 » Site Navigation | | | | » Recent Threads | | | | | |  |  |  |  01-11-2009, 05:27 AM | #1 | | Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: norcal - 94590 Posts: 3,186 |  shifter rebuild & SSK ?'s
The shifter in the M3 has gotten extremely sloppy... not hard to shift, but very sloppy. So, as I tend to tackle a fix with one car, I then follow suit with the other. I plan to rebuild the shifter with a super shift kit from pelican parts ($77) and that gets me to thinking...
1. Should I go ahead and put a shorter shifter in while I have it apart? If so, what is everyone's favorite short shift kit/set-up? I've read the M-coupe shifter ($64) is a great choice, but would need a little modding/bending to work.
2. After I finish the M, should the ti be next? The shifter in it is fine, but I would like a short shift set-up in the ti as well... Can I do the same SSK? Pelican Parts website says the same shifter won't work for the ti...
What has everyones experience with SSK's been? Any input/suggestions would be welcome __________________ James 95 active w/leather interior and sport interior conversion, Vaders, full M-Tech exterior conversion. Now m50 swapped* Eibach sway bars, D2 Coilovers, Depo's w/AE's, blacked-out sides and grills, LeatherZ console and door armrests, 1 series starter button mod, and custom finished Style 5's <--- in this color! Named "Roddy":  *M50 6 cyl. swap with fan delete, S50 cams and chip, AFE stage 2 intake, M3 clutch and 11.5 lb Fidanza flywheel, 3.15LSD, battery relocated to rear and complete custom exhaust. Sweet!  97 318ti sport, Alaska Blue, Contours, coilovers, Dove Vaders and custom black/grey interior named "Max" 95 318ti Active in Cosmos, S50 swap in progress... named "Pit" SUPPORT 318ti.org! CLICK THE LINK ABOVE! Hosting a forum like this is not free. 318ti.org is one of the best BMW forums on the web because it is member supported, not vendor supported. The cost to become a Supporter is a nominal $10.00... A YEAR! DO IT! NOW! |  |  | | 01-11-2009, 05:48 AM | #2 | | Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: New Orleans Posts: 970 |
all i know is that short shifters are amazing haha __________________ 
^being rebuilt^
until then:
daily car:
96' Blue DASC'd ti with koni coilovers
slowly progressing...
weekend car:
85 1/2' 944 Porsche
no a/c, p/s, gutted cat, loud as hell exhaust, loud as hell sound system | | | | | 01-11-2009, 06:00 AM | #3 | | Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: norcal - 94590 Posts: 3,186 |
it's funny, but everyone raves about short shift kits... My experience with them was having the factory SSK on my WRX a few years back, and it didn't even seem different from stock... __________________ James 95 active w/leather interior and sport interior conversion, Vaders, full M-Tech exterior conversion. Now m50 swapped* Eibach sway bars, D2 Coilovers, Depo's w/AE's, blacked-out sides and grills, LeatherZ console and door armrests, 1 series starter button mod, and custom finished Style 5's <--- in this color! Named "Roddy": *M50 6 cyl. swap with fan delete, S50 cams and chip, AFE stage 2 intake, M3 clutch and 11.5 lb Fidanza flywheel, 3.15LSD, battery relocated to rear and complete custom exhaust. Sweet! 97 318ti sport, Alaska Blue, Contours, coilovers, Dove Vaders and custom black/grey interior named "Max" 95 318ti Active in Cosmos, S50 swap in progress... named "Pit" SUPPORT 318ti.org! CLICK THE LINK ABOVE! Hosting a forum like this is not free. 318ti.org is one of the best BMW forums on the web because it is member supported, not vendor supported. The cost to become a Supporter is a nominal $10.00... A YEAR! DO IT! NOW! | | | | | 01-11-2009, 06:13 AM | #4 | | Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Greenville, SC Posts: 9,356 |
You sure it's not a weak return spring?
Very common problem in these transmissions. __________________ ...steven
BMW CCA #146825
1996 BMW 328ti • 2003 MINI Cooper S • 2016 M235i
www.bmwcca.org
| | | | | 01-11-2009, 06:51 AM | #5 | | Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Fl Posts: 1,353 |
I have the UUC Evo3 and DSSR in my coupe... it is awful, and coming out as soon as I go back in there. Awful notchy, common complaint with UUC kits...
