shifter problem... wtf

hi its me alec · 04-27-2008, 03:22 PM

So, I have two pretty big problems with the shifter in my e30 (just bought it yesterday)

1.) The linkage/bushing is bad, which causes the shifter to wobble even when in gear. Should be a pretty easy fix...

2.) This makes me go 'wtf'... the entire shift pattern is 3-5" off, so bad that I literally have to smash the shifter into the center console in order to go into reverse. Why the hell would this happen? It's not like the transmission is on sideways or anything..

Here's a picture to illustrate:

I understand that the 'play' when in gear can be fixed, but what the hell do I do about the offset? What could be causing it?

Thanks a million for any help..

323power · 04-27-2008, 03:24 PM

lol just stopping by to save nice diagram...

that is all

FlzRider · 04-27-2008, 03:35 PM

Maybe its actually the center console that is off-center?

hi its me alec · 04-27-2008, 03:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FlzRider

Maybe its actually the center console that is off-center?

Thought of that already... nope

Len013091 · 04-27-2008, 03:40 PM

The shifter may have been swapped to something from a different model car, causing the offset. The same type of thing happens when you put the Z3 roadster shift in an E36 or E46, the pattern gets moved up and tot he left. As for the play, that can be solved with a new shift linkage or an SSK. I'd bet a UUC SSK would solve your problems.

TxZHP04 · 04-27-2008, 04:21 PM

I'd start by checking transmission and engine mounts.

If it's not that, I would start to worry about the transmission itself.

marouli · 04-27-2008, 11:22 PM

The bushings for the shifter mounting plate are more than likely shot as well as the bushing for the shifter ball. One end of the plate mounts on the trans and the other end connects to a bracket that is mounted on the body of the vehicle. Both ends have a bushing which are more than likely shot to hell. You need to look under the vehicle to see the mounting plate and bracket. Also, the shifter "ball" mounts inside a plastic cup like bushing which tends to wear out over time. This plastic bushing is mounted inside the shifter mounting plate, which can be replaced when the plate is out of the vehicle..

deafboy · 04-27-2008, 11:41 PM

I believe the only solution is to drop a S50w/5 spd in there...

Len013091 · 04-27-2008, 11:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deafboy

I believe the only solution is to drop a S50w/5 spd in there...

That won't fix his problem, he needs an S54 in there.

04-27-2008, 03:22 PM	#1
hi its me alec Registered User Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Minneapolis, MN Posts: 14,794 My Ride: BMWs + 1988 Pathy View My Garage	shifter problem... wtf So, I have two pretty big problems with the shifter in my e30 (just bought it yesterday) 1.) The linkage/bushing is bad, which causes the shifter to wobble even when in gear. Should be a pretty easy fix... 2.) This makes me go 'wtf'... the entire shift pattern is 3-5" off, so bad that I literally have to smash the shifter into the center console in order to go into reverse. Why the hell would this happen? It's not like the transmission is on sideways or anything.. Here's a picture to illustrate: I understand that the 'play' when in gear can be fixed, but what the hell do I do about the offset? What could be causing it? Thanks a million for any help.. __________________

04-27-2008, 03:24 PM	#2
323power Registered User Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Bethlehem, PA Posts: 4,188 My Ride: '11 335i View My Garage	lol just stopping by to save nice diagram... that is all __________________ Jeff

04-27-2008, 03:35 PM	#3
FlzRider OEM ///Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Miami/Gainesville, FL Posts: 885 My Ride: AW 1M View My Garage	Maybe its actually the center console that is off-center? __________________

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04-27-2008, 03:40 PM	#5
Len013091 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Tuscaloosa, AL Posts: 3,958 My Ride: S52 E30, 330i View My Garage	The shifter may have been swapped to something from a different model car, causing the offset. The same type of thing happens when you put the Z3 roadster shift in an E36 or E46, the pattern gets moved up and tot he left. As for the play, that can be solved with a new shift linkage or an SSK. I'd bet a UUC SSK would solve your problems.

04-27-2008, 04:21 PM	#6
TxZHP04 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: DFW Posts: 5,731 My Ride: ESS TS2+ ZHP View My Garage	I'd start by checking transmission and engine mounts. If it's not that, I would start to worry about the transmission itself.

04-27-2008, 11:22 PM	#7
marouli Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Redwood City Posts: 13 My Ride: E46, E36 View My Garage	The bushings for the shifter mounting plate are more than likely shot as well as the bushing for the shifter ball. One end of the plate mounts on the trans and the other end connects to a bracket that is mounted on the body of the vehicle. Both ends have a bushing which are more than likely shot to hell. You need to look under the vehicle to see the mounting plate and bracket. Also, the shifter "ball" mounts inside a plastic cup like bushing which tends to wear out over time. This plastic bushing is mounted inside the shifter mounting plate, which can be replaced when the plate is out of the vehicle..