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I am changing to manual from auto transmission. My question concerns the selector rod from the transmission to the shift lever lower part.
The selector rod at the shifter is longer then the transmission end. There is about 1/4 in. extra space at the shifter, even with the washers. Is this correct or do I need some extra washers? I have the 4 shims and 4 plastic washers but these still don't fill the gap to the lock nut.

realoem.com for exploded view parts drawings.

bsheridan wrote:I am changing to manual from auto transmission. My question concerns the selector rod from the transmission to the shift lever lower part.
The selector rod at the shifter is longer then the transmission end. There is about 1/4 in. extra space at the shifter, even with the washers. Is this correct or do I need some extra washers? I have the 4 shims and 4 plastic washers but these still don't fill the gap to the lock nut.

Are you sure all the parts came out of one car? While you can mix and match some of the parts and the G265/6 5 speed will work, not all the shifter parts were the same between different years and models. I think you have the shift rod reversed and all the couplers at the tranny end weren't the same. Complicating matters is 528i's used a different size than earlier and later ones. Diameter of the pin that is. At any rate, one way or another you need to get the right coupler or use a spacer, you need it tight with a minimum of play or else it's going to be really sloppy up by the shift knob with a couple of inches of play.

I should have said that all the parts are new. I had no luck finding these parts used. they were ordered using part numbers from realoem.
The shift rod is part number : 25111220539 , the shifter lower part : 25111220217 , and the gear shift rod joint : 25117503525. the ends of the gear shift joint and the lower shifter are both the same width were they attach to the shift rod.

bsheridan wrote:I should have said that all the parts are new. I had no luck finding these parts used. they were ordered using part numbers from realoem.
The shift rod is part number : 25111220539 , the shifter lower part : 25111220217 , and the gear shift rod joint : 25117503525. the ends of the gear shift joint and the lower shifter are both the same width were they attach to the shift rod.

OK, that makes it much simpler. On 85, 535i's, and some others, but it uses a G265 also, it uses 25117501309 which is a somewhat wider shift joint. That goes with your shift rod, look up 85 535i on Realoem and you'll see the parts that go together.