Shift mechanism options

[Mad-Machine]

I have to either rebuild my shift mechanism or replace it.

I like to upgrade parts when I repair stuff.. so I am looking for options.

Unlike many of the "racers" on many forums, I am pretty happy with the throw on the Ti's stock shifter. I do not see a need to put in a short shifter to reduce the throw down to next to nothing. Doing so also adds to the amount of leverage you need to make the shift.. and a faster shift is a good way to torment your syncros and gears.

So what i want is not a big reduction in throw or speed.. but more "feel". As my ti is all polybushed in the suspension, comfort is not a big thing here (even though I do drive it daily) so I do not mind if it adds vibration or noise to the cabin, I just want to feel the shifter go through it's motions so I can tell EXACTLY when it goes into or out of gear.

Any ideas?

[cooljess76]

Originally Posted by Mad-Machine

...I am pretty happy with the throw on the Ti's stock shifter. I do not see a need to put in a short shifter to reduce the throw down to next to nothing. Doing so also adds to the amount of leverage you need to make the shift.. and a faster shift is a good way to torment your syncros and gears...

I completely agree with you on this. The answer, replace the bushings. I think you may be able to stack them as well if you want an extra crisp feel. You may or may not be able to double them up, I'm not sure, but I'm going to try when I install mine. They're pretty easy to replace and they only cost .20ea at Tischer and .50ea at pelicanparts. You'll need 4 of them and the part# is 25111220439. Here's what they look like:

[Kilijan]

UUC also makes a double shear rod that is supposed to reduce the flex between the lever and selector shaft. I don't know how well it works, but it looks interesting.

[AquaCali]

The simplest choice is to replace the shifter with a Z3 1.9 shift lever. It will reduce the throw by about 33%, which I found to be a nice choice. It requires the shift lever, bushing, a couple of retaining clips and washers. http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...13&hg=25&fg=05 You will need parts 5, 7, (2) 10, (2) 11 you may wat to get a extra #11 just in case it takes flight (better to have and not need, than to need and not have). You will not need the yellow washers #10 for the shift lever end as the bottom is slightly wider than the stock one. The 1.9 lever does not require any modfication to the selector rod as do the Z3 M shift levers, but the throw will not be as short as the M lever but still nicer than the stock lever. BMA Auto Parts sells the complete kit http://www.bmaparts.com/epcgetspecia...34%2FE36%2FE24 Good luck and enjoy