Short Shifters

x_atlas0

Well-Known Member
Messages
1,846
Reaction score
183
Location
Clarkston, MI
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
 
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...
 
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.
 
2002 shifter not much help

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.
 
Sorry to bring up a really old thread but does anyone know
the part number to the shifter for the 320i that will fit onto my 4 speed.

Thanks,
David
 
Ive found this topic on mye28.com and wanted to attempt the aluminium carrier conversion and short shift kit. Can anyone comment on my shopping list for anything that i have missed.

Selector joint Bmw p/n 25117503525
147mm UUC double shear selector rod
Shift carrier bow E30 m3 Bmw p/n 25112225369
(2)8mmx1.5 bolts
Shifter carrier pin E30 m3 Bmw p/n 25112225344
Shifter carrier pin nut E30 m3 Bmw p/n 07119904295
UUC Delrin Shift Carrier Bushings Oval
Shifter carrier E34 M5 6 speed Bmw p/n 25112227848
Shifter carrier bracket E34 m5 6 speed Bmw p/n 25111220707
UUC Evo3 USSE5 SSK

I am not sure which UUC Evo3 SSK is correct as the USSE5 kit should work as it is also fitted to the e12 528i, but i am still waiting on a email back from UUC if the ERK or shift carrier have the same diameter ball and cup for the m5 6speed and the e12 528i.

Thankyou
Benjamin
 
Back
Top