posting that pic, it gives a great idea of the differences between the Z shifters

[Bryson]

I spent about 45 minutes looking for it on Ron's site to no avail last week, thanks. The Z4 2.5 is ridiculously waffleswaffleswaffleswaffleswaffles ;)

[Rob]

another thing that changes the feel is the shift knob, i'm rocking a RK3, which is lovely, feels great. I'd like to upgrade to one of the heavier knobs though, if only they had illumination....

[mgold]

How do you install them? I've wanted to get one, but not sure how to install.

Yes, a step by step explanation would be great. Was the install done from inside the car or did you have to climb underneath to make the change?