Short Shift FAQ: the M3 short-shifter?

Adam Gravois · Post by **Adam Gravois** » Fri Nov 20, 2009 2:30 pm

In the short-shifter FAQ, it mentions that one option for a short-shifter is buying "a M3 shifter new from BMW". Is this any particular year? More to the point, can any "M3"-compatible shifter do the job, or just the OEM part?

What about an aftermarket unit like this one for sale on EBay? It doesn't look like the upper & lower cup would fit to my shift deck but might the lever work? How much variation is there in shifter dimensions, anyway?

T.Hanson · Post by **T.Hanson** » Fri Nov 20, 2009 3:40 pm

UUC short shift kit.

Done. Good, no problems. New lever is knob push on type, opens vistas of choices.

Adam Gravois · Post by **Adam Gravois** » Fri Nov 20, 2009 5:05 pm

Nice kit! Did your install include that sweet machined shift deck (the metal plate cantilevered off of the transmission) or did it fit into your old one? I don't have the budget for a whole kit like that, though -- I'm trying to figure out what my options are for just replacing the shift lever while I'm in there replacing bushings etc. Anyone else use an aftermarket shifter in the original deck?

T.Hanson · Post by **T.Hanson** » Fri Nov 20, 2009 9:39 pm

UUC has 15% off.

I think they have applicable product photos, but no, the two kits I've gotten used the stock shift plate.

You can see the shifter parts on realoem.com. For what it's worth, the best is the feel of a shifter with all new parts: bushings. As you have to work under the car, drop the exhaust to access the clips and bushings (or have very long spider fingers and a tiny head), I concluded buying the stock replacement bushings to keep the original shift lever, screw on knob, with the same labor involved, I saved for the UUC kit.

As with my experience with Stainless brake lines, " Short shift." didn't exactly go from street to F1, " Snick, snick, snick." Mostly just new again, with 50 knob choices from 0.

An ace mechanic built me a custom short shifter for my 635 a long time ago. Cut and weld or 2002, failing to note an offset is necessary where the shift lever connects to the gear selector lever. Without it, imagine the shifting being done over the passenger floor.

Eddie in TO · Post by **Eddie in TO** » Sun Nov 22, 2009 7:36 pm

I highly recommend the auto solutions kit. http://www.autosolutions.net/models/models_index.html

I tried it on a friends E28 and it was crisp.
I ordered one for the E12 earlier this year and installed it whilst I was installing a new clutch. For a few bucks more, he also put some inserts into a rear bushing too. I put everything back and I'll tell you this, I have no idea why I didn't do this ages ago.

EURO M3 CSL · Post by **EURO M3 CSL** » Mon Nov 23, 2009 10:54 pm

so these kits will work for a stock E12 75' 530i 4sp tranny? sorry im slowly learning about these cars right now

Adam Gravois · Post by **Adam Gravois** » Mon Nov 23, 2009 10:57 pm

You mean I won't be hitting 0-60 in under 7? ;D Yeah, I'm really just looking for 'new again' feeling, and wondering if there are a few cheap upgrades I can do along the way. I have to take the exhaust & driveline off to replace a leaky rear tranny seal anyway, but the kits will not pass muster with my budget director if you know what I mean and I think you do.

EURO M3 CSL · Post by **EURO M3 CSL** » Mon Nov 23, 2009 11:01 pm

Adam Gravois wrote:You mean I won't be hitting 0-60 in under 7? ;D Yeah, I'm really just looking for 'new again' feeling, and wondering if there are a few cheap upgrades I can do along the way. I have to take the exhaust & driveline off to replace a leaky rear tranny seal anyway, but the kits will not pass muster with my budget director if you know what I mean and I think you do.

hey mine is leaking as well

didnt notice it was leaking as the tranny fluid was dripping onto the exhaust and it burned away before it got to the floor lol

Adam Gravois · Post by **Adam Gravois** » Mon Nov 23, 2009 11:07 pm

the tranny fluid was dripping onto the exhaust and it burned away before it got to the floor lol

Smells great, doesn't it?

Anyway, yeah, these kits will fit your stock tranny as long as you specify year & model when ordering.

EURO M3 CSL · Post by **EURO M3 CSL** » Tue Nov 24, 2009 1:29 am

Adam Gravois wrote:
the tranny fluid was dripping onto the exhaust and it burned away before it got to the floor lol
Smells great, doesn't it?

Anyway, yeah, these kits will fit your stock tranny as long as you specify year & model when ordering.

Im sorry for my noobness but what would be the best yr for the upgrade would be for my car? 75' stock 4sp manual getrag tranny

YouTube · Post by **Peter Florance** » Tue Nov 24, 2009 7:06 am

Eddie in TO wrote:I highly recommend the auto solutions kit. http://www.autosolutions.net/models/models_index.html

I tried it on a friends E28 and it was crisp.
I ordered one for the E12 earlier this year and installed it whilst I was installing a new clutch. For a few bucks more, he also put some inserts into a rear bushing too. I put everything back and I'll tell you this, I have no idea why I didn't do this ages ago.

+1 on this. I installed my kit in 1999 and it still feels new. Resist the temptation to loosen the bushings - they will work-in and feel great.

Eddie, I should have gotten you to drive the car as many times as you and it have been at the same place at the same time!