Since there are many questions regarding the shift components and how to remove slop from an e28 shifter, I thought I would throw together a quick FAQ with pictures, part numbers and importance of components. If anyone has anything else to add about shifters, short shifters or shifter parts, this is the place.
Aluminum Shift Console Parts
Sheet Metal Console Parts
There are different sheet metal consoles and console mounting blocks. I believe I have now listed the various different parts.
As we know most BMW shift levers will work in an e28, some better than others. Below is the diagram that has been posted all over the internet showing the difference in critical dimensions of some of the popular options.
I modified my shifter in a DIY way, by welding a good bit to below where the shift knob pivots, than lathed a bronze bushing which was put in with a press. It's way tighter than any e28 I have felt, even with a shift kit.
You're the best, man! I'll be doing this in the next few months and this is great. My sheet metal console is still broken in half. You think you have slop!
Big Bronze Rim wrote:
You are correct Mike. I'm going to make a couple of changes to clarify everything. I shouldn't have hastily posted it from work but I was bored.
I have added clarification to the sheet metal console info as well as added some of the information from Ron Stygar's excellent research on shift levers.
Big Bronze Rim wrote:I have added clarification to the sheet metal console info as well as added some of the information from Ron Stygar's excellent research on shift levers.
I've found with my sheet metal consoles that if you use one of the rubber bushings that hold the airbox (part number 13711259818) instead of part number 15 (stop buffer) it is much easier to install and far less likely to fail than that silly little rubber piece. I've also used transmission mounts if I've had one lying around. They work well.
Question:
on the aluminum console why are the yellow washers and circlips at either end of the select rod different sizes and part numbers (as shown by real oem) ? the color photo shown above calls them generically 'yellow washers, circlips' are they interchangeable or not?
I can't find part numbers for the pieces 14, and 16 at autohausaz.... irritating.
Thanks fellas
ALSO:
I have part (25 11 7 501 309) 13/9, guy that attaches to the trans select shaft for sale.
I have about 10 of them, If you need one let me know. Cheap.
I have an e28 M5 with the 265 conversion. Which means it has the sheet metal console. I'm using the stock M5 shifter which is fairly tight but has a long throw especially to 2nd. Anyone know the ratio of that shifter so I can compare it to the others above?? Alternatively has anyone used any the shifters above with that console and if so which one and what were the results?? Thanks John
Any of the above shifters CAN be run with the sheet metal console. It requires a small modification of the upper shifter bushing but it is very easy. I've got a G265 w/sheetmetal console in my car and am using a Z4 3.0 shift lever and it works great. I think I have a stock shifter laying around that I can measure.
I'm trying to remember if I had to cut one or both but it is 10 in the first sheetmetal pic and 19 in the second. They won't fit over the lever so you make one cut with a very sharp knife and the slip it on. You won't ever know it was cut once it's installed.
I actually got the C clip out from between the upper and lower shifter pieces, pulled them apart and installed the upper bushing/cup without cutting. I'm cutting it the next time....An HO railroading saw is great for cutting that bushing. It's razor thin and incredibly sharp.
And yes the yellow O rings/bushings are all the same size. I have plenty of spares.
DJM1986-5 wrote:I actually got the C clip out from between the upper and lower shifter pieces, pulled them apart and installed the upper bushing/cup without cutting.
That will work for the stocker but the later non-stock shifters do not come apart making cutting a requirement.
Big Bronze Rim wrote:I shouldn't have hastily posted it from work but I was bored.
I wish my bored posts were full of awesome information!
Does anyone have the lengths of the E39 shifters? I have one out of a 530i, and I'm guessing it's around the same as the 1.9 Z3's.
I know that then e39 m5 shifter is exactly the same as the ie short shifter and that the e39 530i is a different ratio to that, for the worse.
Yup. According to Brad's post the ratios are identical. One thing I do like about it is that it's just a bit shorter than stock - hardly noticeable until you drive a stock E28. I'll be going with something else soon though.
x 2. Maybe add some info on the how-to of gaining access to the parts for rebuild/replacement. Could always start with some of the helpful hints I received to my dumb questions about the process of rebuilding the shift linkage.
In short, it helps to get the driveshaft out of the way, but to do so you've got to loosen the center bearing, but to do so you've got to at least loosen the exhaust & catalytic converter.
Thank you Brad
