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DIY: Stay Genuine And Enjoy Shorter Shifts.

186K views 237 replies 87 participants last post by  Tominizer 
#1 · (Edited)
Everyone wants a short shifter for their manual transmission right? but not everyone wants to spend 300 bucks on an aftermarket shifter kit.
Well there is a way to stay BMW Genuine and still enjoy short, smooth and precise shifting.


-The answer is to get a E60 545i shifter.

*there are other OEM shifters that will yield same results, but I can only vouch for the 545i shifter as I did it on my car and it works great.

What is needed for the install?
-E60 545i shifter part# 25117546373
-Bearing, shift lever part# 25111220600 (not necessary but its only 12 bucks, so buy it in case you'll need it, will mention it later)
-It's also a good idea to pick up a ZHP (weighted) knob as it will help alot with throws. (I have it and LOVE it)

6-speed knob part# 25117896886
5-speed knob part# 25117896031

It is OEM E60 545i shifter?
-Yes

Will it fit my car?
-Yes, fits most BMWs with manual transmissions which use a bent shifter, E46 E39... Will NOT fit BMWs that use a straight shifter. (ex ZHP )

Is it compatible with 6-speed or only 5-speed?
-Fits E46 BMWs with 5 speed manual transmission and E46 M3 ONLY , will NOT fit ZHP or non-M Getrag 6 Speed transmission, due to the shifter angle.

Some reference links.
M3 fitment > http://www.m3forum.net/m3forum/showthread.php?t=179545
E46 Xi Fitment > post #50
Non-M Fitment > post #54


How much shorter are the throws?
-Supposed to be 30% less, but feels more.

How much does it cost?
-I got my from a dealership and it was 90cad (its cheaper then the ones from understeerdotcom) depending on your location it may be cheaper.

Now on to the DIY:

-Car on ramps or jack it up(make sure its safe to proceed)
-Remove knob, just pull up (pull towards your chest)
<img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3583/4565648229_70df874fd1.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="DSC04529" /></a>
-Remove boot
-Remove insulation and rubber boot.
-From under the car remove the retainer clip.
<img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1032/4594181864_78990dd88b_o.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="0017" /></a>
-Now if you have a special tool, you can turn the plastic bearing cup 1/4 turn counter clockwise or just use pliers. Then just pull up.This is the part that could cause loose shifter feel as with time the plastic wears down and becomes loose, so just replace it.
-Remove the shifter from the plastic bearing cup, just pull apart.
<img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1312/4593325205_73f75ef1f9_o.jpg" width="1280" height="960" alt="DSC04551" /></a>
-Install new shifter into the bearing with some grease.
-Reinstall in reverse.

<img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1297/4593325371_157a10eda2.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="DSC04552" /></a>
The shifter actually sits 1 inch lower making it more pleasant to shift.
<img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4028/4593942116_4621bf70e4_o.jpg" width="1280" height="960" alt="DSC04550" /></a>

You dont need to reuse your original yellow washers because the 545i shifter has built in washers, If you look at your original one you'll see that the inside plastic ring sits flush with the metal ring, but on the 545i shifter the plastic ring sticks out pass the metal ring on both end, so called built in washers.
<img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4075/4762298130_7e9f7611a1.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="4593942116_4621bf70e4_o"></a>

First impression: shifts are shorter and more precise. No more shifter play while in gear. The shifter sits 1 inch lower making it the perfect height for the armrest.

PS> remove your CDV (clutch delay valve) if still havent, to make your shifting even more precise.
 
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#34 · (Edited)
#40 ·
i think that i may be possible to swap this into a 6 speed. but the Xi is unlikely. however the only real way to find out is to try? anybody w/ an xi feel like risking 80 bucks?

I dont know about Dinan rebending anything, the resemblance is uncanny, i feel like they simply lower the shifter a few mm and sell it for 100 bucks more. Also remember that this shifter for instance will not be as good a replacement as the complete kit from active autosolutions. nothing is as in depth and perfect as that kit. but for a considerably cheaper and quicker install. that gives you maybe 70% of the benifit, I would say this is a worthwhile mod.
 
