New UUC Evo3 Short Shifter for our 335

[wrh3]

I recently installed the pre-production version of the UUC Evo3 in my wife's 335i and wanted to share my DIY guide and feedback. I spoke with Rob at UUC shortly after installing the Evo3 in my M Coupe and was thrilled to hear they had one in development for the 335.

The shifter is not physically any shorter in height than OE, but the shorter throws and the more precise feel make this a desirable mod. The shifter replaces all of the plastic pieces with metal and the pivot bushings with bearings, this contributes to the smooth and precise feel.

On to the DIY guide, also found here: http://www.billswebspace.com/335UUCEvo3DIY.htm

The UUC shifter comes packaged with all the pieces needed to install their Evo 3 short shifter. Additional carrier lock pins (circled below) are included if the installer desires to remove the carrier during installation:



http://www.billswebspace.com/335UUCEvo3DIY_files/image002.jpg


NOTE: The following is provided for information only and any use of this information by you is at your own risk.

The first thing I did was to remove the shift knob (pull up hard), the shift boot (four clips, removed by tugging upward gently at clip areas), the foam insert around the shifter, and the carpet around the shifter:



http://www.billswebspace.com/335UUCEvo3DIY_files/image004.jpg http://www.billswebspace.com/335UUCEvo3DIY_files/image006.jpg



http://www.billswebspace.com/335UUCEvo3DIY_files/image008.jpg http://www.billswebspace.com/335UUCEvo3DIY_files/image010.jpg


The rubber boot can be carefully removed as well:



http://www.billswebspace.com/335UUCEvo3DIY_files/image012.jpg http://www.billswebspace.com/335UUCEvo3DIY_files/image014.jpg

Note in this picture of the bottom of the boot the area that goes around the shifter carrier opening, this can be felt/positioned through the top part of the boot during reinstallation:



http://www.billswebspace.com/335UUCEvo3DIY_files/image016.jpg

All of the pieces removed so far:



http://www.billswebspace.com/335UUCEvo3DIY_files/image018.jpg


The plastic piece under the car is removed with an 8mm socket driver for access to the bottom of the shifter. The heat shield can be carefully bent back to allow access after using a 10mm socket driver to remove the driver’s side nut:



http://www.billswebspace.com/335UUCEvo3DIY_files/image020.jpg http://www.billswebspace.com/335UUCEvo3DIY_files/image022.jpg



http://www.billswebspace.com/335UUCEvo3DIY_files/image024.jpg http://www.billswebspace.com/335UUCEvo3DIY_files/image026.jpg


The shifter is held to the shift rod with a C-Clip, it can be removed with the help of a screwdriver:



http://www.billswebspace.com/335UUCEvo3DIY_files/image028.jpg


The shifter is also held to the carrier with a plastic collar, it needs to be rotated clockwise to release from the carrier slots it locks into. This plastic collar can be turned by inserting needle nose pliers or a small standard screwdriver into the slots located around the perimeter of the collar. I was able to get the collar turned easily with two small screwdrivers- once the tabs highlighted are rotated clockwise about 90 degrees they are free of the slots that retain the bushing and the shifter can be lifted out of the carrier:



http://www.billswebspace.com/335UUCEvo3DIY_files/image030.jpg http://www.billswebspace.com/335UUCEvo3DIY_files/image032.jpg



http://www.billswebspace.com/335UUCEvo3DIY_files/image034.jpg http://www.billswebspace.com/335UUCEvo3DIY_files/image036.jpg


To install the UUC carrier pivot height adapter, the white ring bushing is placed in the adapter with the cup towards the top and Loctite is applied to screw holes on either side:



http://www.billswebspace.com/335UUCEvo3DIY_files/image038.jpg http://www.billswebspace.com/335UUCEvo3DIY_files/image040.jpg

