Have you replaced your shift lever ?

[Court M3]

year: 1983
model: 323i
type of shifter (z3 1.9, z4 2.5, 3.0, m etc): Z3 1.9
problems with the install (had to bend anything etc): None
are you happy with it: Yes, but will probably go with the z4 2.5 shift lever. Got it in the ///M and totally satisfied with the short throws and feel.

[KenC]

But, what's the reason behind this? Is the z3/z4 ball cup smaller in diameter compared to the e30 shifter ?

You need two lower cups because the lever will hit the driveshaft. Even with two, the Z4 3.0 lever sat about 2mm from my driveshaft.

As far as the Z3 1.9 lever, I'm not sure if you need two or not. I only ever installed the Z4 lever.

[rThor432]

year: 1987
model: 325es
type of shifter (z3 1.9, z4 2.5, 3.0, m etc): Z3 M
problems with the install (had to bend anything etc): None
are you happy with it: Yes, it's great. I just wish it sat a little taller.

[Jean]

TTT.

Anybody else with an early car console and z3/z4 shifter ?

From the long shifter thread , I added the names of the parts as listed on realoem.com and links to the pictures

Originally Posted by kencopperwheat - How to Rebuild a Sheet-Metal Console Shifter Mechanism

Everybody with a sheet-metal console should thank Bill for this one:

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) (SUPPORTING BRACKET )
2: 25 11 1 205 659 (2) (FILLISTER-HEAD SCREW M10X40 )
7: 25 11 1 204 422 (1) (STOP BUFFER)
8: 25 11 1 209 078 (4) (SPACER RING 10X15X2 )
9: 25 11 1 220 379 (2) (CIRCLIP)
14: 23 41 1 466 118 (1) (RUBBER Washer) I also ordered e30m3 part (25112226585) to compare.

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: (http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...85&hg=25&fg=05)
4: 25 11 1 207 744 (1) (BALL CUP LOWER)
8: 23 41 1 200 844(1) SPACER SLEEVE
12: 23 41 1 466 112 (1) (LOCK RING)
Lower Diagram: (http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...05&hg=25&fg=05)
4: 23 41 1 466 110 (1) (BALL CUP UPPER)

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.

Q: does the upper ball cup need to be trimmed when z3 1.9 lever (25117527252) is installed ?

[Jean]

It's about half under and half above the car. It took me a while when I did it because it's a pain in the ass to work around the drive shaft.

You'll definitely need two lower cups to space the lever up enough.

Got two on hand :)

But, what's the reason behind this? Is the z3/z4 ball cup smaller in diameter compared to the e30 shifter ?

[KenC]

It's about half under and half above the car. It took me a while when I did it because it's a pain in the ass to work around the drive shaft.

You'll definitely need two lower cups to space the lever up enough.

[Jean]

I am going to assemble the whole thing out of the car , and then install in one shot.

[TopOfTheLine89]

how much of a PITA is a shortthrow install? Is it all done from underneath the car or is it half and half?

[Jean]

Ok, for those of you who rebuild the console. Did you end up using TWO early style "Ball Cup Lower" 25111207744 rings ?

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

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

[Jean]

I wonder if it would be a bad idea to replace the soft rubber rear (3rd) mount on the metal console with something made out of metal since the engine/tranny does move a bit...

[Jand3rson]

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

For sure, I've always thought the metal console was a far better design than that skinny little aluminum rod. Having had the same shift kit in cars with both designs, my current ssk with the metal console feels a lot firmer and more solid.

[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

[rs4pro3]

Ya I replaced every bushing etc..

[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]

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