#41 · (Edited)
I got this responce from Jared at EAC:

Re: to Mark@EACTuning***8207;
From: Jared (jared@eactuning.com)
Sent: May 11, 2010 4:15:35 AM
To: tttttt@tt.com (tttttt@tt.com)
Yes, any BMW with a "bent" shifter. One of the Z3s has a straight shifter, otherwise, all others use the same shifter setup.

Thanks!
Jared

On 5/11/2010 12:22 AM, tttttt@tt.com wrote:

Hi, I was wondering when you say it will fit Any BMW manual transmission, does that include 6 speed E46 and Xi E46 transmissions?
Thanks.

 
#44 ·
children simmer down.

Op - this is a great thread. lets stop polluting it. Almost every other thread on this site where people swap in non e46 shifters in Xi's have problems at one point or another. So to be safe lets put this. THIS SHIFTER WILL FIT ANY 5/6 SPEED E46 CAR, INCLUDING M3 - Xi OWNERS BUY AT YOUR OWN RISK!

Neil - you and I have spoken, and while the rouge kit or the active autosolutions kits are more "complete" ie. they replace more of the worn parts, actually they replace pretty much everything from the transmission to your hand, at a price close to 300 dollars, they are had to justify for a car worth maybe $5-8K range.This solution offered a large benefit (as demonstrated in the videos and photos) as well as by measurements. (about 3cm shift throw 3-4) at a not so large price.

those of you with non xi cars, please consider this an opportunity, those with xi cars please consider this a cautionary warning. if you do install this and it DOES work w/o problems please feel free to contribute something useful to this thread.
 
#46 ·
Well I did install the BMW Performance shifter on my 5sp and it was a disaster. I should have listened! It didn't seat properly and when it was in neutral it actually looked like it was almost in 5th gear. When I shifted gears it felt like plastic on plastic rubbing especially going from 4th to 5th. Forgive me for not doing thorough research but has anyone else tried using the Z3/Z4/Z3M shifter? I've read one in this post but I would like to hear some more.
 
#50 · (Edited)
to put the xi myth to rest. it does fit it will fit anyone that wants to argue this is an idiot the levers are the same the install is different. just like turner motor sports said SS headers don't fit xi's... i called SS and they said they do fit. after 12 hours they were on my car. If you don't drive an XI don't spew trash that you have no proof of. You are only repeating the same trash the last guy with the same disease he had:) it will fit it will fit it will fit it will fit xi's i don't care about "mark" or this diagram or that diagram. how many ssk has "mark" installed on an xi??? how many ssk have you installed on an xi??? Speak from first hand or **** :thumbsup: too much he said she said bullsh!t.
 
#53 ·
to put the xi myth to rest. it does fit it will fit anyone that wants to argue this is an idiot the levers are the same the install is different. just like turner motor sports said SS headers don't fit xi's... i called SS and they said they do fit. after 12 hours they were on my car. If you don't drive an XI don't spew trash that you have no proof of. You are only repeating the same trash the last guy with the same disease he had:) it will fit it will fit it will fit it will fit xi's i don't give a rats ass about "mark" or this diagram or that diagram. how many ssk has "mark" installed on an xi??? how many ssk have you installed on an xi??? Speak from first hand or **** :thumbsup: too much he said she said bullsh!t.

EAT THAT NEIL !
:thumbsup:

thanks op for taking time out to post a DIY :)
You are welcome.
 
#54 ·
Works perfect in 323ci

I just installed this in my 2000 323ci (155k, original clutch etc) over the weekend; 545i rod, ZHP knob, new bushing, 1 hour of time.

