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Thread: E39 Short Shifter Kit using E60 545i shifter

  1. #26
    Join Date
    May 2011
    Location
    Chicago burbs
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    612
    My Cars
    3 Black V8s
    By disconnected bottom you mean the clip right?
    Keep rotating the plastic cup and it will come out.
    Don't bother tugging, once it's lose it will come out with ease.


  2. #27
    Join Date
    Oct 2010
    Location
    SF, CA
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    810
    My Cars
    BMW M3
    i just did this last night and the easiest way to pop the old plastic cup out which allows you to remove the shifter is to use a long flathead screwdriver to simultaneously push up from underneath the car as you rotate it counter clockwise. this is done in the same motion and the cup/shifter will pop up when you get about 1/4 rotation. make sure when you install the new shifter with the new plastic cup that you do the opposite motion from the top. push down on the actual shifter as you rotate clockwise and it will pop into place


  3. #28
    Join Date
    Feb 2013
    Location
    Richmond, VA
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    10
    My Cars
    1998 528i
    thursday project when mine arrives this is exciting

  4. #29
    Join Date
    Nov 2008
    Location
    White Plains, NY
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    193
    My Cars
    1992 535iA (Winter DD)
    Out of curiosity, do you have any pictures of the stock shifter next to the 545i shifter?
    Current:
    1992 535iA
    2000 540i/6 sport

    Past:
    1990 535iA (R.I.P.)
    1994 325i/5 (Sold)






  5. #30
    Join Date
    Jul 2006
    Location
    GA, NY
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    2001 530i 5spd/2001 M5
    Quote Originally Posted by stacks View Post
    Out of curiosity, do you have any pictures of the stock shifter next to the 545i shifter?
    here you go
    Attached Images Attached Images

  6. #31
    Join Date
    Aug 2012
    Location
    Live Free or Die, NH
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    66
    My Cars
    2001 540i 6MT, 05 Armada
    OP's link to the part says it's out of stock. Any suggestion where else to purchase the kit?

  7. #32
    Join Date
    Jun 2008
    Location
    SoCal
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    854
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    1971 2002, '00 Über 528
    this page has everything you need

    http://bavauto.com/shop.asp

    edit: when you go to this page, choose a 2007 550 (e60), click on "clutch, trans, driveline", then "transmission", then "manual linkage and hardware", and its all there
    Last edited by alpinweib; 03-09-2013 at 01:24 AM.

  8. #33
    Join Date
    Aug 2012
    Location
    Live Free or Die, NH
    Posts
    66
    My Cars
    2001 540i 6MT, 05 Armada
    Quote Originally Posted by alpinweib View Post
    this page has everything you need

    http://bavauto.com/shop.asp

    edit: when you go to this page, choose a 2007 550 (e60), click on "clutch, trans, driveline", then "transmission", then "manual linkage and hardware", and its all there

    Thanks.

  9. #34
    Join Date
    Feb 2013
    Location
    Converse, TX
    Posts
    9
    My Cars
    2001 5401, Manual
    Quote Originally Posted by FlipredE36 View Post
    Love my 545i shifter. Throws shorter and sits lower. A bit notchy when cold but smooth once it warms up. I use BG trans fluid.
    Is that common with short shifters? I have been trying to figure out why my 540i (that the PO put a short shifter in) is a little bitchy going into 2nd when it's a cold morning. After warming up, I have no problems.

  10. #35
    Join Date
    Aug 2012
    Location
    San Diego
    Posts
    1,477
    My Cars
    97 E39 540/6
    Quote Originally Posted by esilvas View Post
    Is that common with short shifters? I have been trying to figure out why my 540i (that the PO put a short shifter in) is a little bitchy going into 2nd when it's a cold morning. After warming up, I have no problems.

    My stock shifter does that. Yes its normal until things "warm up"

    "Life is a numbers game. Increase the numbers, win the game"

  11. #36
    Join Date
    Dec 2012
    Location
    Chicago Suburbs
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    38
    My Cars
    2001 BMW 540i/6
    Hands down one of the best things i've done to my 540. It's definitely 100x easier to do with the driveshaft and exhaust off. But its still absolutely manageable with everything intact.

