Can I put a "short shift" kit of any kind on my euro?

[e30 323i]

Hey fellas,

This seems like a pretty good forum overall. I've owned my euro for a year now and my love for it grows steadily. Even though finding parts or repair procedures is usually a pain in the ass.

Roughly six months ago, I inquired with bavauto about purchasing a short shifter and they said it wouldn't work on my car but wouldn't tell me why. Reading the FAQ/etc here I hear a procedure referred to for much less $$ that involves just changing bushings and cutting/threading your current handle. I couldn't actually find the procedure outline, however.

So, can any of the gray market guys or euro owners tell me any more?

Any reply is greatly appreciated.

Ben

[KenC]

You can do it. You just will have to get one that is pretty short below the fulcrum.. otherwise you'll have to do some modding. I'd just go with the Z3 1.9 lever; it will drop right in. Get it from BMA for $60 with new bushings. And make sure you tell them you have the sheet metal console too.

[e30 323i]

BMA? Do they have a website? How tough is the install?

Pardon my ignorance...

So the euro has the same shifter as the rest of the e30s?

[KenC]

BMAparts.com - they have a banner ad on this site. It's not that difficult, but there are some bushings you'll want to replace. It's much easier if you drop the driveshaft first.
AFAIK, the euro should be the same under there.

[e30 323i]

This is for sure before I order it?

Thanks guys...

[Court M3]

same car here with z3 1.9 installed. no problems

[Court M3]

if you have questions about your car, haynes makes a manual specifically for it Got mine awhile back.

[e30 323i]

Really?!? Can I get that from their site?

p.s. - how hard is it to do without removing the driveshaft? Does the 323i have a harmonic balancer?

[Court M3]

might be able to get one from their site.

[jackyl]

I have a 323i, has i installed a shortshift kit from understeer.
Excelent and easy to install