Shifting Replacement Parts

[aschmidt]

Thanks for the helpful replies everyone. So do you think it'll stiffen up if I buy the bushing set from Pelican Parts and the 2002 delrin/aluminum support brackets?

[MR 325]

I replaced every single bushing in my 85's sheet metal console. I also installed a Z4 2.5 SSK. It feels awesome and is not sloppy at all.

[blueapplesoda]

i actually like this style shifter console...looks more solid than the aluminum one. no bitch clip either.

[nando]

what's the big deal about the bitch clip? it's not that hard to get out..

[kellie]

Piece number 14 has a tendency to wear out and become slightly oval shaped which can affect the shift feel. I replaced it and all of the related hardware last weekend when I had the transfer case out of the iX, but didn't do any bushings, and just replacing that piece helped significantly. Also, there are two 13mm bolts under the shift boot that were so loose that I could turn them with my fingers. They go to a bracket under the car that go to part of the shift linkage. I didn't look at it carefully when I was under the car, so I don't remember exactly what they go to, but tightening those up helped a lot as well.

[Mastrcruse]

what's the big deal about the bitch clip? it's not that hard to get out..

No its not hard. I thought it was difficult to get too when doing mine. And found out its A LOT easier to do the entire swap when its up in the air on a lift. I first tried to do it on the floor jacks but wasn't fun but I am a thick person

[gerlando]

what's the big deal about the bitch clip? it's not that hard to get out..

I guess it's different for everyone. I had a hell of a time getting mine off. Lots of cursing got the job done though :)

[Jean]

So, what's the verdict, will a z3/z4 shifter rod fit the early cars w/o any modifications or not ?

[nefarious7907]

Confirmed, the 2002 support bracket for the sheetmetal console is the same PT# as the E30 sheet metal console support bracket. I am ordering those derlin aluminum ones from AKG.

[Dibo718]

Stock shifters are always sloppy even when replacing every part on the shifter linkage, short shifters are the way to go, i personally like the UUC short shift kit with the dssr, the shifting is smooth and firm, my brother is running that in his e46 and i am going to purchase one soon also. Pricey? yeah, but its worth it imo.