iversonm

For those considering a short shifter, one cheap option is to replace you shift knob with the shorter knob found on the '08 550 sport. (The underlying shifter hardware is the same. BMW shorten the shifter with a shorter knob.)

The advantages are that it costs about $70, and can be installed in under a minute.

Biff Trout

That will not make a difference. The shift rod extends into my shift knob nearly to the top. Further, it is a change to the shift rod geometry below the shifter pivot that actually reduces the throws.

pa550

Yup, I tried the BavAuto version. First, it's exterior did not look identical to the factory version but since I had it in hand and had the car up on a lift and apart (I was installing the Rogue shifter as well) , I decided to install it anyway. I didn't notice much difference with it vs. the stock valve. I then bought the Zechausen version (which is an original factory CDV stripped of its inards). I installed it (using ramps - very difficult but doable) and in my opinion the performance was night and day to the BavAuto version. I did visually compare the BavAuto to the Zechausen version and the Zechausen appeared to have a larger internal opening, which of course would allow the brake fluid to flow unrestricted. I tossed the BavAuto one and went on my merry way.

gretamay

I'm onboard with the Zeckhausen modified CDV; its a logical progression of thought, and it makes sense. I'm less comfortable with the Rogue WSR. As a ME, I think that the original BMW off-center linkage puts a side load/off center load to the bearing surfaces resulting is a wear condition regardless of the material of those bearings. Adding weight to the shift linkage will only exacerbate the problem, increasing the probability of premature bearing wear and sloppy shifting. The UUC SDDC on the other hand balances the load of the linkage by supporting the shift pins on BOTH sides and eliminating the off-center condition by putting the linkage on the center line of the shift operation. Linear loads are usually well balanced and have a very long life cycle. My choice is the UUC Short Shifter with the SDDC. At least this will give us all something to compare and jaw about. My thanks again to everyone for their input.

iversonm

Since it is a lever, extending below or shortening above will shorten the shift length. I did verify that the metal part of the shifter is the same between the sport and non-sport shifters on realoem.com. (p/n 25117546373) The knobs differ, as shown below.

I'm sure the true short shifter will be better, but you can't argue with ease of installation for the M-Sport knob.

HotLap

iversonm...how far up into the knob does the shift lever screw in? If it goes most of the way to the top - seem syou'd only be shortening the throw by a small amount? However, if it only screws in say half way I can see that the msport knob would make a diff...

HotLap

Anybody know if a BMW dealer would install the Zach CDV and/or the short-shift linkage? I don't have access to a lift and don't want to attempt this install laying on my back under the car on jack stands.....

pa550

I did it with a dealer mechanic on a Sunday at the dealer. On Saturdays/Sundays the mechanics bring their cars in and work on them. Most dealerships seem to give them the leeway to use the facilities.

gretamay

I really balled up my abbreviations, it should have been the UUC DSSR not the SDDC. I haven't got aclue where the SDDC thing came from. Ooops!

pa550

You make an interesting observation. I'm not an engineer, but it seems to me that the stresses the horizontal pin places on the nylon liner are going to be very similar irrespective of whether the horizontal pin is being stressed (turned) on one side or both sides. For example, when the selector is being turned clockwise, the stress would presumably be on the top left and lower right portions of the liner (when visulalizing it from the back of the car), right? I think your point is that there may be a disproportionate amount of stress on the top left with the Rogue and more even with the UUC, right?