Z3 short shift lever issue

Post Sun Mar 16, 2014 11:01 am

I've just gone to fit a new Z3 lever to my touring, but the ball joint isn't tight in the plastic bearing that clips into metal shift arm - I can move the lever up and down a little in the bearing. Both the lever and plastic bearing are new and fully pushed down so the two clips on the bearing click into place.

I've got another Z3 lever fitted to my M20 box (no play or movement), so I removed all the bits and mixed and matched. The new plastic bearing holds the old lever nice and tight but no matter what bits I use, the new lever is loose once it's all together.

Could the ball joint on the lever be at fault?

Post Sun Mar 16, 2014 1:12 pm

I would guess that a pair of calipers will give you an answer!

Means stripping out what you have assembled,however...

Post Sun Mar 16, 2014 2:31 pm

I would of measured it but no calipers to hand unfortunately... and there's no way it's coming back out now unless something falls apart!

I've been out this morning and used the new parts. I've fitted a very thin plastic 'shim' around the new plastic bearing. It's made it a nice snug fit in the shift arm and is holding the lever nicely, so fingers crossed it will be all good.

I did wonder if the shifting arm was worn somehow, but the old Z3 lever and bearing fit without issue.

Post Sun Mar 16, 2014 2:42 pm

From what you are saying,it's the ball on the lever that's the issue.
BMW have had to re-make the Z3 lever due(I suspect!)to us lot discovering it will fit/improve our cars,so perhaps there has been an issue there in the casting?

Both of my E30's were 'improved' before the old stock ran out!

Post Sun Mar 16, 2014 2:58 pm

Yes, I can only see the ball joint not being the correct size as the problem. I've tried all old parts and new parts together and the issue follows the lever every time.

Yeah, that's what the guy at BMW said... it's also possibly why the price has risen so much!

Both the ball joints on my levers are plastic. I've had the old one for years, it was £19 new iirc!
The new one doesn't feel as 'solid' as the old one, but is now around £50

I didnt use the old lever because the ball joint has come loose on the shaft. There is no up or down movement, but the ball can be spun on the shaft.

Post Sun Mar 16, 2014 3:47 pm

I'm told it's a similar problem with OE front wings,where you used to be able to have 'em sprayed and bolt 'em up,now they need 'adjustment'(like Ford wings always did)before they can be bolted up,then sprayed.

Sign of the times,I guess.