GRM did a SSK comparo a while back. An E36 M3 was the test mule, as I recall the winner was the kit from shift solutions. __________________
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| | | | | 01-11-2009, 08:40 AM | #6 | | Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: norcal - 94590 Posts: 3,186 |
Quote: Originally Posted by 1996 328ti  You sure it's not a weak return spring?
Very common problem in these transmissions. | If by return spring you mean Detente (sp?) spring, I don't think so... No pop out of gear or anything like that. Quote: Originally Posted by BimmerBum I have the UUC Evo3 and DSSR in my coupe... it is awful, and coming out as soon as I go back in there. Awful notchy, common complaint with UUC kits...
GRM did a SSK comparo a while back. An E36 M3 was the test mule, as I recall the winner was the kit from shift solutions. | I read that and a couple of other comparisons... I am unconvinced that any SSK is what I want... I think I will just rebuild the M3 to stock specs. I am not planning to autocross or race, just want a nicer, crisper feel for DD... most aftermarket stuff seems too extreme for this project. Now, what about just a short throw shift lever (replacing just the shift arm) for the ti? Just order an OEM replacement from an MZ? __________________ James 95 active w/leather interior and sport interior conversion, Vaders, full M-Tech exterior conversion. Now m50 swapped* Eibach sway bars, D2 Coilovers, Depo's w/AE's, blacked-out sides and grills, LeatherZ console and door armrests, 1 series starter button mod, and custom finished Style 5's <--- in this color! Named "Roddy": *M50 6 cyl. swap with fan delete, S50 cams and chip, AFE stage 2 intake, M3 clutch and 11.5 lb Fidanza flywheel, 3.15LSD, battery relocated to rear and complete custom exhaust. Sweet! 97 318ti sport, Alaska Blue, Contours, coilovers, Dove Vaders and custom black/grey interior named "Max" 95 318ti Active in Cosmos, S50 swap in progress... named "Pit" SUPPORT 318ti.org! CLICK THE LINK ABOVE! Hosting a forum like this is not free. 318ti.org is one of the best BMW forums on the web because it is member supported, not vendor supported. The cost to become a Supporter is a nominal $10.00... A YEAR! DO IT! NOW! | | | | | 01-11-2009, 07:17 PM | #7 | | Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: norcal - 94590 Posts: 3,186 |
Bump... anyone else have a suggestion for the best short shift lever for the ti? __________________ James 95 active w/leather interior and sport interior conversion, Vaders, full M-Tech exterior conversion. Now m50 swapped* Eibach sway bars, D2 Coilovers, Depo's w/AE's, blacked-out sides and grills, LeatherZ console and door armrests, 1 series starter button mod, and custom finished Style 5's <--- in this color! Named "Roddy": *M50 6 cyl. swap with fan delete, S50 cams and chip, AFE stage 2 intake, M3 clutch and 11.5 lb Fidanza flywheel, 3.15LSD, battery relocated to rear and complete custom exhaust. Sweet! 97 318ti sport, Alaska Blue, Contours, coilovers, Dove Vaders and custom black/grey interior named "Max" 95 318ti Active in Cosmos, S50 swap in progress... named "Pit" SUPPORT 318ti.org! CLICK THE LINK ABOVE! Hosting a forum like this is not free. 318ti.org is one of the best BMW forums on the web because it is member supported, not vendor supported. The cost to become a Supporter is a nominal $10.00... A YEAR! DO IT! NOW! | | | | | 01-11-2009, 07:40 PM | #8 | | Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Toledo, OHIO Posts: 332 |
i just ordered the 50% reduction budget ssk from understeer. its not installed yet but when i get around to it i will let you know what its like.
ps. the only thing you will have to bend is the selector rod and that shouldnt be to hard if you have a vice or know someone with one. __________________
99 black ti sport | | | | | 01-11-2009, 08:22 PM | #9 | | Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Hawaii Kai Posts: 232 |
I am no expert on the matter, but I tend to find cars with aftermarket ssk's extremely unnatural feeling. I much prefer a longer, more natural throw in the E36 transmissions. My recommendation is to rebuild it as stock throw and see what you think. | | | | | 01-11-2009, 09:24 PM | #10 | | Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Greenville, SC Posts: 9,356 |
Quote: Originally Posted by wolferj If by return spring you mean Detente (sp?) spring, I don't think so... No pop out of gear or anything like that.
