Shift lever question

[Estii]

What is this larger section on the shift lever, and can it be cut and shortened?

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[SourKraut]

As far as I understand it, its weight helps making the shifting easier. Almost like if you notice stock shifter knobs are heavier than some replacement aftermarket ones. "Throwing" the weight around puts some muscle into the shifting action. When designing for the masses this is the outcome. Lighter components available in the aftermarket will require more "muscle" on the driver to achieve the same results.

[Estii]

Thats what I thought. But can it be cut and lowered? I want to remove about an inch to bring the height down. I really dont mind increased effort.


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[1996 328ti]

The PO cut the top off. Personally I didn't care for it.

If you just want it shorter, that's one thing.
If you want a short throw, there are better options.

[Estii]

I already have a short throw. I have an M coupe lever. But it sits too high for my taste. I want the knob to be a bit lower, like 1".


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[Trusted-1]

From what I recall, this is a bonded rubber section probably intended to reduce noise and vibration into the cabin.

I suppose if you could separate the two and shorten both individually, you could bond it back together.

[Estii]

Okay. Ill have to get it on the bench and experiment a bit. Ill post the results if successfull or not.


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[SourKraut]

Another option to consider is to heat near the top the narrow neck part cherry red and pull the lever back. I did this in a race car and it made a huge differance in shifting comfort.

[Estii]

After a moderate amount of work, my modification was a success!!! The shift lever is comprised of 2 sections with 3 components. Upper section ( where knob mounts), lower section ( where selector rod mounts), and a chubby rubber buffer ( purpose unkown). After reducing 1" from both stock ti lever, and M coupe lever, the reduction in throw is noticable, and i found no increase in shifting effort. If any effort was added it is negligable. If planning to perform this modification to a stock ti lever, I highly suggest purchasing an M coupe or S50 lever. Even after modification the throws are still ridiculous on the stock Ti lever. Ill create a seperate post with the complete step by step procedure.


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[J!m]

The rubber core is to reduce vibrations felt in the hand.

If you don’t care about that, you can cut and weld is however you like.

Note the inner boot seals on this large diameter so if you want the hot/cold/noise to stay outside that is important. Otherwise, that doesn’t matter either.

[Estii]

I cut and inch off the rubber and honestly felt no difference


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