E30 Zone

hello folks there is a lot of play in the gear stick any ideas how to tighten it up it wobbles about if ya no what i mean thanks mike

Sounds like you need to replace the washers etc that connect the shifter to the box - also a perfect time to fit a short shifter

Have a read through this http://www.e30zone.net/e30zonewiki/inde ... conversion it has the part numbers you need to order the parts from BMW. The top reconditioning parts are all you need if not fitting a short shifter

HTH

Charlie

http://www.e30zone.net/modules.php?name ... &start=125

There's some useful information here as well,especialy if you wish to retain the standard stick.

If you only have access to axle stands this is a fiddly bitch of a job, but very satisfying when you've done it.

You will need :

The t Piece that fits to the ball on the gearbox ( but don't order the pin or spring clip - the pin can be re used and the spring clip comes with the new T-Piece - it also comes with the foam bush inside so don't order this either ).
The 2 rubber O rings which fit either side of the t piece, plastic washer & circlip may be able to be re-used.

You don't need to order the yellow plastic washers for where the gear lever connects to the linkage but if the bearing in the lever is worn you will need a new lever - if you want a standard E30 one I've just had the last one in the UK so will need to come from germany or you'll need a different one.

Definately order the rear mount, plastic mount for the ball and the front bush for the bar which bolts onto the gearbox.

you may as well fit new gearbox mounts and propshaft guibo at the same time as they both have to come off to drop the box to get the linkage off.

Remember to remove the clips holding the fan shroud in place so the fan doesn't snag when the front of the engine lifts as the box is dropped - naturally to need to leave the bonnet open.

Defintaley read my thread and PM me if there's anything else you want to know - I've literally just done this job this weekend.

To do a proper job you need :

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do ... g=25&fg=05

Parts 2, 4, 7, 14, 15, 16, 17 ( in case you lose it )

I bought 12 & 13 but these were fine to be re-used

Part 3 is a BITCH to remove - you have to get a screwdriver underneath it and flip it upwards through 90 degrees and then it can be removed.

Disconnecting the reversing light wires from the switch is also a pig unless you have small hands.

Good luck - its fiddly, frustrating, dirty uncomfortable work - but once done will last a long time.

thanks folk am new to the e30 side of life so dont no that much about them but that is great what does the quick shifter replace (all of the above) thanks mike

The two gearlevers are Z3 1.9 with a nylon bearing already fitted,the other is the stock E30 stick.The 'shorter' shift comes from the different length of the lever below it's piviot point.The Z3 stick is also slightly shorter above the piviot,so looks shorter when mounted.

Not much point in fitting just the stick,though,as you will still have lot's of free play in all of the other joints!

thanks i take it the z3 stick is the second from the left is that what makes the short throw coz the piviot point is shorter

Left hand one,'with the nylon bush already fitted' is the Z3 one,the shortened shift is gained by increasing the throw below the piviot!

think av got it so longer the throw below the piviot point the shorter the shift is (i think)

DRIFT1 wrote:think av got it so longer the throw below the piviot point the shorter the shift is (i think)