    Now I just need to pick up a new shift nob since the plastic inside mine cracked and now it flies off sometimes under spirited driving. anybody have any good recommendations besides the ZHP? If nothing else comes up ill end up ordering it but if I can find a cheaper alternative I'm open to suggestions.

  12. #37
    Join Date
    Jun 2013
    Location
    Danville, KY
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    26
    My Cars
    1999 BMW 540i
    Quote Originally Posted by cnn View Post
    I came across this collectible item Y-E-E-E-H-A........
    It is just a decorative item...LOL...
    I wonder if anyone makes the real knob with this Y-E-E-E-H-A!
    Awesome!

  13. #38
    Join Date
    Jun 2013
    Location
    peoria, AZ
    Posts
    2
    My Cars
    2003 530
    I did this mod on Tuesday. It took less than hour from start to finish.

    I didn't realize how sloppy the old shifter was until I compared it to the new one (172k miles).

    I wish I would have went with the 6 speed knob, I could always use another gear.

  14. #39
    Join Date
    Apr 2012
    Location
    Ny
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    28
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    Bmw
    Great write up. Will def. do this soon.

  15. #40
    Join Date
    Aug 2013
    Location
    South East Georgia
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    28
    My Cars
    01' 540i / 02' T/A WS6
    Great write up Op! Definitely on my to do list...

  16. #41
    Join Date
    Sep 2013
    Location
    Hartford CT
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    7
    My Cars
    1998 BMW 540i 1994 325i
    just ordered my 545 shift kit from ecs its awesome comes with the weighted ZHP knob! will be done as soon as i get the parts!
    http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E39-540...ort/ES2581003/

  17. #42
    Join Date
    Sep 2012
    Location
    Alpine, CA
    Posts
    219
    My Cars
    2001 530i 5 speed
    Yesturday i decided to snag the e90 335i 6 speed shift lever from one of our wrecked parts cars and see how it fits in my e39 530i. IT FITS GREAT! Short shifts and shorter lever. Today im going to throw some 75w-90 royal purple in the and see how she does.

    I didnt have time to take comparison pics and from what i know no one has done and talked about it because i couldnt find anything on it.

    e39 530i


    E90 335 6speed


    Attached Images Attached Images

  18. #43
    Join Date
    Nov 2011
    Location
    halifax, NS, Canada
    Posts
    114
    My Cars
    2000 E39 540i6 E34 525i
    How did the e90 shifter work out for you? Was considering trying one in my 540i 6 speed. Anybody already tried this?

  19. #44
    Join Date
    Dec 2010
    Location
    Scappoose, OR
    Posts
    28
    My Cars
    1999 540i
    Wow, I cant believe what difference! There was a bunch of slop in shifting, certain RPM would make the stick vibrate, I would punch my drink in the cup holder when shifting ... all that's gone with SSK from ECS Tuning (Short Shift Kit With ZHP Knob - 6 Speed
    ES#: 2581003) I make up reasons to go drive somewhere now ... fun restored.

  20. #45
    Join Date
    Apr 2008
    Location
    Claremore, OK
    Posts
    864
    My Cars
    01 540i6, 03 X5 4.4i
    Used this DIY and the ECS Tuning kit w/ ZHP last night. Took longer to jack the car up and find my worklight (I'd put it in the wife's SUV when it snowed) than it did to swap the parts.

    This is EASY. If you're holding off because you're concerned it is too much, don't. If you need different pictures, I'll uninstall and reinstall mine to get them. It's that easy. I did not have the driveshaft or exhaust off.

