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View Full Version : Short Shifter installed, Now wont go into gear's properly



ChrisC
05-27-2009, 09:10 PM
Well, I have a feeling I may have purchased an incompatible B&M SSK, but I figured I would ask here anyways. I'd like to say my skill level is well above average, but definitely not with BMW's.:shifty I'm a schooled Volkswagen Technician and work at a Nissan Stealership. Anywho, I purchased the pictured shifter from another member here and was told it was for a "B&M Technik Shifter System, BMW - E36 323/325 (1992-99)"....

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h268/d0tPwnage/SSK1.jpg

My current transmission isn't the best in the first place, as I am beginning to encounter some common Getrag tranny issues. Nothing bad, its biggest flaw is reverse gear. So I installed the shifter, using the stock bent selector rod, and everything went pretty smoothly. The clip holding the carrier pin was kind of a nag, but whatever. Afterwards, still on the lift, I attempted to shift through all gears. Reverse pops out, first randomly engaged, second through fourth were good and I cant remember fifth. Then I got paranoid and thought I may have the tranny cocked in an awkward position since I had lowered it a bit for better access to the previously mentioned bitch clip. Well, I loosened and re-torqued everything back into place and it seemed to make things better. Reverse still wouldn't engage, but now third and fifth wouldn't engage (First, Second, and Fourth OK).

Did the shortened throw just amplify any issues that may have already been present? Is it a compatible kit? May I have installed it incorrectly/missed something? Any advice welcome!

tlamm
05-27-2009, 09:44 PM
Wow i was about to buy that. you beat me to it. Im glad i didn't now.
Said that this happened though. :(

GardenBeast
05-27-2009, 10:22 PM
i was told that an SSK would amplify issues, by a member here.

dlduke
05-27-2009, 10:37 PM
May have to find another selector rod. There are different lengths. At least that is true with E-30s. Probably need a longer one.

turdlecharge
05-28-2009, 12:24 AM
mine binds but i have a bunch of homeade stuff that i havent trimmed down!!

i just used a inch square tubing to make my shifter linkage! to alleviate some side to side play! worked great in e30 works in e36 but i havent trimmed it down yet

WTFGERMAN
05-28-2009, 02:30 AM
try the m3 selector rod, also did you install it the way its pictured because if you did you need to spin the shifter around i think dont qoute me on it not a 100%

ChrisC
05-28-2009, 08:01 AM
thanks for the help guys! tbh, I dint even pay attention to the direction of the shift lever. I was kind of rushing to get it done after work. I guess i'll try to alleviate this selector rod issue, be it a custom piece or an m3 one...

Le Nitro
05-28-2009, 08:25 AM
I have almost 135k on my Getrag....with 0 issues *knock on wood* and I installed a budget SSK. I installed a z3m 50% reduction in about 2 from my driveway and once in broke in and was lubed properly, shifts fine.

ChrisC
05-28-2009, 07:35 PM
Work was dead, so I tried it again today. Nothing new. That picture is correct, its just misleading since the lever is falling forward against the carrier. Also, it has to be installed facing the correct way, as the lever hits the body when facing the opposite direction and the selector rod doesn't reach.

So I guess this means the selector rod may still have to be changed.

At least I've gotten some experience, as I can now change a shift lever in an e36 under ten minutes. :D

325icintn
05-28-2009, 11:01 PM
At least I've gotten some experience, as I can now change a shift lever in an e36 under ten minutes. :DMine's been sitting in a box for months because the first time take ten times as long. Wish you were next door.