  • All gears line up
  • Sits perfectly center
  • Doesn't hit anything with longer lower shift rod
  • Has less side to side play
  • Shift throw shorter vs. stock (feels like about 30%)
  • Sits lower (combination of the 1/4inch shorter 545i upper shift rod and shorter ZHP knob, which also help the shorter throw)
After driving around for the weekend I wonder how I ever lived without it. I can't vouch for a 6-speed or Xi, but fit and performance is perfect in a 323ci.

Blocked Out, great find and DIY.
 
#55 ·
I just installed this in my 2000 323ci (155k, original clutch etc) over the weekend; 545i rod, ZHP knob, new bushing, 1 hour of time.

  • All gears line up
  • Sits perfectly center
  • Doesn't hit anything with longer lower shift rod
  • Has less side to side play
  • Shift throw shorter vs. stock (feels like about 30%)
  • Sits lower (combination of the 1/4inch shorter 545i upper shift rod and shorter ZHP knob, which also help the shorter throw)
After driving around for the weekend I wonder how I ever lived without it. I can't vouch for a 6-speed or Xi, but fit and performance is perfect in a 323ci.

Blocked Out, great find and DIY.
Thanks for this post... Just more inspiration to get this mod, the wiggle room on the stock shifter is starting to drive me nuts.
 
#56 · (Edited)
just to further my point UUC SSK have the worst fitment out of all the SSKits. Rarely do we agree to install them due to the fitment issues. An even cheaper SSK is from HPF's it fits on e46s even though its not listed. search megan racing under hpf site and you should be able to find it. it has a blue cup on it. here is the link just so everyone knows. http://www.horsepowerfreaks.com/partdetails/Megan_Racing/Transmissions/Short_Shifters//11203 great product fitment is great minus a slight twist in the lever. (which i still believe was designed that way to help avoid money shifts) 45 bucks for a ssk well worth it you can spend all the money you saved on other mods as i did. It's clear why you can't find these parts shopping by year/model. use the shop by brand filter. those search engines are designed to make the most money not to inform you how to cut corners and save money. great DIY! horrid thread bashing, mods clean this thread up for the OP!!! :thumbsup: so NO mistakes are made haters/thread bashers please see on the link listed above and again here http://www.horsepowerfreaks.com/partdetails/Megan_Racing/Transmissions/Short_Shifters//11203 all the models for this shifter... ci, i, XI (perhaps you missed it X I) it's all the same. wonder why... oh wait we covered that. Guess these guys are lying about installation too.. speak first hand or s+fu :)
 
#57 · (Edited)
:wow: Wow thanks man!! :excited: :excited:

Not sure what a "money" shift is though.
 
#65 ·
yes, the E46 6spd has a DIFFERENT shifter than the 5spd - the 6spd shifter is shorter past the plastic ball down. I learned the hard way by buying one from the site that stated theyre all the same, installed it and the shifter rubbed on the axle big time! had to remove it and return it.
just my 2cents...
 
#66 ·
Hey Blocked Out... (ooops i had posted in the other thread, posting in this thread now.) As i was saying, great DIY, thanks for sharing.

Was wondering where you ordered the parts from? I called the local dealership in Waterloo, Ontario and they're asking for $137 for the shifter, $18.71 for the bearing and $105.23 for the shift knob. The price of the shifter seems a lot higher than the $90 you mentioned.

Also, the part number you have listed for the 5-spd knob is it the wood grain finish? Do you have a link handy where I can find part numbers for shift knobs. (Maybe I can use my old knob in the mean time?)
 
#70 ·
Did this today with my 328Ci and cant say I noticed any shift travel change at all. The shifters were a bit different. by about 1/4" below and above the pivot. That didnt translate to a whole lot of change. I was hoping for a more aggressive transformation. Between doing this and my tranny fluid at the same time, I definitely noticed the changes in the fluid more than the shifter.

Great DIY though.

Also, for those who are having trouble with the shifter carrier bushing, Try spinning it clockwise. It came out like a breeze once I inspected the bushings closer.
 
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