The pivot height adapter is installed next, it should sit flush with carrier base and the screw holes should line up with the slots in the carrier. Screws are installed loosely by hand and then tightened with supplied hex wrench alternating sides. After getting one screw on each side started it was much easier to start the other four using the one installed as a reference point. Be careful to get the screws just hand tight, no need to crank on the hex wrench http://www.billswebspace.com/wink2.gif (HINT: I found that using my grinder to cut down the hex wrench allowed for easier use):



http://www.billswebspace.com/335UUCEvo3DIY_files/image042.jpg http://www.billswebspace.com/335UUCEvo3DIY_files/image044.jpg



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Supplied grease is then applied to shift ball, order of components for installation into carrier from shiftball up should be nylon cup, spring, spring retainer, and snap ring. Also note the slight bend above the pivot ball to the left, the shifter should be installed with this bend towards the driver:



http://www.billswebspace.com/335UUCEvo3DIY_files/image052.jpg http://www.billswebspace.com/335UUCEvo3DIY_files/image054.jpg

[wrh3]

To install shifter in carrier, snap ring pliers are used to insert snap ring into adapter after shifter is placed in carrier:


http://www.billswebspace.com/335UUCEvo3DIY_files/image056.jpg

Shifter is then connected to shift rod by placing bearing liners into bearing on either side, sliding shift rod pin through bearing, installing yellow plastic washer, and finally installing the C-Clip:


http://www.billswebspace.com/335UUCEvo3DIY_files/image058.jpg

Heat shield is bent back to normal and bolted back up, plastic panel is reinstalled, shifter rubber boot (arrow on boot towards front of car), carpet, foam, shifter leather boot, and knob are reinstalled. When reinstalling the rubber boot, the lower seal for the smaller ring on the carrier around the shifter can be pressed on/around the carrier opening by feel through the rubber boot as the larger lip is press fit into the console body hole.


http://www.billswebspace.com/335UUCEvo3DIY_files/image060.jpg

I am in no way affiliated with this vendor, just a satisfied customer, see http://www.uucmotorwerks.com/html_product/bmw_shifters/shifter_nav.htm for more information.

[E92!Dreier]

EXCELLENT DIY. Good work.

The only question I have is....how does it drive?

[wrh3]

I think it drives a lot better. The OE shifter isn't bad, but this just makes the throw shorter and more precise, more of a positive shift feel.......my wife loves it and I like it when I drive it on the weekends.

I had already done this upgrade for my M Coupe and noticed the improvement, so I was happy to install it in the 335i as well.....

[mryakan]

How much shorter and how does it affect your acceleration (assuming you can shift faster now), or is it just a feel good option with no effectual performance advantages. Looks nice though.

[wrh3]

How much shorter and how does it affect your acceleration (assuming you can shift faster now), or is it just a feel good option with no effectual performance advantages. Looks nice though.

You can shift faster and the throws are about 30% shorter I would guess. I left the height as it was set from UUC, but it can be adjusted up or down to make it physically shorter which also affects the throw in turn. I would say the feel takes priority over any performance gains for me.

When I was in the VW world I always installed B&M shifters to eliminate the play that the OE plastic provides and was always satisfied, UUC takes the BMW shifters a step further by providing a new pivot mount at the shifter and a ball bearing in place of a bushing where the shifter connects to the shift rod.

Anyone local is welcome to try mine out......

[xatlas0]

This DIY really brings home a point, to me anyway: there are way too many parts in the new cars. To put this in perspective, to do the same job on my E9, I had to unzip the shifter boot, and that was it. You had to undo 4 seperate covers up top and another 2 underneath. I shudder to think of trying to restore one of these cars in 20 years.

That said, I bet the SSK is a lot of fun. Used to have one on an E39 540, it was a hoot and a half.

[Justin(OKC)]

have you had this problem? http://http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=141487&highlight=UUC+ssk

I'm having this very issue and would love some advice if you have any. Great write-up btw, I put mine in with your directions in about 2 hours. Modifying that allen wrench was the key.

[Rob Levinson]

have you had this problem? http://http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=141487&highlight=UUC+ssk

I'm having this very issue and would love some advice if you have any. Great write-up btw, I put mine in with your directions in about 2 hours. Modifying that allen wrench was the key.