I read that and a couple of other comparisons... I am unconvinced that any SSK is what I want... I think I will just rebuild the M3 to stock specs. I am not planning to autocross or race, just want a nicer, crisper feel for DD... most aftermarket stuff seems too extreme for this project.
Now, what about just a short throw shift lever (replacing just the shift arm) for the ti? Just order an OEM replacement from an MZ? | Yes. The detent spring. On my transmission, the lever was positioned slightly to the right. I had to hunt to find the gear until the spring was replaced. Cheap part, expensive repair. Quote: Originally Posted by wolferj Bump... anyone else have a suggestion for the best short shift lever for the ti? | Depends on cost. I had the shift lever from an M Coupe. I liked it but replaced it with a UUC SSK and ERK. Quote: Originally Posted by RidingSimple I am no expert on the matter, but I tend to find cars with aftermarket ssk's extremely unnatural feeling. I much prefer a longer, more natural throw in the E36 transmissions. My recommendation is to rebuild it as stock throw and see what you think. | I hate a long throw. When I got my E30 I felt like I was driving a stepvan. I immediately installed a shift lever from a Z8. __________________ ...steven
BMW CCA #146825
1996 BMW 328ti • 2003 MINI Cooper S • 2016 M235i
www.bmwcca.org
| | | | | 01-14-2009, 03:07 AM | #11 | | Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: norcal - 94590 Posts: 3,186 |
Quote: Originally Posted by 1996 328ti I hate a long throw. When I got my E30 I felt like I was driving a stepvan. | That's just like driving my 4runner... Very long throw, and 2nd & 4th are practically into the seat. What do you suppose this kit is: http://www.bmaparts.com/epcgetspecia...34%2FE36%2FE24 (thinking of this for the ti, already ordered the rebuild kit for the m3, not changing anything right now...) Wonder who makes it... It's awfully inexpensive, only a few bucks more than a shift lever alone... __________________ James 95 active w/leather interior and sport interior conversion, Vaders, full M-Tech exterior conversion. Now m50 swapped* Eibach sway bars, D2 Coilovers, Depo's w/AE's, blacked-out sides and grills, LeatherZ console and door armrests, 1 series starter button mod, and custom finished Style 5's <--- in this color! Named "Roddy": *M50 6 cyl. swap with fan delete, S50 cams and chip, AFE stage 2 intake, M3 clutch and 11.5 lb Fidanza flywheel, 3.15LSD, battery relocated to rear and complete custom exhaust. Sweet! 97 318ti sport, Alaska Blue, Contours, coilovers, Dove Vaders and custom black/grey interior named "Max" 95 318ti Active in Cosmos, S50 swap in progress... named "Pit" SUPPORT 318ti.org! CLICK THE LINK ABOVE! Hosting a forum like this is not free. 318ti.org is one of the best BMW forums on the web because it is member supported, not vendor supported. The cost to become a Supporter is a nominal $10.00... A YEAR! DO IT! NOW! | | | | | 04-01-2009, 07:56 PM | #12 | | Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: norcal - 94590 Posts: 3,186 |
Dragging this thread from the grave... I found a SSK from BavAuto for sale from a local seller that is still new in the bag for about $100... Worth it or pass...? __________________ James 95 active w/leather interior and sport interior conversion, Vaders, full M-Tech exterior conversion. Now m50 swapped* Eibach sway bars, D2 Coilovers, Depo's w/AE's, blacked-out sides and grills, LeatherZ console and door armrests, 1 series starter button mod, and custom finished Style 5's <--- in this color! Named "Roddy": *M50 6 cyl. swap with fan delete, S50 cams and chip, AFE stage 2 intake, M3 clutch and 11.5 lb Fidanza flywheel, 3.15LSD, battery relocated to rear and complete custom exhaust. Sweet! 