Short Shifter - The BMW parts bin way.

Cyrus · 13th September 2005, 13:33

I done a short shift conversion on my E30. I used the Z3 2.8 Lever. The result.....brilliant!

At the same time I had the propshaft out on the M5 and it was up on axle stands. I decided to get under there and do a bit of measuring.

It turns out that the distance between the Pivot ball and selector rod is exactly the same as that of a standard E30.

The shape of the lever is very very similar to that of an E30.

The Pivot ball size is also exactly the same.

Therefore the Z3 1.9 or the 2.8 gear lever will go straight in.

The only thing you may have to do is slightly bend the selector rod upwards, you have to do this on an E30. Its only a small amount of bending and not enough to cause any weakening of the selector rod.

You can also use the Z4 Lever, its shorter in height and even shorter but will be quite Notchy.

There you go......some research done in the name of the E34 M5!

I doubt I shall be getting the UUC now as I cant see how it will be any better. Might just get the DSSR though.

Rob Plummer · 13th September 2005, 14:27

Are you going to do it to yours then and let us all know how you get on?

Cyrus · 13th September 2005, 14:29

Yep.

Ordering it today. I will be ordering both the 1.9 and 2.8 levers to see what both are like.

Will give a review once they are in.

Sal

farrell · 13th September 2005, 14:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cyrus

Yep.

Ordering it today. I will be ordering both the 1.9 and 2.8 levers to see what both are like.

Will give a review once they are in.

Sal

Thats very interesting Cyrus.
I would be intrested in trying that mod if it does not cause gear clash.

Nice one

Farrell

Cyrus · 13th September 2005, 14:55

Whats gear clash?

farrell · 13th September 2005, 15:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cyrus

Whats gear clash?

Gear clash is where you dont fully engage the gears when the clutch is depressed. If the pivot ratio of the throw is not quite right, then you get a clash of gear sets as you select from one ratio to another.

It feels similar to a badly baulked gear change but the gear does engage.

Hard to explain but easy to feel.

Farrell

Cyrus · 13th September 2005, 15:14

I think I will not bother with the 2.8 one then! I think I get this feeling on the E30 so better change that aswell.

The 1.9 lever is significatnly shorter than stock so it should do quite nicely and its very smooth aswell.

Cyrus · 17th September 2005, 13:26

Hi Guys,

Just an update - I fitted the Z3 1.9 shifter last night. It sits perfectly in the middle, its around 1.5cm lower down now and the shift is alot shorter and much much nicer to use.

It took me a total of 1 hour from when I jacked the car up, most of the was used on actually getting the lever out as the old plastic ball holder was totally jammed and I had to break it out.

I also have a 2.8 one which I am going to try - It might be that little bit too short though.

As far as the Z3 1.9 is concerned its brilliant to use- very smooth, no gear clash.......fantastic cheap upgrade which cost me a total of £44 inclusing new clips wahser and the plastic holder.

Its like driving a new car!

That bit of research I hope will make alot of you very happy and will also save you absolutely loads of money.....£44!!!

Oh, and even the most basic mechanically minded person can do this. Nothing has to come out, its so easy to do.

I will post up the part numbers required when I next week when I bring the invoice to my office.

Cyrus · 19th September 2005, 13:43

Anyone goin go try this??

Its brilliant!

farrell · 19th September 2005, 14:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cyrus

Anyone goin go try this??

Its brilliant!

Hi Cyrus
Im interested in the conversion.
What are the pt nrs.
I have just set up a trade agreement with Lind BMW in Chelmsford.
The parts manager has extended this offer to ALL M5 Board forum members in what I would describe as the best discounts I have seen from a local dealer in yrs.

Thanks should be extended to Yewcorner for this.
Once Lind realised that Wiliam Jacks were prepared to offer such excellent service on pts, they have come up with the goods.

15% on average with some high cost items seeing 20% from what they are saying. They are willing to get involved in Group Buys...!
Cant say that I feel the same way from recent experience but there you go.

Due to Linds location nr Chelmsford, It wont encroach on William Jacks M5 Board customers within the Thames Valley area so that means most of the south east of England can now get some decent prices.

A bit off thread but though it worth mentioning.

Farrell