Understanding the Short Shifter

[Jetl3on]

How do short shifters work exactly, is it purely the lever has a greater degree of "angle" making the movement between gears closer?

I want one for an E30 based project, anyone ever fitted a Short Shifter? Is it a DIY task or something that requires specialist knowledge, tools and pit to work from?
Is it installed from within the cabin or underneath the car? And where would you source one from to ensure you got the right one? Demontweeks or ebay? (which seems to throw up a whole host of options)Are they all the same or are some better quality than others?

Any help appreciated.

[E30M3SE]

Here is a guide.

If your want something very short buy the Z3 1.9 shifter from the dealer. IIRC £35 plus the bushing. this will however move the gears further forward from a reach perspective as the lever does not have a bend below the ball. The E39 M5 shifter is the way forwards, as it shortens the shift as per Z3 1.9 but keeps the reach as stock M3.

Stock M3 on left, E39 M5 on the right


(Picture from S14power.com)

Edited by E30M3SE on Monday 1st December 13:21

[Jetl3on]

E30M3SE said:

Here is a guide.

If your want something very short buy the Z3 1.9 shifter from the dealer. IIRC £35 plus the bushing. this will however move the gears further forward from a reach perspective as the lever does not have a bend below the ball. The E39 M5 shifter is the way forwards, as it shortens the shift as per Z3 1.9 but keeps the reach as stock M3.

Stock M3 on left, E39 M5 on the right


(Picture from S14power.com)

Edited by E30M3SE on Monday 1st December 13:21

To the untrained eye, they look the same, but clearly a few degrees makes a massive difference.
I checked the OEM part numbers, and the 320i is only shared with the Z1, so (stupid question), but clearly a 325i will not fit?

Problem is, advertisers simply state E30 / 88-91 they dont specify model.

I will have a read of the guide and no doubt have more questions,

Thank you.