97 318ti sport, Alaska Blue, Contours, coilovers, Dove Vaders and custom black/grey interior named "Max" 95 318ti Active in Cosmos, S50 swap in progress... named "Pit" SUPPORT 318ti.org! CLICK THE LINK ABOVE! Hosting a forum like this is not free. 318ti.org is one of the best BMW forums on the web because it is member supported, not vendor supported. The cost to become a Supporter is a nominal $10.00... A YEAR! DO IT! NOW! | | | | | 04-01-2009, 08:15 PM | #13 | | Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Central Florida Posts: 678 |
Quote: Originally Posted by wolferj Dragging this thread from the grave... I found a SSK from BavAuto for sale from a local seller that is still new in the bag for about $100... Worth it or pass...? | BavAuto has 3 levels of SSK's.... level B is simply the Shift lever... A and C are lever + linkages and such and are much more expensive... For $100 I think it's a GO!... The one that comes up for the ti is Kit A which is $235... __________________ 2LT Rodriguez CA ARNG
TURBO 96' Sport, Alaska Blue, Auto
Custom JohnBoy Turbo, Midnight-Tunning Software, HKS BOV, e-Pod Gauge Pod, BavAuto Springs, Bilstein Sport, e30 3.73 LSD, Depo P36, Apexcone 55w HID, OEM Spoiler, M3 Lip, M3 Mesh Grill, Crossdrilled Rear Rotors, M3 Front Brakes, Sparco 3 point Harness, Euro M3 Wheel, K&N cone, Clear Corner/Sides/Tails, M3 Center Console & Arm-rest, M3 Red Cluster Needles, M3 Mirrors & Side Skirts, RD Exhaust, DS-1 wheels!...
 | | | | | 04-01-2009, 09:05 PM | #14 | | Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: norcal - 94590 Posts: 3,186 |
Quote: Originally Posted by yoda The one that comes up for the ti is Kit A which is $235... | That's the one! I was wondering if anyone had this shifter installed? opinions? __________________ James 95 active w/leather interior and sport interior conversion, Vaders, full M-Tech exterior conversion. Now m50 swapped* Eibach sway bars, D2 Coilovers, Depo's w/AE's, blacked-out sides and grills, LeatherZ console and door armrests, 1 series starter button mod, and custom finished Style 5's <--- in this color! Named "Roddy": *M50 6 cyl. swap with fan delete, S50 cams and chip, AFE stage 2 intake, M3 clutch and 11.5 lb Fidanza flywheel, 3.15LSD, battery relocated to rear and complete custom exhaust. Sweet! 97 318ti sport, Alaska Blue, Contours, coilovers, Dove Vaders and custom black/grey interior named "Max" 95 318ti Active in Cosmos, S50 swap in progress... named "Pit" SUPPORT 318ti.org! CLICK THE LINK ABOVE! Hosting a forum like this is not free. 318ti.org is one of the best BMW forums on the web because it is member supported, not vendor supported. The cost to become a Supporter is a nominal $10.00... A YEAR! DO IT! NOW! | | | | | 04-01-2009, 09:15 PM | #15 | | Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Central Florida Posts: 678 |
Quote: Originally Posted by wolferj That's the one! I was wondering if anyone had this shifter installed? opinions? | Well, Back when I had my 98' ti I had a SSK from Active Auto in it, and it did make it feel better, and if I remember correctly it was only a 30% throw reduction... so this one might make it even tighter feeling... __________________ 2LT Rodriguez CA ARNG
TURBO 96' Sport, Alaska Blue, Auto
Custom JohnBoy Turbo, Midnight-Tunning Software, HKS BOV, e-Pod Gauge Pod, BavAuto Springs, Bilstein Sport, e30 3.73 LSD, Depo P36, Apexcone 55w HID, OEM Spoiler, M3 Lip, M3 Mesh Grill, Crossdrilled Rear Rotors, M3 Front Brakes, Sparco 3 point Harness, Euro M3 Wheel, K&N cone, Clear Corner/Sides/Tails, M3 Center Console & Arm-rest, M3 Red Cluster Needles, M3 Mirrors & Side Skirts, RD Exhaust, DS-1 wheels!...
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