85 E30 z3 shifter

Hey everyone, so I recently bought an 85 325e, and just the other day my shifter stopped grabbing gears. Tomorrow I'm going to replace the shifter with a z3 shifter. I have a feeling this might not be the problem though... Does anyone have any ideas what else it might be if this new z3 shifter doesn't cure my problem ? Thanks guys.

not holding in gear, new tranny
grinding gears could be clutch, master or slave cylinder or bad syncros/new tranny

Well I'm about to replace the shifter in a little and if that's not the problem lll definitely check those Out, Thanks a lot.

easy thing to check, pop the trans oil filler cap out and check the color, if its normal color, itll probably be more towards the clutch. if its silver metallic, then the syncros are shot and either need new tranny or rebuild

Well today was a total failure.. I pulled out the shifter and tried installing the z3 shifter but the bushing wouldn't fit. I'm just going to end up lifting the car entirely so I can fix that and to check out the linkages, ill probably end up dropping the tranny to check it out too.. Ill make sure to check the filler cap also :/

I must admit I had no idea why you thought a Z3 shifter would fit. You will have to dig deep for this one, both into the car and your pocket, sorry.

I was told by many people it would fit and work as short shift.. the previous owner had installed (or at least tried to) a terrible shift linkage, the base was all loose and made my shifting sloppy. I'm just going to lift the car, and check/replace piece by piece.. Ohhhh well right ? At least I'm learning. Thanks guys..

Originally Posted by BMWFatherFigure

I must admit I had no idea why you thought a Z3 shifter would fit. You will have to dig deep for this one, both into the car and your pocket, sorry.

i thought there was a kit you could buy that includes the z3 shifter and linkage but a new bushing kit that allows the conversion

i know its been talked about before a few times

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...=short+shifter

http://store.uucmotorwerks.com/evo3-...t-ixxi-p2.aspx

there it is then of course a proper ssk

Perfect.. Ill definitely look into it some more !

Z3 shifter will work in your e30.

We run it on our own v8 m3. Great feel. Good price.

Here is the write up which includes the z3 shifter:
http://garagistic.com/index.php?page...arrier-bushing

Garagistic, what about offering something like that in kit form ?
The delrin bushes I can get from you, but the Z3 shifter etc. ? Not in Namibia
Since I am going to get your delrin bushes (and my shifter is not that sloppy yet), it would be great to convert it to a short shifter whilst at it

Originally Posted by Nick323

Garagistic, what about offering something like that in kit form ?
The delrin bushes I can get from you, but the Z3 shifter etc. ? Not in Namibia
Since I am going to get your delrin bushes (and my shifter is not that sloppy yet), it would be great to convert it to a short shifter whilst at it

We will look into it for you.

Btw we sent you a pm regarding a package deal.

OK so with a KIT OF PARTS a Z3 shifter fits. I have no prob with that. I just didn't think it would be a walk up start. It wasn't.

Originally Posted by BMWFatherFigure

OK so with a KIT OF PARTS a Z3 shifter fits. I have no prob with that. I just didn't think it would be a walk up start. It wasn't.

Actually none of the parts in the writeup are used for the z3 shifter to work. They were only there because they are recommended to do while your there.

However, the only one that works is the Z3 1.9 shifter.

That z3 shifter is a bolt up short shifter in an E30. Its actually very common practice. Tried and true. We run it on our very own e30.

Some z4 shifters will also work. Even other z3 units, but they require bending of the selector rod in most cases.
http://m42club.com/writeups/shifter/...structions.pdf

Proof/more reading on this modification:


http://www.e30zone.net/e30zonewiki/i...ter_conversion

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=199446

http://www.e30tech.com/forum/showthread.php?t=76659

http://m42club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=73

List goes on. A quick google search will work wonders.

OK, so I was nearly right and quite a bit wrong......

Originally Posted by BMWFatherFigure

OK, so I was nearly right and quite a bit wrong......

That sounds like my life.

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 ( pain in the ass ) and 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

Why'd you post the exact same thing in two threads?

I accidentally posted it in this one first then thought it'd be better in the thread since you had spoken about removing the exhaust and heat plate

clutch isnt disengaging. see if you have any fluid in the master