Installing Z4 lever and rebuilding linkage, what to buy?

[KenC]

I just got a Z4 3.0 lever from Rob and I want to install it soon. But I also want to replace a lot of worn parts in the linkage, however, I'm not exactly sure what to buy.

I have the sheet-metal console ('84 318), so if anybody is familiar with that, would you please help me out? (pssst.... Bill)

I took some pictures of the lever and the page in the Bentley manual with the shifter diagram. Here are the links to the pictures (I forgot my camera was on 3.3mp mode when I took them so I won't post the pictures).

Shifter:

http://gladstone.uoregon.edu/~kcopperw/lever%20001.jpg

Page:

http://gladstone.uoregon.edu/~kcopperw/lever%20002.jpg

Am I correct to assume, based upon this picture, that something in my linkage is worn-out?

http://gladstone.uoregon.edu/~kcopperw/Leather%20Boot%205.jpg

At BavAuto they have a "Short Shift Kit Install Package" which includes "all of the mount bushings, clips, pins & other related hardware to totally renew your shifter assembly in conjunction with the Short Throw Shift Kit." They sell it to install their shift kit. Do you guys this think would include everything needed to rebuild my shift linkage and such? Or should I just buy the parts individually?

[KenC]

Nobody knows anything about the sheet metal console?

[bimmerphile]

Ken, IM me in thje AM. I am far too drunk to coherently post right now.

[Bill 84 318i]

Ken, sorry I couldn't get back to your IM. I was rushing around like crazy yesterday and am now home in NJ, so I won't be on AIM as much.



Okay. In terms of console bushings, there are three. In the diagram above, they are parts 1 and 7. I'd also get a couple of 2's, as they come with locking material on them (and are known to back out of the transmission). It can't hurt to get a couple 8's and 9's either, as they are easy to lose and the clips are easy to break. If you wanna go crazy (I didn't), 14 is a rubber washer that wears out over time.

1: 25 11 1 208 580 (2)
2: 25 11 1 205 659 (2)
7: 25 11 1 204 422 (1)
8: 25 11 1 209 078 (4)
9: 25 11 1 220 379 (2)
14: 23 41 1 466 118 (1)




For the shift lever, you really don't need any parts. You can reuse ones off of your old shifter, but you have to grind down the metal ball and it's a pain in the ass. For as cheap as the parts are, I'd just get new ones. Here's the list for stuff to replace in the two pics above:

Upper Diagram:
4: 25 11 1 207 744 (1)
8: 23 41 1 200 844(1)
12: 23 41 1 466 112 (1)
Lower Diagram:
4: 23 41 1 466 110 (1)

I don't like BavAuto - I just order by part number from BMA.

For installation, you're going to have to file down the inner rim of the upper ball cup to slide it down over the Z4 lever.

That should be all, as long as memory serves.

[bimmerphile]

damn fine work there Bill


:up:

[Schniddy]

http://www.bmw-forums.com/forum/topic224.html

[KenC]

http://www.bmw-forums.com/forum/topic224.html

That post pertains to the aluminum shift console. I have the sheet metal one (used in 83-85)

[Jand3rson]

damn fine work there Bill


:up:

That was an awesome reply, Bill. Very informative.

[KenC]

damn fine work there Bill


:up:

Very informative.

Indeed, I'll have to add this over to the FAQ section about the shifters.

[KenC]

THANKS AGAIN, BILL!

I just ordered all of the parts from BMA a few minutes ago. I should have them soon and hopefully get it all installed this weekend.

[Schnell 318]

ive got the z4 lever in my 318 ... its great :up:

[KenC]

ive got the z4 lever in my 318 ... its great :up:

How 'notchy' is it compared to the stock lever? Is shifting difficult?

[Schnell 318]

it is kinda notchy, but personally i love the feel of a notchy shifter.

the shifting effort is hardly more than stock

the throws are short as hell :up: and the knob is lower so it doesnt stick up like a bus shifter anymore

all in all its the best mod ive done so far

[KenC]

it is kinda notchy, but personally i love the feel of a notchy shifter.

the shifting effort is hardly more than stock

the throws are short as hell :up: and the knob is lower so it doesnt stick up like a bus shifter anymore

all in all its the best mod ive done so far

:up: Awesome! I can't wait!

[KenC]

Thanks y'all for your help, especially BIll. I got it all put in today! Had to do a bit of modification here and there, but it shifts soooo much better now. My console mounts were VERY worn. Oh yeah... the z4 lever kicks ass.