What length is a 318is/M42 Gear Linkage?

[daisy123]

Does anyone know the exact length of a 318is/M42 Gear Linkage?

I've had the gearbox out of the car and am know putting it back in, i've found a bmw linkage in the garage but it seems too short so could be from an E46 gearbox and if so I've lost the E30 one and may extend this one...

If anyone knows the measurement it would be much appreciated!

Many thanks, Daisy

[Brianmoooore]

Hi Daisy. I think the one I've just measured is from a M40/42, but it's not labelled.
It's 280mm from pin to pin on the rod that goes from the bottom of the gear lever to the gearbox selector rod joint.
You can always tell an E30 shift from a later one, as long as long as the big rubber grommet that seals the hole in the floorpan is present, by the reverse light switch wiring that passes through it.

[daisy123]

Thanks Brian for that, really helpful.

I've extended the linkage and from that wire can see which is the E30 Shift - strange to think the design did not change one bit in 15 years!