M3 shifter install in 540/6

[kens540]

My son replaced the shifter in his '95 M3 coupe w/ an M-coupe shifter and now I will be replacing my "long throw" 97 540/6 shifter w/ his old M3 shifter.

Install seems straight forward, but have a couple of questions:
- I know I can use two medium flat screwdrivers but thought I'd ask if anyone had a shift lever cup removal tool hanging around from a prior UUC or EVO install?
- Also, should I just re-use the selector rod washers and securing clip from the existing shifter or are new ones an added ounce of preventive maintenance?
- Any other things I should consider replacing while I'm doing this job?

TIA,Ken
'02 325Ci (Jet Black)
'97 540/6 (Jet Black)
'90 525i (sold)

[ep]

Hi from the Z3 board. I have not done a shifter change, but have been following techniques posted on the MB in case I get the urge. I recall one guy said he used a metal knock-out plate from the back of a computer - the one you take out if you add a modem, wireless transmitter, etc. It's got a 90 degree bend in it and the metal is thin enough to fit into the "cup". He claimed it worked for him. I looked back a week or two in the postings but could not find his post.

While apart, I would add whatever new pieces you can replace - cheap insurance. I also recall hearing that some lube on the "cup" before you put it together does wonders. I would use a lithium grease, sparingly.

Hope this is food for thought. Good luck.

Ernie Peters
2000 Z3 steel grey 2.3 5spd w/hardtop

[kens540]

Ken
'02 325Ci (Jet Black)
'97 540/6 (Jet Black)
'90 525i (sold)

[ep]

Remebered where I saw some information on shifter installation, check the link. Not sure if it is totally applicable to your vehicle, but probably very similar. At any rate, it makes for great reading.

Ernie


Shifter Installation

[longjc]

They made them in an E36 offset, but I cannot find them-- i considered getting 540/6 just so i could roll a set

[longjc]

replace the clip that holds the carrier to the car. a friend had this break on Route 50 and could not change gears. luckily he was in second...

[jmig]

I have a full set of 5 wheels and tires For Sale. 4 Pirelli P7 Supersports and my spare has a Dunlop. 5000 miles on the P7's. Just had all wheels outer lip high polished, the clearcoat was peeling off. Email me if anyone's interested. 97540i6

[ldfshaft]

[CalypsoDiver]

Suggest you read up on the UUC site about the Delrin bushings in the shifter. Mine was done (UUC) awhile back and the guys at Curry told me I'd be making a mistake not to install the Delrin bushings. Go to this site http://www.uucmotorwerks.com/ and click on "comparisons" on the left. It shows all the possibilities, including factory, and runs the pros & cons. Of course, it's a UUC site, but the stuff makes sense. BTW, my UUC short shifter is still great after 2 years.