DIY: Stay Genuine And Enjoy Shorter Shifts.

Originally Posted by bnigam

How is it different to install it on an XI? I would like to give it a try! Would it be too hard for a novicer?

Its not any different to install a shifter in Xi, the problem MANY are facing is getting to the shifter. Some people called it quits because they were not able to physically get to the shifter.

Below is a picture of an E46 5 speed Xi manual transmission in relation to the shifter lever and guibo. Please study the picture to understand where some people have faced a few difficulties.



I'd like to help as many people as I can and would like to provide as much information as possible.

For the record, even thou I said it already, I'll say it again. I dont have the same car as I did when I started this thread, I now own a '03 330i 6 speed and I'm currently using an OEM Z3M shifter(part number: 25117527254).

There was much speculation about this specific shifter, some said it fits some say it didnt and some said it did with a little modification.

I can put the myth to rest. OEM Z3M shifter (25117527254) does NOT fit 5 speed E46s, it barely fits 5 speed if you overbend and grind the shifter, BUT it fits like a glove in a 6 speed non-m Getrag transmission found on ZHPs and any other 330 build after May of 2003 without a single issue.

Z3M shifter is very aggressive and to avoid confusion on fitment I do not recommend it to people using 5 speed.

^^ I tired a variety of OEM shifters. You're right - a Z3M will not work very well; even when it is bent.

A Z4 3.0 will work w/o modification - Z4 3.0 - 25117543193. This is more aggressive than a Z3M

Shifter w/ZHP knob purchased from understeer.com about 6 years ago

http://www.understeer.com/onlinestore-shifters.shtml

Throws are very short, It is from a Z3, not sure which model $90

Does not rub against driveshaft under normal driving, if you have it in second and pull towards you then slight run against rubber guibo, no big deal, if it was I would not have had it this long

2001 330ci 5spd

http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E46-323...ter/ES1899443/

Just bought this kit, putting it in tomorrow......

Let us know how the install goes and how the shifting feels. I'm trying to decide if I want to do this.

OK so I just finished my install and all I have to say is wow. If you are planing on doing this mod I would say go for it. I purchased the OEM short shift kit from ECS Tuning.
The price was right and it comes with the shifter, plastice cup, clip and new shift knob. Shifts now feel firm and precise, I think what makes a huge differance is not just the shifter but also the new plastice cup that the shifter ball sits in. Mine was old and worn out. Make sure you jack your car up and secure it correctly as you really need to get it high so you can crawl under the car to pull the clip and the pin. I broke my old plastice cup to get it out since the kit comes with a new one anyway. Also since I didnt want to give myself a black eye while pulling the olf shift knob off I just pulled the whole shifter stuck it in a vise, grabed a set of channel locks and twisted and pulled the old knob right off. Make sure you put the new plastice cup with greese on the new shift ball and then install it. Remove the old washers from the slector rod as you do not need them with this kit and use the new clip. Thats about it, run a search for a good DIY and call a friend cause it will be hard with out two people.

Originally Posted by raptorman5174

http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E46-323...ter/ES1899443/

Just bought this kit, putting it in tomorrow......

So would this be a better option for me than the 545i shifter?

Edit: Just read through the whole thread and am still unsure what the best option is for me to get shorter throws. I have an 02 330ci. One guy said his 330 had almost the exact same rod as the 545 one.

You can try this shifter.

http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E46-330...ter/ES1895170/

Just did this install on a '00 323CI using all the part numbers from the original post. I've just reconnected the new shifter, no trim and I can tell the shifts feel significantly shorter. However, I noticed that the 545i shifter is greater in length below and above the pivot ball as compared to my OEM shifter. This causes the new shifter to hit the trim in 1st, 3rd, 5th gear. Looks like it's definitely incompatible. This surprised me given post #54, any thoughts?

Went for a test drive and the shift length is amazing, significantly shorter.. but the fit is definitely off. In 2nd gear the shifter is basically vertical which again puts the 1st, 3rd, 5th shifts well into the stock trim. The shifter also appears to be a bit higher than the original.

EDIT: Accidentally installed the shifter backwards. Corrected the install and everything sits perfectly now.

Originally Posted by Brad Collins

Just did this install on a '00 323CI using all the part numbers from the original post. I've just reconnected the new shifter, no trim and I can tell the shifts feel significantly shorter. However, I noticed that the 545i shifter is greater in length below and above the pivot ball as compared to my OEM shifter. This causes the new shifter to hit the trim in 1st, 3rd, 5th gear. Looks like it's definitely incompatible. This surprised me given post #54, any thoughts?

Has your car been in any accidents? Maybe your geometry is off a little because of non-perfect repair work.

Or maybe you installed it backwards?

Ahh, I feel like an idiot. Yes, backwards.. which makes sense given the geometry. Switched it around in 30min and now it's wonderful. Sits perfectly, relatively low in the box, couldn't be happier.

Funny enough, the shift length is a bit longer now that it's installed correctly. The shifter, plastic bushing and weighted knob cost ~$180 USD. I don't have a genuine aftermarket short shifter to compare it to but it's still certainly a noticeable improvement and worth the cost to me.

Thanks for the advice. The simple insight sure saved me a lot of headaches.

Haha, it happens to the best of us! Glad it was a simple fix! I didn't notice a huge difference with my shifter either but the small changes will be more noticeable over time. Plus, that weighted shift knob looks and feels great. Enjoy!

Bringing up old thread.. i think i wanna give this a go...or atleast my indy shop mechanic is....lol...i'd like to just clean up the side to side play in my shifter, not looking for a "switch" type of ssk....just oem feel to it, and after reading this.....sounds like what i'm looking for....just worried it's gonna be a pia!!! in my xi.....Blocked out, very good informative write, hats off to you!!! Now for parts...should go states side and buy or...not the dreaded local dealer here in Canada...

Originally Posted by gitchies

Bringing up old thread.. i think i wanna give this a go...or atleast my indy shop mechanic is....lol...i'd like to just clean up the side to side play in my shifter, not looking for a "switch" type of ssk....just oem feel to it, and after reading this.....sounds like what i'm looking for....just worried it's gonna be a pia!!! in my xi.....Blocked out, very good informative write, hats off to you!!! Now for parts...should go states side and buy or...not the dreaded local dealer here in Canada...

I think its easier and cheaper to buy from US. But check with your local dealer just to be sure

awesome diy!

ordering these parts asap!

thanks!

Great mod, cheers man will be looking into and costing this today. Nice one

Originally Posted by john493

If anyone here is thinking of this, prices today from Milton Keynes BMW are:

Shifter £36
Bearing ring £5.49
Spring circlip .33p

With BMWCC 10% discount + VAT comes to £49.14p

They got these three parts in stock in 2 days.

I'll get them fitted this coming weekend.

Nice one now I don't need to cost it. Ta

Hi Everybody,

I have an extra short shifter bought from ECS: http://www.ecstuning.com/ES1899443 that I would like to sell. It's brand new...I only used the shift knob as I lost motivation to install the rest. I'm in Vancouver BC if anybody wants to PM me an offer.

Sead

Originally Posted by Sead

Hi Everybody,

I have an extra short shifter bought from ECS: http://www.ecstuning.com/ES1899443 that I would like to sell. It's brand new...I only used the shift knob as I lost motivation to install the rest. I'm in Vancouver BC if anybody wants to PM me an offer.

Sead

PMed you.