Weird issue with my shifter...

First off, I've got a 2001 325xi wagon 5 spd;

Leaving work today my shift knob was leaning towards the passenger side while it was in neutral. While driving, as I shifted gears the shifter kept pushing the shift lever to left (passenger side) causing me to grab a much higher gear then desired. For example, while shifting from 2-3 I kept finding 5th.

After about 15min of driving, I was taking off from a stop light & felt whatever was binding "click" back into alignment & everything was back to normal.

My question is, what has or is failing in the shift linkage? A bushing? Any help is greatly appreciated.

Also who makes a good short shifter kit for my car?

search up "5th gear detent". Your shift knob is sitting under 5th slightly when in neutral? I had that issue, and it usually corrected itself after the car has warmed up. I fixed it by changing out the 5th gear pin when my clutch was due, and all is back to normal. Hope this helps

Apparently that's a pretty common issue for BMW's. I've got it too, but the only way to really fix it is to change out the pin (which in itself is a huge job).

I've heard that doing a transmission fluid flush can solve it for a little bit, or at least make it so it's a little less common.

Same issue with my 5 speed too. I did change my fluid from OE fill to RedLine and I think that the 5th gear flop occurs less often..