    Comments:
    - Let the exhaust cool. You will be up close and personal with it.
    - The sleeve with the 10mm bolt was not on my lever.
    - To rotate the bushing - both for removal and installation - release the circlip and fork underneath first, this removes pressure from the bushing. When removing the old bushing, if it sticks, or falls apart (mine did), rotate the lever so that the horizontal bushing underneath grabs the ball bushing, and pull up/rotate simultaneously.
    - Circlip install. I wore the rubber coated mesh gloves during most of the removal / install, but for the Circlip, I took them off. That little bit of extra dexterity helped me not drop the clip, and get it snapped on easily. Don't let it fool you, it "snaps" twice. Once when the clip goes over the pin, the second when the "hook" or secondary clip grips the end of the pin.

    Question, how is everyone installing the rubber boot? That was the most difficult part of this. Thinking about using some kind of grease/lube to get it seated fully.
    2001 BMW 540i6 Anthracite/Sand


    1997 BMW 328i - Sold

  21. #46
    Join Date
    Feb 2007
    Location
    San Diego, CA
    Posts
    1,743
    My Cars
    98 M3, 03 540it M-Sport
    what part/bushing is responsible for all the slop in the shifter? Currently in idle and out of gear between 3-4, the shifter can move side-to-side about an inch. Do I replace the bushings on the selector rod or shifting arm or something else? I have the e60 shifter but i want to get everything I need first so I don't go into the car multiple times.
    '98 M3 5spd - '03 540it 6spd M-Sport

  22. #47
    Join Date
    Apr 2008
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    Claremore, OK
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    864
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    01 540i6, 03 X5 4.4i
    This bushing was totally shot on mine:
    http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E39-540...fter/ES215953/

    I would get another circlip also:
    http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E39-540...fter/ES254614/

    Mine had similar slop to yours, maybe worse. Is the e60 lever new?
    2001 BMW 540i6 Anthracite/Sand


    1997 BMW 328i - Sold

  23. #48
    Join Date
    Feb 2013
    Location
    Warsaw, Poland
    Posts
    44
    My Cars
    E34 540i/6 E30 323i 2d.
    Great instruction. Is it applicable for E34 540i/6 (Getrag 420) as well? What else can be done to improve shifting (you know how these 420s are).

  24. #49
    geargrinder's Avatar
    geargrinder is offline Having No Trouble Here BMW CCA Member
    Join Date
    Mar 2010
    Location
    AndoverRockport MA & Intl
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    My Cars
    E46M3Cic E39.540iT E84X1
    Quote Originally Posted by Bazyl View Post
    Great instruction. Is it applicable for E34 540i/6 (Getrag 420) as well? What else can be done to improve shifting (you know how these 420s are).
    Gotta figure out if it's in the linkage or the tranny. The fundamental balkyness of the 420G when it starts to get worn can't truly be fixed. Couple sequential fluid changes could help. A fancy gear oil like royalpurple or redline may or may not help. RP is good in warm weather climates but OEM or redline might be better when it gets cold. Search. There's lots of stuff on it. I've tried some moly additive per some tuners recommendations... minimal change if anything.
    2003 M3CicM6 TiAg
    2002 540iT Sport Vortech S/C 6MT LSD TiAg
    2008 Audi A3 2.0T DSG (the daily beater)
    2014 BMW X1 xDrive28i (wifemobile)

    Former:

    1985 MB Euro graymarket 300SL
    1995.5 Audi S6 Avant (utility/winter billetturbobattlewagen)


  25. #50
    Join Date
    Dec 2014
    Location
    Santa Monica, CA
    Posts
    9
    My Cars
    2001 530i sport 5MT
    Did we ever learn the purpose or pattern of existence for this sleeve? I have one on my '01 e39 and can't quite figure out what it's for...

    -Chris

    Quote Originally Posted by jfmjr442 View Post
    As usaul great write up CNN. On my 2001 when I did this i did not encounter the metal slip ring with the 10mm bolt - am i missing it?

    John
    -Chris

    2001 530i sport 5-MT 125k miles | Michelin pilot sport all-season 2 | Mobile 1 5w-30 synthetic high-mileage
    Audiovox silverline DUO iPod/iPhone adapter
    Black-out grill (ok, it's plasti-dip)
    LED conversions: angel eyes, DRLs, rear license plate lights
    ZHP weighted shift knob

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