richard313

the guys with short shifters, did you guys find any premature wear on the transmission/synchros?
I remember reading on another forum, short shifters puts more stress on the transmission, thus needs regular maintenance.

is that true?

AlwynMike

I would think that the short shifter will cause LESS wear - there is less leverage applied to the change mechanism if you drive with your hand on the gear lever, plus the weight of the short lever is less than standard.

The only place there would be more stress IMHO is on your wrist and arm!!

Of course, there is a school of thought that says that most people who fit short shifters are the ones who would be more prone to "racing" changes, and hence increased wear due to this, rather than the lever itself.

Mike (with standard lever, no racing changes, ever )

jarekkaraban

WellI feel like I am shifting a school bus right now, so I am ready to make the change. I am gonna call the parts department tomorrow. If you guys know the part number for the z4 3.0 shifter I would be greatful if you could tell me...

Jarek,

545felix

what do you have now? if this a pre- 03/05 car, you can greatly benefit from the 08 550 shifter (go to realoem.com and look up the shifter for an 08 550, part # ends in 678 but don't remember the rest) which is not quite as short as the z4 3.0, but bent correctly so the shift pattern is centered. the z4 3.0 shifter has a great throw, but 5th is as far over to the top right of the shift boot as you can go. 2nd is roughly where your neutral is right now.

lospice1

DARN!! I just ordered the z4 shifter from Garry. I Didnt know the z4 shifter was off center! Should I cancel my order and go for the 550 shifter?

It is definitely a DYI from inside the cabin...I'm 6'4" and have some good size mitts and was able to do it!

Thanks,
will

545felix

what short shifter did you have on there now? the 678 won't be any shorter if you have the 373 (post 03/05 shifter listed as "short shifter" in the ETK).

mullenc525

I plan on modding my stock shifter instead of spending $70 since I have a welder at home.

I am planning on cutting the ball out with different length shafts on each side, flipping the ball 180 and welding it back together. Does anyone foresee any problems with this?

It looks like a teflon coating on the ball, so I know I cant get that too hot. Does the plastic cylindrical bushing come out of the metal on the end? I'm not worried about the rubber damper on the top side, it might get warm but there is lots of area there. My planned cutting points are shown in the attached image.

Does anyone forsee any problems with plan?

545felix

interesting idea, but unless you're really good at welding, I'd just pony up and get the replacement shifter. if you mess it up while you're cutting it or putting it back together, you won't be able to drive your car until you get a replacement. If the weld breaks while you're driving, that's going to be a PITA and a trip to the shop that will far exceed that $70.

Since this thread from ages ago, I've put in the z4 3.0 shifter with a bend in it. LOVE it. but I'm using the taller weighted knob because it was too short with the ZHP.

jg7879

here is mine....

mwolfe

I have been comtemplating this and have found very little helpfull info, but am getting little bits and pieces that all in all are helping.

Where do you bend it and how much?
Has anyone tried the UUC short shifter? Supposedly better with "bearings rather than silicone fittings."
BIGGST QUESTION: Is it worth it? Is the shorter throw worth the extra work it takes to make the throw? Would you do it again and why?


Thanks
Mike