Shifter Setup

[Bishop]

First off, I know there is a shift lever / knob thread. Please don't crucify me for this. :)

That thread is packed with tons of conversation, some promoting one lever over another, then people turning around and saying that same lever is shit.

So, I'm approaching the racing oriented bunch on R3V.... I know seat time trumps go-fast goodies, but I'm convinced a new lever / knob might improve the feel on for daily driving...

So, what is everyone using, what are your suggestions, what are your preferences? What would you have done different? I'm looking for suggestions for people who do autox, HPDE / PDX and Driving Schools, and daily drive their BMWs. Also, listing year and model will help since it seemed very clear that some of the cars didn't need bend selector rods due to lack of harmonic balancer, some did, etc...

I went through like 5 pages of that shifter thread, and it seems the Z4 3.0 lever is the way to go, but I'm hoping to get input from this side of the community.

[noE30]

Im interested in this as well.

[SkinnyVT]

I'm currently rocking a '95 M3 lever with the Jaffster knob, the car is an '87 325is but I removed the damper so the selector rod type doesn't matter.

[dannyb]

I have the budget ssk from understeer which i think is a Z3 shifter, i find it great for a DD and some auto-x

[dandrewg]

Does anyone have experience with UUC's race shifter?

[JRKOUPE]

shifter

I track my 90i almost exclusively.......its only street driven to get to tracks.

Ive been using the z3 1.9 set up....its better than stock but not a world of a diff.

I tried a z4 set up.....in another car.....waaay too notchy and hi effort....and lever was too short.

The UUC race set up is very appealing.....some that have used it liked it. But it doesnt see m to be a big seller....dont know why.

For the street.......try the 1.9 or 2.8 or MZ3 lever......

I run the Mz3 lever in my 2.8 coupe.....very nice.....but its short in lever ht.


I like a tall lever for track work.

[2002maniac]

It depends on your personal preference. My favorite is the x5 lever. It's taller than stock with much better throws as well.

[JRKOUPE]

throws

I forgot you used the X5 lever!...you da man.



Thats my next try.....thanx for jogging the brain cells.

[Bishop]

Do you guys have any pics? I was looking at the 2.8/3.0 Z3 lever (Is that the M lever?) since it seemed a good mix of short shifter and lever height. I have interest in the x5 lever, what it looks like, if it is a shorter throw, and what it takes to fit, etc.. I don't really wanna lose lever height, but I'd like shorter, crisper shifts.

[JRKOUPE]

Do you guys have any pics? I was looking at the 2.8/3.0 Z3 lever (Is that the M lever?) since it seemed a good mix of short shifter and lever height. I have interest in the x5 lever, what it looks like, if it is a shorter throw, and what it takes to fit, etc.. I don't really wanna lose lever height, but I'd like shorter, crisper shifts.

the m lever is from the z3, it is NOT the z3 2.8 lever...

peeps have also used the e36 m3 lever....

consider the x5 lever if you want a TALLER lever....

the 1.9 lever will keep lever ht to stock...and reduce throws a bit....



search google for ron stygar short shift kits....many pics there to show how each lever differs....

but basically a pic of a lever looks like most any bimmer lever....

here ya go....dont stress.....

http://www.unofficialbmw.com/e36/drivetrain/e36_short_shifter_images.html

[Bishop]

Yeah I saw some of those pics in the shifter thread. I'd like to pick a setup that you guys can offer positive input on, so I can hopefully pick something that won't take more effort because it's too notchy or stiff. I'd prefer to not have to bend the selector, so I was thinking the z3 2.8/3.0...

[JRKOUPE]

shiftey

Bishop.....


I feel like you are being recalcitrant....


my back is killing me...so Im kinda stuck in this chair......and Im a prisoner of this thread..lol

you have all the info you need.......you want us to tell you what to get?...

w/ all the facts...and there a shit pile.... PICK a lever....

ask people for the best hi po brake pads...youll get 100 friggin answers.....same w/ levers.

[Bishop]

Alright fair enough, I guess I'm looking for a suggestion toward the "right" lever. I'll do some more looking / reading and just order one.

[2002maniac]

Alright fair enough, I guess I'm looking for a suggestion toward the "right" lever. I'll do some more looking / reading and just order one.

The "right" lever is the one that feels best to you. Are you going to ask us what cut of pants you should wear?

[Bishop]

No, but I'd rather not spend like $500 on all the various levers to figure out which ones feels best for me.... :)