Anyone got/fitted a short shifter to an E36?

[norteenick]

Hi guys,

Thinkin about getting a short shifter for the ring toy, its an E36 325i. Just wondering if they make much of a difference and how easy (or not) they are to fit? Can it be fitted from top or do you have to get under the car?

Cheers
Nick

[carlosvalderrama]

I fitted the shifter from a Z3 to mine. Shortens the throw really nicely. £35-ish from BMW, no other parts needed.

However, if you're running a road car, then it may need modifying, the shape is slightly different and I think the Z3 one leans to the side rather than straight up. I'm not sure as mine's a track car and I have no centre console or dash to relate it to.

It can be fitted from above only, if you're extremely dextrous and good with a set of bent needle nosed pliers. Otherwise, you'll need to get underneath to remove a clip. The centre console will probably make it tougher than working on a stripped car too.

[norteenick]

Its stripped, track car.

Many thanks, i'll look into that option.

[carlosvalderrama]

In which case... You may want to leave it alone. The Z3 shifter is arrow straight and this leans it towards the steering wheel, making it nice and quick to change and get your hand back on the wheel.

[benny.c]

We fitted a cheap one from eBay on our 325 and it's great, much less sloppy than stock. It only cost £20 odd and I thought it would fall to bits pretty quickly, but it seems to be holding up pretty well. We had one person under the car and one in the cabin to fit it - the retaining clip on the underside is a bh to get back in.

We also fitted a plate around the whole assembly to hold it in place which firms the shift up even more. It's a bit tricky to get reverse now but who needs that on track.

Edited by benny.c on Thursday 4th June 10:28

[norteenick]

cheers benny.

Great admirer of your project by by the way.

Edited by norteenick on Thursday 4th June 23:33

[benny.c]

Cheers mate

XL Raceparts do two short shifters but they are not cheap. Ours looks identical to the first one but I'd like to think the XL one is made of better materials given it's seven times more expensive.

http://www.xlraceparts.com/bm-racing-short-shift-4...

http://www.xlraceparts.com/bmw-short-shifter-1165-...