short shifter recommendations please

[Tedswagon]

As per the title. I'm planning a m50 conversion and have sourced a 318is box. There are loads of short shifters on the bay, I'm just curious which one is best.

Yeah I already know the z3 one is good, but genuine or aftermarket? Recommendations please.

[Brianmoooore]

Genuine Z3 1.9.

[ross_jsy]

^that.

I recommend doing all the bushes including the knuckle coming off the selector rod while you are at it

[Tedswagon]

Fanks and tanks - will get one of those.

[JungleGus]

I'm actually going to have one for sale in the next month or so for cheap - it rubs very slightly with the larger ZF box guibo so I ended up ordering the UUC one. PM if you're keen

[Brianmoooore]

it rubs very slightly with the larger ZF box guibo

Drop the gearbox mount a couple of mm.

[jmc330i]

it rubs very slightly with the larger ZF box guibo

Drop the gearbox mount a couple of mm.

Or 'adjust' the selector rod slightly.

I ran the Z3 shifter with the ZF box with no rubbing issues.

[JungleGus]

I'm running the UUC DSSR - a bit harder to bend than the normal selector shaft.

Brian - solid advice, as always...I've already ordered the UUC one (have wanted one for a while) but that's a great point...

[Tedswagon]

OK, back it up just a wee touch, what's a zf box?

And yes I am interested. Currently assembling bits for the build.

[ross_jsy]

e36 box, used with m5x conversions

[jmc330i]

ZF 5spd box is found on the E36 328i and M3 3.0l.

[Tedswagon]

Ah - I see - I had one of those and didn't realise that is what it was called! My last car had an S50B30 and box in it.

Slightly off topic - would a ZF be a better option than a 318is box with a m5x swap?

[Brianmoooore]

iS box is relatively weak. BMW didn't even consider it strong enough for the M0B25 of the E30 325i.
Downside of the ZF box is that it has a direct top gear, so needs a radical change in diff. ratio.

[Tedswagon]

Oh, I see - might have to rethink that part of my plan. Thanks Brian