TRYING to remove gear linkage

[Stevieabz]

I'm almost at the stage of engine removal. One last thing I have to do is remove the gear linkage from the gearbox.

First question: Are there two linkages connected to the gear box or just the top one?

Question two:

As you can see below I'm in the right spot at the right pin thing.. I'm just not sure how this works. They say it goes in from the drivers side and has a cap on the other. Is what is pictured below that cap and how do I get it off? From what side do I twist, if I twist it at all? I have as I'm sure some of you know, 0 access the other side apart from being able to get my finger on it.

Any help appreciated.
Cheers.










Edit: It's this bit I don't get.

"where you would expect to be a bolt. In fact it's a clip that needs to be flipped upwards through 90 degrees to remove it, and then the "pin" comes out - it's often described as "a right bastard"

Can someone explain in different words maybe?

[blazed]

part number 3 on this link shows you the clip.
http://www.e30zone.net/e30zonewiki/inde ... er_011.jpg
It sits on the gearbox casing. You need a flat head screwdriver to flip it up. (possibly a bent one)

[jimmyspeed]

its sometime referred as the "b!tch" clip and grovelling under a car it is - off the car takes seconds

this pelican parts tutorial helped me - http://www.pelicanparts.com/BMW/techart ... shings.htm

this shows the tab on the other side - http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showth ... p?t=703322

its the same on e30's

[Stevieabz]

Thank you guys. I got it off.

They really weren't thinking about the amateur mechanic when they made that decision.. What a pain. Literally!

[Brianmoooore]

An alternative way of dealing with the gear linkage, when getting the engine and box out, is to remove the gear lever and reverse light switch wiring, just drag the linkage out behind the box, and disconnect it then.