ZF gearbox detent pin service kit

[osdecar]

Hi all,

As most of you are probably aware, the "leaning gearstick" is a common issue in some old BMW gearboxes. Nothing worrying, just annoying specially for track use.

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...


Unfortunately, I am the owner of one of this examples and I will like to service it. However, I can't find the pin kit anywhere in the UK. Seems to be easily accessible in the US, but the shipping costs, are ludicrous and would make a second hand gearbox look cheap.

Any idea where can I find this in the UK? If I just go to a BMW dealer with the realoem part numbers, will they sell them directly to me?

Thank you very much.

[helix402]

Any dealer will sell you required parts if you supply part numbers.

[BFleming]

And those part numbers are as follows:
3 Detent Covers - 07 11 9 937 227 (9937227)
3 Shift Pin Kits - 23 11 7 525 048 (7525048)
2 Shift Pin Bushing Kits - 23 11 7 542 726 (7542726)
1 Detent Pin - 23 31 1 224 849 (1224849)
1 Detent Pin - 23 31 7 502 165 (7502165)

Probably best you check these for yourself though.

[BFleming]

[AW10]

Had this on my old E46 328i - killed two stones with one bird by changing the gearbox oil to Redline MTL. Better shifting when cold and detent problem went away on its own. Result! Car is still going, just.

[Sardonicus]

Ironically the Getrag on the smaller six cylinder cars dont suffer with problems like this but the ZF is a good strong box hence why its used on the more powerful variants

[AW10]

You can also use some emery cloth and take some material off the detent pistons until they move smoothly in their bores. Cost will then just be the two blue covers. OP, I have 2 of those covers that I bought years ago but never used - send me a PH mail with your address and they're yours FOC.

[osdecar]

AW10 said:

You can also use some emery cloth and take some material off the detent pistons until they move smoothly in their bores. Cost will then just be the two blue covers. OP, I have 2 of those covers that I bought years ago but never used - send me a PH mail with your address and they're yours FOC.

Thank you very much for your offer, that's very kind. I will try to contact a BMW dealer to see if they can provide me with the kit, if I can't find the kit, I will drop you a message.

Thanks again!