Today I attempted to remove the shifter arm which was unsuccessful and a pain in the ass.
For some reason the shifter arm In my E30 is more like a square metal plate which is very loose but it's bolted onto some part of the top of the transmission, I haven't seen this in other E30's. I tried loosening these bolts but it was impossible, especially since I didn't have much strength due to the awkward under-car position I was in, and also due to the exhaust that ran directly in my line of vision. I'm not too sure what I should do next. I was thinking maybe drop the exhaust, get under the car and try again with a hammer and a wrench instead ? If not that then what should I do ? Throw some advice my way please ! Thanks everyone
Drop the exhaust, drop the driveshaft, you'll then have unrestricted access to the shifter mechanism. I know it sounds like a pain, but in the end it's much easier to do that than struggle with working around all the obstructions.
The shifter mounting plate is just as you thought. It's a stamped sheet metal piece that bolts to the back of the transmission. A few E30s came with that, and many of the E24s had that plate. I just rebuilt one on an '84 633. Well worth the effort. It went from "stick in a bucket of mud" feel, to very precise and smooth.
I didnt have to drop exhaust or driveshaft... I was able to use a couple long extensions to bring it out past the tailshaft.. I used a wobble tip extension on the last one to get a slight angle on the ratchet. It worked for me. If you do have to drop all that make sure you put a little dab of loctite on the bolts that go into the transmission. I noticed mine loosened back up after a few months.
Just so I don't have to struggle I'm going to drop the exhaust, and get everything out of my way once im there. I don't want any difficulties or complications so I'd rather just do it the right way. Of course it's going to be a lot of work but in the end it will pay off with extra knowledge and a great shift through gears
NEW PROBLEM
So after all, the problem with my vague shifting was that on the shifter plate which holds the shift lever still, there were these 2 little blocks which allow the plate to bolt onto the transmission, these 2 little blocks where completely burnt through. I managed to buy a new shifter plate with a shifter and almost new bushings from my local autoban for only $20. I then bought the 2 little blocks for $7.50 ea. I installed the new plate which was a pain in the ass but at least all i had to remove was my heat plate and not my exhaust. once i installed it, my shifter shifted perfectly. 1 problem though, it lets me change it into gear only when the engine is off. When I turn it on, it won't let me put it into any gear. Im guessing maybe some cables in my clutch are disconnected because my clutch feels a little loose, I felt it on my friends E30 and it was much more tough to step in. Or maybe slave or master cylinder ? Any one have an idea ? Thanks for looking
Yes they were completely worn out so the bolt moved around loosely within the block. And yes I just checked the reservoir and it's completely empty. Im pretty sure If I just fill it up my clutch should be fine. If not then ill check the lines for a leak
So I found out my master clutch cylinder was leaking. I ordered a reconstructed one for about 60 bucks and it comes in tomorrow. I just can't remove my master, I removed the 3 bolts from the inside of the car, but how do I remove it from the end that goes through the wall of the car and connects to the metal line which connects to the slave ?
if its anything like a RHD car, its simple, its not held in by anything through that hole except for the hardline. there are only two mounting screws plus the clips that connect the shaft to the pedal
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