"Play" in the gearshift?

[N00b]

Very sloppy gearshift to the point where it's not difficult to wrong-slot.
Can anyone tell me what the potential causes might be?

/fingers crossed it's nothing inside the 'box itself.

EDIT: would the Z3 short shift conversion cure this, as I might as well go with that and not only fix the problem but improve it from standard too!

[Ziggy]

It will be the various bushes around the gear linkage - just swapping the lever for a Z3 one will only fix it if you change the bushes too. Good time to do both though

[N00b]

It will be the various bushes around the gear linkage - just swapping the lever for a Z3 one will only fix it if you change the bushes too. Good time to do both though

I think you're right about doing both jobs at once.
Now I just need to identify which bushes I need.
I was hoping it was most likely the rubber grommit at the base of the lever, but I'm not exactly sure what it does

[daimlerman]

Apart from the Z3 1.9 shift lever,you will need a new selector rod to suit your car(E30's use at least three different length selector rods)a new knuckle joint,a new gearlever bush and all the various clips and washers.Phone CotswoldBMW(parts dept!) on Tuesday,make sure they know you are from the zone and seek their advice.

[N00b]

Apart from the Z3 1.9 shift lever,you will need a new selector rod to suit your car(E30's use at least three different length selector rods)a new knuckle joint,a new gearlever bush and all the various clips and washers.Phone CotswoldBMW(parts dept!) on Tuesday,make sure they know you are from the zone and seek their advice.

Does the selector rod wear?
I've just read the wiki and it suggests you use the original rod.
RE the "knuckle" joint, is this necessary to tighten the change up?
Thanks again, and apologies for my ignorance but I'm new to these cars.

[toby]

Don't worry mate, get stuck in!
Can you lift the gear stick straight upwards? If so you could push it straight back into the nylon socket. It sometimes pops out of this, especially if you have tried and failed to pull off a stubbornly stuck gearknob.

[gomango]

Slight Thread hijack here, I have just put the Short Shifter on,put a new Plastic coller on the bottom,busted the two top hat bushes so put the original rubber bush from the old gearlever in,now although the gate is nice and tight I am struggling to select reverse,Is this normal,N00b,its a orrid job to do by the way

[Bob_S]

If your clever you can replace the lever in the drivers seat.
selecting gears will be stiff to begin with but they soon loosen up