engine and drivetrain How much damn insulating does a shifter really need?!

[Jace]

I'm slowly working through my 5-speed shifter set up, using an IE shift plate, DSSR and Nardi gearknob.

I also have an IE "short shifter" I won't be using, so I'm thinking about customising the old E21 shift lever to give the reduced throw and angles I'd prefer.

 

The squishiness of the rubber insulated shift lever feels quite odd to me, is this supposed to remove the feel of engine vibrations? Are they especially bad for some reason? (i've never driven a manual 2002)

 

What other products will give me precise, firm, somewhat notchy shift feel?

[Simeon]

It could be there to insulate from heat as well.

[rms_sandiego]

Have you rebuilt it yet? The rubber bushings inside the upper shifter get soft and allow extra play. Replacing them can tighten it up a lot. I did this for my old 320i before it got t-boned.

 

See diagram at RealOEM

 

PS: I ended up using a shifter from a Z3 on my 5 speed conversion to  get a shorter throw.

Edited April 28, 2015 by Rob S

[tim385]

Re bush everything you will never get that tight click into gear that some Jap cars have but you will get a positive shift with a little slackness but It should be fairly positive.In the photos have you got your gear lever the right way round? Spin your lever 180* see if it makes the position better, seems like your lever is down a long way in 2 nd.

[eurotrash]

This. 

 

[Jace]

Have you rebuilt it yet? The rubber bushings inside the upper shifter get soft and allow extra play. Replacing them can tighten it up a lot. I did this for my old 320i before it got t-boned.

 

See diagram at RealOEM

 

PS: I ended up using a shifter from a Z3 on my 5 speed conversion to  get a shorter throw.

Everything in that picture is brand new from IE. It seems all of the OEM and aftermarket shifters are going to have a LHD-angle to them.

My car is unfortunately RHD and I remember a friend complaining that his gear stick is too far away from his seating position, hence me wanting to improve on it.

 

Re bush everything you will never get that tight click into gear that some Jap cars have but you will get a positive shift with a little slackness but It should be fairly positive.In the photos have you got your gear lever the right way round? Spin your lever 180* see if it makes the position better, seems like your lever is down a long way in 2 nd.

Oops yeah, it was backwards. The angle is okay now (might still want to change it once it's in the car) but it still doesn't feel very precise.

The trans selector shaft has some play in 3rd and 4th which will bother me, probably not enough to pull it apart to fix it though.

Are those aftermarket shift plate mounts any good? It's a road car but I'd like it to feel sporty.