Have you replaced your shift lever ?

[Jean]

I know I might catch shit for this thread but I need to get as much input on this as possible in order to purchase the right part.

I've read through the http://www.mz3.net/articles/143.html page and the long shift lever thread
http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/show...=41971&page=21 already.

As we all know early e30 cars (83-87 iirc) came with a metal console, like this -



Most of the comments regarding replacing the shift lever with the one from a z3/z4/x5/e36 are from the owners with the other shift console on the newer e30s.

So, if you replaced your shift lever with a Z3/Z4 shift lever and you have an early car with the metal console as pictured above, speak up! I would rather not do this twice, and will provide a complete write up with pictures :D

Please take a moment to fill this out :

year:
model:
type of shifter (z3 1.9, z4 2.5, 3.0, m etc):
problems with the install (had to bend anything etc):
are you happy with it:

Thank you!

[Jand3rson]

I have an '86 325es, and I have the Z3 1.9 lever combined with the early metal shift console. I didn't install the lever, but right after I bought the car, Jordan and I rebuilt the entire shift linkage and replaced all the parts and bushings. I've never had issues shifting, and nothing had to be or is bent. I love the Z3 1.9 lever, it's the perfect combination of short throw, notchiness, and shifting ease. I also had the same setup on my first E30, with the later linkage parts.

[Jean]

Thanks. Basically mine is going to be fully rebuilt from the console to all the moving/not moving parts :)

[Mr.sexymorningvoice]

where is that metal console part?

because i have an early car...and i have never seen that part.

[Wishno87]

its where your shifter pivots. take off your shift boot and some other stuff and it should be somewhere down there. its in your transmision tunnel. late cars have an aluminum one.

[Jean]

Here http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...93&hg=25&fg=05

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...85&hg=25&fg=05

[Mr.sexymorningvoice]

ahh...so it is underneat, inside the tunnel. Is there any modification that needs to be done to that console to run the Z4 3.0? i realize the rod needs to be bent for balencer clearence

[Jean]

That's the point of this thread, to get some feedback...plus, not all e30s came with the vib. bal. part near the guibo.

[rs4pro3]

85-325e
z3 M-coupe lever
I love it, once of the best easy to do mods
To install I had to use two lower cups, and one upper cup and no spring. You have to grind the lowest lower cup down till you can fit the whole assembly in and still get the circlip in. Other wise with just one lower cup the shifter rubbed the drive shaft itself. Ken K. has a write up about it under the shifter FAQ thread.

[Mr.sexymorningvoice]

how is it that you actually rubbed the driveshaft itself with a Z3M, and people with the Z4 3.0 never said anything about this? Did the mean the rod?

[nando]

fuck, that sheet metal carrier looks tough. I hate the floppy bushings on the aluminum carrier.

[rs4pro3]

the m-coupe lever has the longest length below the ball, but not the shortest shift ratio. I swear by the sheet metal consul, it's been 3 years since I rebuilt mine and still no slop

[Jean]

the m-coupe lever has the longest length below the ball, but not the shortest shift ratio. I swear by the sheet metal consul, it's been 3 years since I rebuilt mine and still no slop

Good to hear! Used an oem rear / 3rd rubber mount for the console ?

[rs4pro3]

Ya I replaced every bushing etc..

[Jean]

I heard/read that the plastic washer infront of the gearshift rod joint from an e30 m3 is made out of stronger material, gives less play. True ?

#14 item - 14 http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...93&hg=25&fg=05
14 PLASTIC WASHER 1 06/1986 25111434194 $0.56

e30m3 same item, #16 http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...81&hg=25&fg=05
16 SPACER RING 1 25112226585 $1.79