Short shift

[jackolanton]

Hi all, first post, probably in the wrong place, sorry if it is.

I've seen a short shifter I'm thinking about.
ebay Item number 200919052537

Anyone have any experience with these or similar adapters? Are they easy/difficult to fit? Any other advise?

Thanks in advance

[Grrrmachine]

Short shift - yes
THAT short shift - no

I'm not a fan of aftermarket tat, especially not the sort that claims it fits every BMW made in the last 30 years.

Considering you'll need to replace half a dozen other bits when you fit it, all of which are BMW only, then you might as well do a proper job and get the genuine BMW Z3 1.9 shifter.

http://www.e30zone.net/e30zonewiki/inde ... conversion

[jackolanton]

cheers, any advice on Manufacturer and sourcing an alternative appreciated.

[Grrrmachine]

...you might as well do a proper job and get the genuine BMW Z3 1.9 shifter.

[jackolanton]

I'm all for proper jobs - shall have a look at that now.
I'm a bit ignorant, been a while since I had a BMW.

Thanks for the link!
Wow that is comprehensive. Very impressed

[hongkongfuey]

I've got the z3 2.8 short shift. Its shorter than the 1.9 and I like it a lot

[polsta]

As above, get the genuine one and do it properly its not that expensive for the pleasure it gives, its a great mod, I had the 1.9 and found it great, not sure what the 2.8 is like compared but the 1.9 is bang on

[capri_rob]

See if you can try a car with one fitted before you buy and then spend all the time fitting/refurbishing the linkage

I've only driven one E30 with a short shifter - a Z3M jobbie - it was VERY short and I couldnt get on with it at all. hated it in fact.

Most people dont know how good the standard shift is because moset E30's have levers now like stirring porridge - fit a new standard lever and all new bushes & shift components and the standard change is just right.

[polsta]

See if you can try a car with one fitted before you buy and then spend all the time fitting/refurbishing the linkage

I've only driven one E30 with a short shifter - a Z3M jobbie - it was VERY short and I couldnt get on with it at all. hated it in fact.

Most people dont know how good the standard shift is because moset E30's have levers now like stirring porridge - fit a new standard lever and all new bushes & shift components and the standard change is just right.

True words, depends on the car too, in my 318is the quick shift was awesome, suited the car felt great with its light feel and revvy engine , in my 325i- all the gear linkage has been renewed and it feels awesome too-I won't quick shift it

[hongkongfuey]

Where are you based ? If u are down south you can try mine

[G-Bear]

cheers, any advice on Manufacturer and sourcing an alternative appreciated.

As stated stick with the dealer (BMW) for this. Rob has a good point too, most E30 gear changes feel sloppy due to worn linkages.

For part numbers try either of these websites, then quote the of the Cotswolds Dealer pages on here for a discounted price

http://bmwfans.info/

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/

[jackolanton]

Thanks guys, your wise words have steered me well away from that bit off ebay.

I'm gonna go for the z3 1.9 shifter and replace all the clips, rings, spacers and bearings as I go, so glad I asked before waisting the funds.

@polsta, it's for a 325i cab, currently the gears feel as capri_rob, described - like stirring porridge.

@capri_rob, I did think about just changing the bushes, linkages, bearing only, but while I'm down there I might as well, plus It's what Im used to from previous cars.

@hongkongfuey, Thanks for the offer - Im just north of the M25, off the A1, so Portsmouth is a little far. I figure if i don't like it, i'll just change it back.

@G-Bear - thanks for the links and discount info, will give them a go when I order the bits after payday.