Z3 3.0 shifter

[MTRD3]

Originally Posted by drfloss

I am interested in your findings...plz post your results

The install went smoothly thanks to the numerous pics (explaining things you otherwise can barely see) in the Pelican Parts DIY.

Using the Z3 1.9 lever I did not have to make any modifications to the selector rod. I was concerned when I first had everything back together and had a mate of mine run through the gears while I watched from below. Everything looked good except when he went into reverse. The selector moves not only forward and back during gear changes but slightly up and down (think of the hand on a clock moving between 8pm and 10pm.. this kind of motion). When going into reverse, it moves down as if to the 8pm positioning and I thought it was making contact with the driveshaft or guibo. Checked it out with a few shims in between the two and it turns out it clears without interference, even if it is tight.

IMO, this is the best lever - nicely shortened, oem, and not notchy. Paired with a clutchstop it is a great driving pleasure upgrade.

[BlackBMWs]

It's been over a year since I posted this. I still use the Z4 2.5 shifter in my 97 Sport TI. Anyone try using the Z4 3.0 shifter on a M44? I see the responses for the Z3 1.9, but am curious if anyone tried the Z4 3.0 shifter? If you have, did you have to do any modifications?

I'm looking to replace the OEM shifter for my 98 M44 Cali Sport.

Thanks!

[spidertri]

The problem I saw with any shifter shorter than the Z3 1.9 was the interference with the driveshaft vibration damper. If you take that thing off (which was done by pnosker without issue) then you should be able to fit a nice short lever.

I haven't had the driveshaft out of my ti in a few years, I forget exactly how the damper is attached, I seem to recall it just being a press fit. I, personally, would take it off and not worry about it.

[BlackBMWs]

Good Morning Dave!

Yes, the last time I had a driveshaft off on my 97, I don't recall there being a damper. Just the Guibo to clear. Similar to the photo I posted on this thread for the shift levers, I'm looking for one on the length of the shift rod to see what is the next increment longer in the event I have to bend one for fitting a Z4 3.0 in-place.

I hope you had a great birthday here recently!

Thanks! Rich

[spidertri]

Haha thanks Rich.

I'm with you now, I saw the e46 sedans have to bend the z4 3.0 shifter to make it positioned correctly inside the car.

I don't know of any photos that show the selector rod lengths. You could look at UUCs dssr selector rods, they typically list the lengths between the different car models.

You could pull the ti rod off and measure the distance between the pins and see which uuc rod would be close or not, then just get the OE BMW piece for that car if you want.

[Marv17]

Hey guys.
I've used the Z3M lever for a few years now. Never had a problem. I did some slight grazing on the lower portion of the selector rod but it some slight bending it fixed it. Then upgraded to a dual wishbone type of selector rod. Bent it and grind off some of it to clear the flex disk. No issues after that.

Now I have the Z4 3.0 lever. Had it bend to fit like stock position since it's super straight. Now the throw is shorter than the Z3M and since the lower portion (below the ball) is not as long it clears no problem. I like the notch feel. I've hopped in my friends Coupe with his m3 lever and dang is super longer throw than my Z3M was.
These levers are a great simple and cheap short shifter solution.

[BlackBMWs]

Thanks Marv! I figured I'd have to bend as well for the M44. Looking for a slightly longer connecting rod to bend, but keep the neutral position centered.

[Marv17]

Yeah. I have the standard length selector rod and had the lever bent. Feels good while shifting and short throw. Notchy but I like that feeling.
Feels like race car Haha jk.

[BlackBMWs]

Ya, I have a Z4 2.5 in my 97. Like the throw and feel. No modification with that rod

[MINIz guy]

Have people tried the E53 X5 shifter in their cars? E30 guys have had success using it, and I have one sitting back home in NJ. Very short throw, but the lever is long so you aren't reaching into the transmission tunnel to shift.

[Marv17]

If anyone is interested I'm selling my z3m lever now.