Shifter Bushing Replacement

[that_grey_m3]

I am thinking of getting one of the shifter bushing replacement kits from ECS tuning. Has anyone else out there also changed out their shifter bushings? I have no problems getting into gears, but I am hoping for a slight improvement in overall shifter feel.

My other question is, do I have to remove my mid pipe to install this?

Thanks!

[deansbimmer]

You have to remove the exhaust. Also need to lower the rear of the trans to reach up to get to the carrier bushing. May need to remove the driveshaft depending on how much access you need (how big are your hands?)

I usually suggest replacing everything with delrin and a DSSR. Quite a nice difference and what it should be from factory IMO. If you're talking about ECS's kit that replaces everything with the same soft rubber bushings, it's not worth it unless your stuff is already totally shot. Their kit makes you pay for parts you don't need. Just assemble your own kit of new soft parts for less.

This piece will make the most difference in a worn out shifter:
http://www.bimmerworld.com/Driveline...CABEgIaUvD_BwE

[Iyzmi]

Originally Posted by deansbimmer

You have to remove the exhaust. Also need to lower the rear of the trans to reach up to get to the carrier bushing. May need to remove the driveshaft depending on how much access you need (how big are your hands?)

I usually suggest replacing everything with delrin and a DSSR. Quite a nice difference and what it should be from factory IMO. If you're talking about ECS's kit that replaces everything with the same soft rubber bushings, it's not worth it unless your stuff is already totally shot. Their kit makes you pay for parts you don't need. Just assemble your own kit of new soft parts for less.

This piece will make the most difference in a worn out shifter:
http://www.bimmerworld.com/Driveline...CABEgIaUvD_BwE

Do you think it's important to also replace the carrier pins? I wonder if the ECS kit is worth the extra $55 if the only difference is the included pins...
https://www.ecstuning.com/b-ecs-part...it/2511-002~3/

[deansbimmer]

I've never seen a set of pins that were so worn out they needed replacement. YMMV.

[pbonsalb]

Some replace them in some BMW because they mess up the clip trying to remove them.

[spazzyfry123]

I vote to get something like an Auto Solutions shifter to clean up all that jazz. Mine is being installed right now.

[pbonsalb]

The fancy shifter is not cleaning anything up - the same shift selector rod pin is used, but it does look like a nice kit if you are looking for another mod to spend some money on. I don’t have any complaints about my stock shifter, but might buy one of these one day when I have $500 burning a hole in my pocket.

[spazzyfry123]

Originally Posted by pbonsalb

The fancy shifter is not cleaning anything up - the same shift selector rod pin is used, but it does look like a nice kit if you are looking for another mod to spend some money on. I don’t have any complaints about my stock shifter, but might buy one of these one day when I have $500 burning a hole in my pocket.

Unless I am misunderstanding what you are referring to with the shift selector rod pin, it is replaced with Auto Solutions. See attached picture of mine. Are you talking about what the end piece is fastening to that goes into the transmission itself?

[deansbimmer]

That ssk doesn’t replace the shift carrier which carries the “bitch clip” in question. I see it also still utilizes the soft rubber bushings for it too.

[that_grey_m3]

Originally Posted by spazzyfry123

I vote to get something like an Auto Solutions shifter to clean up all that jazz. Mine is being installed right now.

Which shift knob will you be using along with your AS SSK? I have heard nothing but great reviews on Ronald's products and I do intend to purchase one when I have enough for one.

[spazzyfry123]

Originally Posted by deansbimmer

That ssk doesn’t replace the shift carrier which carries the “bitch clip” in question. I see it also still utilizes the soft rubber bushings for it too.

Are you saying that there is a more "solid" mount in place of the rod with an external circlip holding it in place axially as shown in my picture? I understand how this could promote slop on paper and in theory, but I was thoroughly impressed with how tight it felt. I suppose time will tell once I pick it up!

I will say that I was surprised (a little let down if I'm honest) to see the soft bushings when I opened up the package. They did feel stiff, but I was expecting something more along the lines of Delrin or similar. So far (meaning not even feeling the thing in the car yet), that is my only complaint.

Originally Posted by that_grey_m3

Which shift knob will you be using along with your AS SSK? I have heard nothing but great reviews on Ronald's products and I do intend to purchase one when I have enough for one.

I honestly didn't even know about Ronald's products until I asked some questions with some fellow M3Post members in person and here online. Between the 20 or so different people I talked to there was a 100% approval rate with Auto Solutions and a lot of people that purchased something else and eventually made their (final) purchase with Auto Solutions. Both examples are for E46 and E9x.

