Sloppy Shifter

J3553 · 10-07-2006, 07:53 PM

i've noticed my shifter does a lot of whiggling in all gears, shifting isn't very crisp, and it's sometimes hard to get into first gear, so i figure something needs to be replaced. so i need to know what parts i need to get, can i fix it myself, and how much more would it be to just put in a short shifter while i'm at it? thanks folks!

**1996 328ti** · 10-07-2006, 08:18 PM

The shift lever bushing tends to crack.
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...13&hg=25&fg=05
Fig 7
Installing a short shift is just a matter of replacing the shift lever.
You can use a M roadster lever. I just put a Z8 lever in my E30.

bmw318tiChic · 10-07-2006, 08:40 PM

My shifter is very loose when in gear too, and my mechanic told me that it was normal, being as old as she is (1996: 130k miles). Shifting is still fairly crisp though, and I don't have trouble getting into gear too often. Good luck though

DaNO · 10-07-2006, 08:41 PM

i have the same problem , only i cant shift down straight into second otherwise it pops out, i have to kinds shift down and to the right.

**1996 328ti** · 10-07-2006, 08:43 PM

There is also a spring that wears out.
I need to take care of that over the winter.
The tranny needs to be dropped for that.

J3553 · 10-07-2006, 08:46 PM

dano, i had the same problem with second gear. i think it's normal actually.

Panzer_M · 10-07-2006, 09:44 PM

when I wrapped the OE selector rod it took out a lot of slop.

then I added Delrin Carrier bushings, a new carrier clip, new Shifter(M Coupe's from the dealer) and it stopped alot more of the movement.

Panzer_M · 10-07-2006, 09:45 PM

also when I added weight to the selector rod, it made the throws truer IMO.

for a Diy mod to the rod.

http://www.cfbmw.org/viewtopic.php?t=1138

tastade · 10-07-2006, 10:30 PM

I am tempted to do this for mine. I notice it is sloppy, but it still works perfect. I occasionally think it is in gear and let the clutch out only to grind the gears as it wasn't in all the way. I went and searched and here are the directions on how to change the parts:

http://www.318ti.org/forum/showthread.php?t=8088

**J!m** · 10-17-2006, 03:14 AM

There are four tiny plastic washers (two on each end of the shifter rod) that wear out. Also, the plastic cup bushing the shifter pivot ball sits in wears out as well. The actual ball molded on the shift lever does not wear very much. If a shorter shifter is desired, it's not a bad time to replace that too. The M Roadster lever is the shortest as far as I know. I'm not familiar with the Z8 lever...

Replace these relatively inexpensive parts and it will shift like new 99% of the time. Don't forget to lubricate these parts when you replace them. Use a good quality synthetic grease. It stays in place better when warm, and stays fluid when really cold.

There was also a problem with the detent springs. These springs act on small ball bearings and lock the tranny in each gear, sort of like the small ball that holds the socket on a ratchet. The M3 tranny had problems with this, but I am unaware of the problem in the ti. It is quite reasonable to have problems with this, especially on a high-mileage tranny, particularly if the bulk of the miles are around town (lots of shifting).

**1996 328ti** · 10-17-2006, 03:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by J!m

There was also a problem with the detent springs.

I have that problem but the tranny is from a 328.
Gotta get it fixed over the winter. Also need a throwout bearing and might as well do the clutch.
+220K miles and it's still fine though.

**J!m** · 10-17-2006, 03:31 PM

Don't forget the pilot bearing while you're in there...

L84THSKY · 10-17-2006, 05:18 PM

Sloppy shifter can be a relative term. My car only had 35,000 miles on it when I swapped the shifter. It wasn't sloppy because anything was worn out, it just had to much play from the factory. All I did was replace items 7, 10, 11 and or course the shifter, when I upgraded mine.

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...13&hg=25&fg=05

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1996 328ti

The shift lever bushing tends to crack.
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...13&hg=25&fg=05
Fig 7
Installing a short shift is just a matter of replacing the shift lever.
You can use a M roadster lever. I just put a Z8 lever in my E30.

DeadpaN · 10-24-2006, 05:20 AM

I used this kit.

http://www.bmaparts.com/epcgetspecia...entid=bmaparts

and also replaced #14 which was oil soaked and flattened.

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...13&hg=25&fg=05

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