engine and drivetrain Extreme sloppiness in shifter

[Inka]

I have so much sloppiness in fact that the shifter mechanism makes contact with the drive shaft when changing from 3rd to 4th. I crawled under the car to have a look, and I’ve looked at the shifter diagrams, but I can’t really figure out how it all attaches to the transmission. Does someone have a better picture of the shifter linkage? Maybe on a transmission that’s out of the car? Or can someone explain how the linkage attaches to the transmission? I see there’s a “support bracket” (#11 in the following diagram, BMW P/N 25111208580?), is that all that holds it to the trans? The shifter itself is really hanging low and the foam insulator disk thing (# 12 in the diagram) is nowhere near making contact with the tranny tunnel.

Thanks,

Robert

[andrewro]

Number 11 holds the platform to the transmission. The angled brace holds up the other end. It is probably time to rebuild the linkage, there are bushings you can replace while you are in there. Drop the exhaust and driveshaft and it will be easy access, but count on at least one thing being kind of stuck and needing some elbow grease. Good luck!

[Inka]

Maybe I get it:

Bolt #1 goes through a hole in #11

Bolt # 10 goes through a hole in #11 and attaches to the transmission?

Is that all there is to it? Do I just order one #11 or is there another one on the other side of the bracket?

Thanks,

Robert

[Inka]

Number 11 holds the platform to the transmission. The angled brace holds up the other end. It is probably time to rebuild the linkage, there are bushings you can replace while you are in there. Drop the exhaust and driveshaft and it will be easy access, but count on at least one thing being kind of stuck and needing some elbow grease. Good luck!

Thanks, looks like you beat me to the punch!

It looks like all the part numbers in the shifter rebuild FAQ are for the other style of linkage. Is there a shifter rebuild bill of materials for the early linkage?

Thanks,

Robert

[SteveJ]

Check Robs website at 2002Haus.com.

He has a full kit for the 4speed shifter. A one stop shop for your shifter woes.

But...don't let him try to sell you a five speed just to tighten up your shift lever. :^) That is unless...you are wearing out your 4 speed shift linkage by continually trying to reach for 5th gear. In that case, Rob can take care of those needs as well!

[Mike Self]

at the bottom of the shift lever (there are two different flavors, so have your VIN handy when you order) and tighten up the shift linkage itself as well as the platform mounts. Then it'll feel new and tight again...

cheers

mike