I can't even begin to quantify the level of customer service I received with Ronald. Countless E-mails, phone calls, voice mails...you name it. It didn't even seem to matter what time it was. I eventually settled on a shifter that results in 19% reduction in throw length and 6mm lower than factory utilizing the ZHP weighted knob pictured below. This shifter upgrade is my most exciting upgrade to date!

-Tyler

[pbonsalb]

Originally Posted by spazzyfry123

Unless I am misunderstanding what you are referring to with the shift selector rod pin, it is replaced with Auto Solutions. See attached picture of mine. Are you talking about what the end piece is fastening to that goes into the transmission itself?

Sorry, I mixed up the part names. The front end of the console not the selector shaft rod uses the pin clip that some damage on removal. As deansbimmer explained, the AS kit uses the same part. Also the selector shaft rod retention is the same, but the rod is a fancy billet piece. Definitely nice looking parts, but just refreshing the stock bushings helps as the car ages. I have a UUC EVO3 on my 99M3 so I have been tempted before by this mod and may do a shifter kit on my 08M3.

As deansbimmer also pointed out, from the picture it looks like the AS kit uses the stick rubber bushing for the front end of the console — the part the pin clip goes through. There are upgrade Delrin split bushings for this location.

[deansbimmer]

I like to use Rogue Engineering's delrin bushings for this application.

Spazzy, the SSK is the lower half of the shifting mechanism. You're replacing the shifter and selector rod. There is still the shift carrier assembly that remains. The carrier is the part that houses the soft rubber parts that deflect the most in use, and wear out the soonest.

See the carrier as #1 in the attached picture.

[inTgr8r]

^ +1 to the delrin bushings
I know a couple of guys that use them and found a big improvement.

[carenthuziast]

outside of "upgrading," is the oem bushing a wear item that needs replacement?

[deansbimmer]

Originally Posted by carenthuziast

outside of "upgrading," is the oem bushing a wear item that needs replacement?

It's soft rubber in a relatively harsh environment, yes it's a wear item. Especially when oil and grease sits on them, they deteriorate even faster. It's the first go-to for slopping shifting.

[carenthuziast]

Originally Posted by deansbimmer

It's soft rubber in a relatively harsh environment, yes it's a wear item. Especially when oil and grease sits on them, they deteriorate even faster. It's the first go-to for slopping shifting.

How much should this cost to replace.

[deansbimmer]

Originally Posted by carenthuziast

How much should this cost to replace.

About 2 hours of labor. Its good to make a list of things to do while you're in there since it's mostly just time accessing the location.

[strokemycocktus]

Are these bushings supposed to reduce shifter play?
My car has 60k km and I am wondering if this would be a good improvement at this point.
Is something like this possible with the delrin bushings? I only mean play/precission, not the travel as this here is a SSK.

[jqsmooth]

Originally Posted by deansbimmer

You have to remove the exhaust. Also need to lower the rear of the trans to reach up to get to the carrier bushing. May need to remove the driveshaft depending on how much access you need (how big are your hands?)

I usually suggest replacing everything with delrin and a DSSR. Quite a nice difference and what it should be from factory IMO. If you're talking about ECS's kit that replaces everything with the same soft rubber bushings, it's not worth it unless your stuff is already totally shot. Their kit makes you pay for parts you don't need. Just assemble your own kit of new soft parts for less.

This piece will make the most difference in a worn out shifter:
http://www.bimmerworld.com/Driveline...CABEgIaUvD_BwE

Thanks for the recommendation. I'm having my clutch replaced after 137k miles. The shifter has significant play(~8-10mm). It was driving me insane. Will report back after replacement.

[CHE///MIST3]

Originally Posted by deansbimmer

I've never seen a set of pins that were so worn out they needed replacement. YMMV.

Which part of the shifter assembly is what keeps the "stick" from wobbling side to side in one's hand? I am overall very happy with the way the transmission shifts now (new motor mounts and fresh trans fluid) and how it gets into the gears... other than the side play that seems like years of wear...

If this is something up at the very top of the shifter assembly, can it be swapped out without having to go under the car? ....hoping...lol..

GM

[strokemycocktus]

Originally Posted by CHE///MIST3

Which part of the shifter assembly is what keeps the "stick" from wobbling side to side in one's hand? I am overall very happy with the way the transmission shifts now (new motor mounts and fresh trans fluid) and how it gets into the gears... other than the side play that seems like years of wear...

If this is something up at the very top of the shifter assembly, can it be swapped out without having to go under the car? ....hoping...lol..

GM

From what I heard it is from the ball socket and the selector rod joint. But even with brand new OEM parts you'll have some play.