Short shift.. what a difference

[charlE30]

Today I fitted my B&M short shift and oh my god what a difference, the shifting is so short and precise. I bought it way back before I knew about the zone and the use of alternative BMW parts to acheive short shifting.



For anyone that hasn't done a short shift mod of some sort I would highly recommend you do If I'd known about the Z3 levers I would have used one of them as they're much cheaper and I'm sure would acheive the same/similiar results.

Just thought I'd share my happiness

[Chris-W]

I had one of those fitted to my M3 years ago and I absolutely agree with you - fantastic!

[JazzMan]

Completely agree I've done 3 cars now inc. an E46 & and an E36 - everyone who tries it on my gearbox wants me to install one in theirs

[charlE30]

Just been out for a drive down some nice twisty country roads so I could have a proper play with my shifter.... it's sooooo nice going: gear-neutral-gear instead of: gear------neutral------gear if you know what I mean.

[Chris-W]

"snick"

[Adammcf]

Yeah Ive the 1.9 Z3 shifter in mine and its 100times nicer than the normal sport one.

[Falkster]

Ive got one but its in my boot!!! What sort of job is it to fit?? Ive done loads but never done a stick change!

[charlE30]

Ive got one but its in my boot!!! What sort of job is it to fit?? Ive done loads but never done a stick change!

Easy mate, did mine in about half an hour

I found this in halfords for the pricely sum of £4.99 and made by Lazer, you can clip it onto the exhaust heat shield so you can see what your doing

[Chris-W]

I found this in halfords for the pricely sum of £4.99 and made by Lazer, you can clip it onto the exhaust heat shield so you can see what your doing

Is that a battery powered LED?

[Adammcf]

As far as I know they all fit but the ones from the larger engine Z3's are shorter still and a little notchier when going into gear. I went for the 1.9 Z3 one as its just nice and its still easy to get into gear.

[charlE30]

Reading the article on here http://www.e30zone.co.uk/modules.php?na ... echnz3.htm it comes across that it applies to all E30's. The difference in all the Z3 shifters would be the length from the ball joint to selector rod, I know with the shorter throw ones you'd have to bend the selector rod to clear the vibration damper on the prop as the length between B/joint/S/rod is greater.

I was lucky with my B&M as it raises the ball joint in a CNC'd housing so that the selector rod is in exactly the same position as the standard shifter.

[charlE30]

I found this in halfords for the pricely sum of £4.99 and made by Lazer, you can clip it onto the exhaust heat shield so you can see what your doing

Is that a battery powered LED?

Yes mate, it has three and puts out a nice white light. I think it could be my cheapest most handiest tool yet

[Car-Nut]

As far as I know they all fit but the ones from the larger engine Z3's are shorter still and a little notchier when going into gear. I went for the 1.9 Z3 one as its just nice and its still easy to get into gear.

Adam,

What was the price of this can you remember?

Cheers

[jon_pure_british]

Hey, does this thing get the car into gear quicker?

if so, how much to buy, which one to get for my 316 and who will fit it for me?

Jon

[Pal318is]

Hey, does this thing get the car into gear quicker?

if so, how much to buy, which one to get for my 316 and who will fit it for me?

Jon

Go for the Z3 jobby buddy, I've got one too and the difference in the gear changes is excellant, well worth it!

Pal

[john325tewerin]

When you say get the z3 one do u mean a proper BMW one from the dealer for about £35 ish? And to confirm, it must be from a 4 cylinder z3 not the 2.8 etc.

I've just taken delivery of a gearbox to convert my auto over to manual. I was thinking of putting a short shift on before installing the box.

[Pal318is]

When you say get the z3 one do u mean a proper BMW one from the dealer for about £35 ish? And to confirm, it must be from a 4 cylinder z3 not the 2.8 etc.

I've just taken delivery of a gearbox to convert my auto over to manual. I was thinking of putting a short shift on before installing the box.

I'm pretty sure that you can use both the 1.9 and the 2.8, the 2.8 is tighter though I think, so the 1.9 z3 one would be best. Short throw and very smooth changes. Installing the short shift while the gearbox is out would be better too.

HTH

Pal

[Ziggy]

2.8's the best

[jmc330i]

2.8 lever has the shortest throw, but gives a notchier (is that a word ) gear change. It maybe a little harsh for everyday driving, especially round town, but I guess that depends on driving style.

The 1.9 lever is the best compromise as its a vast improvement over the E30 lever and still keeps the change fairly smooth, although I found you do have to be precise when changing gears.

I cant find the receipt for mine, but I bought my Z3 1.9 lever and a few other things from my local dealer and all in was just over £30 - I do get discount though

[Ziggy]

The 2.8 is a little hard work to start with, but about 2 mins later you're used to it & then the 1.9 seems lame...

[john325tewerin]

That B&M one sounds ok though as u don't have to "modify" the selector rod. I suppose it's 6 of one and half a dozen of the other.

[Car-Nut]

if the z3 1.9 is 35£ ish

whats the B &M one £ ??

[jmc330i]

Ive seen the B&M shifters for £195

Or 2 mins with a lump hammer and one modded selector rod later - nice and cheap shortshift

Even if you replace all the other parts like the O-rings and even the selector rod and exhaust gasket from the dealers, it will only cost you around £55.

[john325tewerin]

HOW MUCH!!

Who'd pay that? Must be crackers

[fuzzy]

theres a couple of different kits for the e30 with the B+M levers,one 35% shorter @£151 and another 20% shorter for £190. the one in the pic in your original post is 25% shorter for £195 .ive been thinking about one of these for a while but never new if they were worth it or just a waste of time.its my slow and sloppy gear changes that seriously slows me down at the traffic light grand prix the cosworth one gives me a 30% shorter throw for £203.i think i might just invest in one now

[john325tewerin]

What about THIS off ebay. 45-55% shorter for £30.

And THIS
with a 35% reduction.