Short Shifters

[x_atlas0]

Hello everyone.

I'm still working out the electric windows, but now another problem has arisen. In an effort to reduce the boat-rowing level of shift throw, I decided to try and install a short shift kit based on the MZ3 shifter. The MZ3 shifter is essentially a stick with a plastic ball that rests in a plastic cup, which in turn rests in an arm that extends from the transmission. The major problem is this cup does not fit in the older-style shifter arm, which is akin to a large black cowling that extends from the transmission to the hole in the body. The cup is about 1mm too large in diameter, and there is no way of retaining the cup in the sleeve in the arm.

So, I decided to try and go backwards by using the old style shifter keeping system, which involves a spring, 2 cup sections, and a circlip. This would have worked smashingly except there is no way I can see to take the top part of the shifter off so I can place the cup sections around the shifter ball. So, nix that approach.

What I am left with attempting is to use a later style shifter arm. The problem with that is the Getrag 265 is slightly longer than a 260, which is what these new arms were made for, so the chassis hole will not line up with the plastic shifter cup.

So, if someone happens to have both a 260 and a 265 laying around, if they could measure them, it would be immensely helpful. Or if someone has made a working combination of OEM shifter parts that mate the 265 with the cs and a new-style shifter, please share.

Realoem links:
New style shifter:
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=4073&mospid=47228&btnr=25_0073&hg=25&fg=05
old style:
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=4073&mospid=47228&btnr=25_0226&hg=25&fg=05

[velocewest]

IIRC the shifter from a 2002 will drop right in and the lower section is longer so the shift throw is shorter. I think the 320i shifter is also an option.

Be sure to check the clearance from the output shaft/driveshaft to the shifter before you try driving...

[x_atlas0]

Ah Ha!

Based on these driveshaft lengths:
260:
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=DC74&mospid=47231&btnr=26_0016&hg=26&fg=05
265:
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=DC74&mospid=47231&btnr=26_0016&hg=26&fg=05

the 265 is 4.4cm longer than the 260, which is about an inch and 3/4. I just looked at the hole in the chassis under the shifter boot, and it looks like it will fit, barely, as the 260 shifter will be pushed back the additional 4.4cm. I might have to dremel a slightly larger hole.

I just figured out that I can use the setup from an E30 M3 with some modification.
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=1003&mospid=47312&btnr=25_0081&hg=25&fg=05
Part #2 on this drawing will make the 265 accept newer shifter arms. Now I just need to figure out how the holes will line up after trying to place all this. I imagine the shifter arm may be too long in its stock form. So now i need to find probably the shortest shifter arm BMW makes and use that. The upshot is that once this is done, I'll be able to use any modern short shifter, including UUC.

[Honolulu]

I have a couple lying around if you want one. One version certainly won't fit, and on the other the distance below the ball to connection is smaller if anything. Hm, I have a 528i shifter in there now, "just because" it came with the 4-speed that I put in. Kept it for the 5-speed too. Darn 320s are getting scarce, y'know? Can't find 'em on the side of the road much anymore.

As I've seen elsewhere, the 320i shifter is thte hot ticket, and from a junkyard it'll cost beans, compared to gold for any of the others. But if spending big money on a shifter gets you off, and you got brag rights for it, by allmeans drop the dough.