BMW Aluminium Gearshift Rod Length

[Simon]

Now that I've got the floors and seats in my car I'm a bit concerned that the gearlever is a bit too far forward.

Can anyone out there let me know the approximate length of the aluminium gearshift rod linkage from their 3 series donor (either M20 or M50) between the centre of the front bush and the centre of the gear lever hole (see attached diagram).

I have managed to get hold of a pair of 5 series gearshift linkages but these are too long (the gearlever hits the handbrake when in 2nd gear!). Rather than cut down these down and weld I'd prefer to get hold of a 3 series part assuming its a better length.

Thanks

Simon

http://www.flickr.com/photos/marlin_...io/2249362128/

[peterux]

Hi Simon,
it's not easy to measure in situ in the car (as it's above the prop shaft) but I think I have a 'spare' one in my lock-up garage. The trouble with that is that my lock-up has no permanent lighting.
If nobody else replies before the weekend, i'll pop down and measure it for you,

cheers

Peter

[GreatOldOne]

Simon,

I'll take a look tonight for you - As my car's still up on the build stands, it should be fairly easy to get too (especially as I'm still waiting for my propshaft!)

Of course, you could always change the gearstick as a lot of us have done to reduce the throw - I know Peter has a Z3 stick, and Patrick and I have Z4 sticks. I can't remember if Robin has replaced his though.

Cheers,

Jason

[Patrick]

Gear stick FAQ: http://www.msportster.co.uk/faq.asp?FAQ=2

I've got the engine & box out at the moment but the linkages are still hanging on the car. So should be able to measure up too.

I think I have a spare Z3 1.9 stick somewhere, I've got a box of sticks as I've changed them on several cars

[Simon]

Thanks chaps - any info would be much appreciated.

I've already removed the isolated top part of the lever (to make it shorter) and I'm happy with the 'throw', its just that its current position is too far forward.

Cheers

Simon

[MartinClan]

Originally Posted by GreatOldOne

I can't remember if Robin has replaced his though.

Z3 like Peter.

[Mike]

Patrick
Do you know what the measurements are for the dimension above the pivot line compared to the dimension below it for all of the gearsticks you have shown on your photo?
I have a stick fromthe E36 and would like to know how it compares to your original E30, and to what you and the other builders have fitted?
Do the numbers shown represent ratios of above/below dimension?
Regards
Mike

[Mike]

Simon
I have measured my gearstick again on my desk in front of me and it is 260mm ctr to ctr (from an E36)
Mike

[MartinClan]

Originally Posted by Mike

my gearstick on my desk in front of me

I've got a desk like that. One day one of the guys I share the office with was dropping off a parcel on my desk and he remarked "It looks like you are building a car by post" - how little did he know

[Patrick]

I'll see what I can come up with, sadly I don't have any gear sticks on my desk !

That picture originally came from E30 Zone so I've not got the measurements. However I should have at least one of those knocking about to use as a base.

[Patrick]

I didn't realise there were this many...

From left to right please not measurements are not hugely accurate and all but the Z3 2.8 stick have a bend so only use these as estimates. measurements are in mm.

E30 325i 1988
200 - Centre of ball to top
27 - Centre of wall to centre of pivot hole

E36 316i Compact 1997
205 - Centre of ball to top
30 - Centre of wall to centre of pivot hole

E46 320Ci (6 Cyl.) 2002
210 - Centre of ball to top
30 - Centre of wall to centre of pivot hole

E46 320Ci (6 Cyl.) 2004
210 - Centre of ball to top
30 - Centre of wall to centre of pivot hole

E36 328i - 1995-8?? M52 engined car with ZF box (same as M3)
205 - Centre of ball to top
42 - Centre of wall to centre of pivot hole

Z3 1.9 - 1999?
200 - Centre of ball to top
40 - Centre of wall to centre of pivot hole

Z3 2.8 - 1999? Only stick that is straight
195 - Centre of ball to top
48 - Centre of wall to centre of pivot hole

----------

The linkage from image in the first post:

E30 325i box I got 245mm (while hanging under the car with a torch)

I also found this in a box:



Its from the Compact when it had the 4 cylinder engine - as these are short than 6 cylinders the linkage is longer to compensate. I get 280mm centre to centre.

[Simon]

Thanks Patrick, that's quite a collection you have there...!

I shortened my original E34/M20 linkage to 245mm to fit the existing hole in the transmission tunnel (which I now regret as it's slightly too far forward - D'OH!).

The unmodified linkage (from an E34/M50) I have is 330mm (funnily enough it gives the dimension on the casting "C=330" !) but this is way too long.

I've taken some more measurements this afternoon and think that the Compact linkage (280mm) will therefore be ideal.

Thanks

Simon

[GreatOldOne]

Ooops - sorry Simon... I forgot to go and measure when I got in from work! Looks like Patrick has sorted you out though.

Can still measure for you tomorrow morning if you like.

[peterux]

Originally Posted by GreatOldOne

Simon,

I know Peter has a Z3 stick, and Patrick and I have Z4 sticks. I can't remember if Robin has replaced his though.

Cheers,

Jason

Sorry to spoil the rumour, but I just cut about an inch of the top of my gear stick to make it shorter!

[RobDorey]

The problem I had was that the stick was too tall and too far forward.
The solution I found was to remove the rubber insulation completely leaving me with a very short stick. I then heated it about an inch above the ball (you'll need an oxy/acetylene torch) and bent the stick back about 10°. I then had an extension made from stainless to fit over the stick to bring it back to the desired height (secured with 3 grub screws at the base). I then bought an aftermarket gearknob from DemonTweeks to fit. I'll see if I can dig out a photo.

[RobDorey]

I've found a couple of pics.
Hope they help.

[peterux]

Hi Simon,
the linkage from a 1989 e30 320i is 263mm
It is also nicely marked "C=263".
I have one going spare, if your interested send me a pm.

Those BMW chaps were so thoughtful of us future kit car builders

Peter

[Simon]

Yes those clever BMW engineers really do think of everything!

Many thanks for the offer of your spare linkage, by my calcs the ideal length should be 280mm, so I will try out a part from a 316i Compact initially.

Cheers

Simon

[GreatOldOne]

Simon - sorry for the late reply...

z4 stick (2.5ltr): centre of ball joint to centre of linkage hole = approx 38mm

Aluminium shift support: from centre gearbox bush to round section end approx 350mm. I can't see any stampings on mine... But it's from a e30 2.5ltr 325i, so in theory it should be the same as Patricks.

[Patrick]

The 316i compact part is Richard's I'll ask him if he still needs it