My Touring - few problems

Post Mon Apr 04, 2005 4:11 pm

My Touring has a strange gear lever issue

Basically the gear lever sits too far back, and when u stick it into 2nd or 4th it hits the centre console.

I changed the whole linkeage for a good one but still same problem.

Engine mounts are fine though. COuld something be bent on the gearbox itself?

I am thinking of fitting a Z3 short shifter anyway, but if u dont modify (bend it) does it sit too far forweard normally? Because if it does I can just put it striaght in and it should all be good then.

Also, even a fully charged battery wont turn the starter motor. Only with an additional boost will it turn over. The starter motor has just been changed for a good one. Wiring loom?

I had to change the exhaust and when i took the down pipe off from the exhaust manifold the whole studs came out. I put them back in with a new down pipe but i cant stop the damn thing blowing. Does this mean new manifold? Are the studs meant to come out or is the manifold now shagged?

Thats it really, all help would be greatly appreciated.

Sal

Post Mon Apr 04, 2005 4:21 pm

I have the Z3 2.8 lever in mine. It's a straight unit (as opposed to the bent 1.9 or standard bent E30 unit), and I've just replaced ALL the linkage, including the selector rod union. Even with all this done, the straight lever still sits in the right position, so no worries about it being too far forward...

Post Mon Apr 04, 2005 4:22 pm

The part number for the Z3 2.8 lever (as printed on the plastic bag it came in) is: 25 11 1 222 884

Post Mon Apr 04, 2005 4:49 pm

Thanks dude!

Will get onto that on Saturday.

Post Tue Apr 05, 2005 8:17 am

Hi Sal,

I remember reading a good while back that someone had a similar problem with their gear stick too far forward - Adam came up with the solution. Disconnect the gear stick at the bottom and swivel it round by 180 degrees (as if 1st is now where 2nd is). The bend in the stick will be the other way around and hence the movement should be more central. Could this be your problem?

I did the Z3 short-shift to my tourer (ex-yours!) and it made an incredible difference. It still sits nice and central too even after bending the connecting rod underneath.

Yet another Tourer then Sal? This your third then? Cant keep away from them can you? I've still got two sat on the drive these days - got the bug!

Post Tue Apr 05, 2005 8:25 am

Hello Pete!

This Touring was bought for daily run around purposes. I didnt want to drive my M5 around town and bugger the suspension over the crap roads of London.

Anyway, what the hell are you doing with 2 Tourers!!

The gearbox issue should be sorted. Ive bought myself a Short Ratio gearbox and it will be fitted this week along with Z3 shifter. 3.91LSD also going in.
Then its some AVO springs and offset M3 CA bushes and thats my car done. Maybe a BBTB for better throttle response.
If the car turns out to be reliable it will then undergo Turbo Surgery

Post Tue Apr 05, 2005 8:57 am

Sounds like a good and well-proven plan. I have the BBTB on mine and it made a very noticeable difference. Also fitted a 3.64 LSD - i'm still learning how to use that to it's best advantage, but i've never had so much fun going round round-abouts! Still taking it relatively easily though.

The second Tourer was bought about 6 months ago purely because it had the LSD and Hartge alloys - both of which were swapped over to my car. I'm still doing-up the second Tourer with the intention of selling it soon.

I'm tempted to boost my engine a bit more, but at the end of the day i'm relatively satisfied with how it performs now.

Post Tue Apr 05, 2005 9:51 am

I think Boosting your engine with a Turbo would be most satisfying!

In the next 4 months there will be 2-3 turbo charged cars here, hopefully they will good and reliably.

Its defo cheaper than a 2.7 and much less hassle.

Food for thought?

Post Tue Apr 05, 2005 10:28 am

How can turbo-ing your engine be cheaper and more reliable than a 2.7 conversion...?

How much would a turbo kit cost, including EVERYTHING you need for it...?

Insurance is a LOT higher than with a 2.7 as well...!

Post Tue Apr 05, 2005 5:05 pm

You'd be surprised at what some members have found out about turbo charging and the costs behind it.

Insurance - classic car insurance is a wonderful thing for the over 25's! Ask ian haynes how much his insurance went up with putting a 3.2 in. Not alot!