The B!tch clip == WTF

[chicaneS54]

OK I got all of that crap off the driveshaft, exhaust, yada yada, and I go to undo THE clip and I'm like WTF. Who designed this crap. Design a clip that requires leverage in a space that provides zero leverage, are you kidding me? I pulled as much as I could with a tiny screwdriver but as far as I can see I am going to have to fashion a tool like a long screw driver with a flat pick at the end to push up in order to get this thing off.

[Bentsdl]

LOL WTF:stickoutt are you talking about? I presume you mean one of the clips in the shifter assambly? There are several, can you point us to picture on bmwfans with the part number?

[euroshark]

It shouldn't be THAT bad... I removed mine by hand the last time I had the linkage on the 5 apart. Same pieces. Is it greasy??

[Bentsdl]

Yeah I can't figure out what could be so difficult? I replaced my shifter arm 2 weeks ago, it took less than an hour. And that was with the car on 2 jackstands and the exhaust and drive shaft still in it's place. Seemed like a good idea at the time:D The clips were a major! pita, but that was because it was impossible to reach them with the driveshaft and exhaust in the way. Should be relatively easy with them out of the way (the way I'm going to do it next time, that's for sure:rolleyes)

I can recommend one of these in combination with a small flat screwdriver to lift the clip just a little, then grab it with the pliers:

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/313KMbNFHML._SL500_AA280_.jpg

[MaitreG]

Mine, I talk to it and it jumps right in my hand for real.

[chicaneS54]

It shouldn't be THAT bad... I removed mine by hand the last time I had the linkage on the 5 apart. Same pieces. Is it greasy??


It was THAT bad. I got it off after trying a variety of mini screwdrivers. What made it worse was baked on caked on oily gunk that held it on like cement. Sorry to vent but comon' what were they thinking with that...

[CW6er]

Are you talking about the clips on the shifting linkage (shift rod) or the clip that holds the aluminum shifter support arm to the transmission?

[Seeker]

I believe he's referring to the clip/pin that attaches the shift arm to the top of the transmission..

http://www.pelicanparts.com/cgi-bin/smart/imgdsply.cgi?pn=25111221849-M9



Now you see why I call it a B!tch clip! :stickoutt

I take it you are doing all this just to get a short shifter in?



While you're in there.. be sure to put a fresh sponge inside the Shift Rod Joint

this sponge

http://www.pelicanparts.com/cgi-bin/smart/imgdsply.cgi?pn=25111434194-M9


goes inside of the shift joint.. between it and the trans. selector

http://www.pelicanparts.com/cgi-bin/smart/imgdsply.cgi?pn=25117501309-M200


that will tighten up the feel of shifter tremendously and is only $1.00 at Pelican parts.