Metal Console Shifter Question

[RobertK]

The transmission I picked up for my 5 speed swap is the metal console type from a newer 325iS. My car is an 87 325i. Can I use this shifter console using the parts circled in the picture below or will I need to track down the aluminum shifter console and mounting hardware? Also, where can I find the part numbers for the hardware I would need to mount which ever one is required for my car?

[AdamF 88iS]

Yes.

[RobertK]

Yes I can use the metal console or Yes I will need the aluminum one?

[AdamF 88iS]

You can use either console if you get the correct version of your circled part. The only deciding factor is if the transmission has the holes for the later style aluminum one or not. But nothing on the car itself is 'shift console specific' so to speak.

[RobertK]

Ok, it does have the holes for the aluminum shifter but it would probably be less hassle to just get the mounting hardware for the sheet metal console.

Does anyone happen to know what the part numbers are for the pieces circled in the first pic?

[nefarious7907]

they should have the part numbers on realoem.com that picture looks like one off of their website, try looking under manual tranny on their site

[RobertK]

yeah.. it seems that every model I try pulls up pics for the aluminum shifter. I took this picture from a thread linked under the SSK FAQ.

[Beej '86 325es]

I would switch to the aluminum carrier if I were you. I have the sheetmetal console since my car was built a few months before they switched, but I think the aluminum carrier is a superior design.

[RobertK]

Glad I found this out before installing the tranny. Luckily enough the guy who sold me the transmission also has the aluminum shifter console and is willing to swap me out for free.

[KenC]

I would switch to the aluminum carrier if I were you. I have the sheetmetal console since my car was built a few months before they switched, but I think the aluminum carrier is a superior design.

I've heard of people switching from the aluminum to the sheet metal because of strength issues. I've heard of the aluminum one breaking many times.

[rs4pro3]

I've always prefered the Sheet metal consule myself. (easier to change the shift lever on also)

[AdamF 88iS]

I would switch to the aluminum carrier if I were you. I have the sheetmetal console since my car was built a few months before they switched, but I think the aluminum carrier is a superior design.

I've heard of people switching from the aluminum to the sheet metal because of strength issues. I've heard of the aluminum one breaking many times.

I've never seen anybody have an issue. The Alu consle came out on E30s and is a design BMW still uses today on the new cars. It is lighter, simpler to assemble/work on, and lower maintenance than the sheet metal console.

[Beej '86 325es]

I would switch to the aluminum carrier if I were you. I have the sheetmetal console since my car was built a few months before they switched, but I think the aluminum carrier is a superior design.

I've heard of people switching from the aluminum to the sheet metal because of strength issues. I've heard of the aluminum one breaking many times.

I've never seen anybody have an issue. The Alu consle came out on E30s and is a design BMW still uses today on the new cars. It is lighter, simpler to assemble/work on, and lower maintenance than the sheet metal console.

That is my reasoning as well. Someone on this board had one break about a year ago, but I have had issues with my sheet metal one a while ago. The dealership didn't tighten my tranny bracket enough and the transmission sagged and bent the sheet metal, which had to be replaced.

I just think the aluminum carrier is a simpler design, and IMO simpler is better.