Simple solution; the height adjustment locking nut collar is not tightened all the way:

http://www.uucmotorwerks.com/ht_adj.jpg

Use a 24mm wrench, that will solve the problem.

[Justin(OKC)]

Rob,

I have tighted that nut al the way. The height wanted to move up and down until I got the adjustment nut flush with the body of the shifter. The upper portion still rotates and I cannot tighten the nut any more. What do I do now? :help

[wrh3]

have you had this problem? http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=141487&highlight=UUC+ssk

I'm having this very issue and would love some advice if you have any. Great write-up btw, I put mine in with your directions in about 2 hours. Modifying that allen wrench was the key.

I don't have this issue with the Evo3 in my 335 or the one in my Z4M, but Rob was very helpful when I had a few questions come up late on my first Evo3 installation, I'm sure he will help you get it straightened out :thumbup:

[Rob Levinson]

Rob,

I have tighted that nut al the way. The height wanted to move up and down until I got the adjustment nut flush with the body of the shifter. The upper portion still rotates and I cannot tighten the nut any more. What do I do now? :help

Hmmm... should not bottom out. Sounds like a problem with the internal silicone damper's dimensions. Easy fix... either we can send you a replacement sub-component and advise you of the procedure, or we can exchange the entire shifter for you - whichever you prefer. Please call me directly and let's get that taken care of ASAP.

[Sniz]

Hmmm... should not bottom out. Sounds like a problem with the internal silicone damper's dimensions. Easy fix... either we can send you a replacement sub-component and advise you of the procedure, or we can exchange the entire shifter for you - whichever you prefer. Please call me directly and let's get that taken care of ASAP.


:buttrock

great customer service there....I will purchasing one of your SSK eventually.

[Justin(OKC)]

Thanks, Rob!!! You guys as usual abosolutely ROCK!!!!

[TeaRoy]

Great write-up!

[plee02]

Hi all,

I am looking to install the short throw kit at the dealers. Originally I was told it would take 1.5 labour hours. Now they are telling me it will take at least 5 hours and that the kit might not work because I have an XI (328). Plus would the above DIY work for the XI? Appreciate all comments. Thanks!

[Rob Levinson]

Hi all,

I am looking to install the short throw kit at the dealers. Originally I was told it would take 1.5 labour hours. Now they are telling me it will take at least 5 hours and that the kit might not work because I have an XI (328). Plus would the above DIY work for the XI? Appreciate all comments. Thanks!

If you bought our 335i kit... no, of course it won't be right on the 328Xi! Our application guide is not just a suggestion, it's the explicit list of particular application that each part number supports. If your car is not listed, please do not assume a kit will fit!

For the E90/E92 cars, we currently offer five specific shifter applications: M3, 335i, 335Xi, 330i, and 328i. Your 328Xi is not necessarily compatible, in fact we've not yet looked at that ourselves. The regular 328i shifter may work perfectly, but I can't guarantee it.

They are probably quoting you so much more time because they are looking at removing the AWD transfer case... not a problem shared by the 2WD models.

- Rob

[plee02]

Thanks for your reply Rob.

Yes, they are doing exactly that, removing the AWD transfer case. At this point they are not even sure if the kit is compatible with XI models yet.

I find it weird that they would not have a short throw for the XIs. The part itself costing about 230 with 900 labor, I am not sure if it is worth going for it.

Are there any after market kits for the 328xi?

Thanks in advance.

[Stealthauto]

Excellent post!!!!!! Looks like a sweet setup. :)

-AS

[Rob Levinson]

I find it weird that they would not have a short throw for the XIs. The part itself costing about 230 with 900 labor, I am not sure if it is worth going for it.

Are there any after market kits for the 328xi?

Thanks in advance.

I suspect that our regular 328i kit would work, the only hesitation is the chance of unforseen interference with the transfer case. The fact is that I have not had access to a 328Xi as of yet, so I do not know if there would a problem. Likely not, but I won't ever tell you something will work unless I can guarantee it.

- Rob