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Thread: E39 Short Shifter Kit using E60 545i shifter

  1. #51
    Join Date
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    1999 540i
    I just did the short shifter kit on my 540i. Here's my contribution to the thread.
    First, getting the shifter ball out took me a while, but once I figured out how to do it, it really is stupid easy.

    There are two slots in the housing that hold the plastic ball joint in, and two "shark fin" tabs that go into those slots.

    IMG_3106[1].jpg

    IMG_3110[1].jpg


    So, to remove the ball joint, all you have to do is rotate it clockwise until the tabs are no longer engaged in the slots, and it pulls right out. A screwdriver helps to get it to move. To install, just push down and rotate counter-clockwise until the tabs pop into the slots. Easy-Peasy.....

    EDIT............
    When you install the shifter, the bend goes towards BACK OF THE CAR, IDIOT!!!!
    /EDIT

    You can see here that the bend was the same as the original shaft, but the distance from the ball to the shift rod connector is quite a bit longer. Too long for my tastes actually.

    IMG_3112[1].jpg

    As you can see, it's about twice the distance on the new one from the ball to the shift linkage connector.
    This is what I ordered.
    https://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E39-54....4L/ES2581003/

    It is now fully functional in my car. See below for my original post.
    Last edited by Mach540; 06-25-2016 at 09:00 PM.

  2. #52
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    Quote Originally Posted by Mach540 View Post
    I just did the short shifter kit on my 540i. Here's my contribution to the thread.
    First, getting the shifter ball out took me a while, but once I figured out how to do it, it really is stupid easy.

    There are two slots in the housing that hold the plastic ball joint in, and two "shark fin" tabs that go into those slots.

    IMG_3106[1].jpg

    IMG_3110[1].jpg

    So, to remove the ball joint, all you have to do is rotate it clockwise until the tabs are no longer engaged in the slots, and it pulls right out. A screwdriver helps to get it to move. To install, just push down and rotate counter-clockwise until the tabs pop into the slots. Easy-Peasy.....

    After I got mine installed, it was not centered in the console very well at all. In neutral, the knob was about where fifth gear used to be, and in fifth, the leather was stretched so far the whole thing just about popped out of the console. And I would have been punching the cup holders way more than originally.
    So, I had to do some custom bending to the shaft. I put it in the hydraulic press and pretty much made it straight.
    You can see here that the bend was the same as the original shaft, but the distance from the ball to the shift rod connector is quite a bit longer. Too long for my tastes actually.

    IMG_3112[1].jpg

    As you can see, it's about twice the distance on the new one from the ball to the shift linkage connector.
    This is what I ordered.
    https://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E39-54....4L/ES2581003/
    After straightening out the shaft, my shifter is closer to center, but I will take it out again to bend it more to my liking. When it is in second gear right now, it is where it should be when in neutral. And I really have to stretch to get into fifth. I'm also going to cut out about a quarter inch of metal and weld it back together to give me a little longer shift. It's REALLY short now, and obviously it takes more effort to shift due to the loss of mechanical advantage. The timing of the clutch push and the shift is not right. It shifts way quicker than I can push in the clutch. With a tad longer shift, I think the timing will hit the sweet spot of perfect harmony and added forgiveness

    So I guess I would not recommend that particular ECS kit for our E39s unless you are comfortable doing some customizations. There are other shifters that would probably work better.
    Are you sure you had the shifter facing the right direction? I have 2 e60 ssk and both are right in the center. I also have an Evo3, which is shorter, and I like it more. I'm betting you had it facing the wrong way.

    Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk

    -Paul
    2003 "M5" - Full M5 conversion, AMG C63S 6 piston front calipers, Porsche Panamera 4 piston rear calipers, GC Coilovers,
    Eibach ARBs, UUC Evo3/DSSR, Borla Exhaust w/Muffler Delete, BMW NBT with Carplay/Android Auto, Bi-Xenons, e38 Style 37 M-Pars, e60 Hubs 530i 6-speed swap build thread
    2005 Range Rover 4.6is (M62TU Powered) - 4.6is Engine Swap from X5, BMW NBT with Carplay/Android Auto
    2006 Porsche Cayman S - Soul Performance Competition Headers and Exhaust, H&R Coilovers, 718 Boxster Spyder wheels, Rennline 35mm rear spacers

  3. #53
    geargrinder's Avatar
    geargrinder is offline Having No Trouble Here BMW CCA Member
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    Have to agree w/ Paul (as usual...) I have those shifters in my E39 and E46. They drop right in and center perfectly on just about any modern BMW as they used that "interchangeable" format for years.

    Hate to say but think somethin got borked up on the install.

    That kit is not a super short shifter by any means, and the engagement effort should be negligibly stiffer than stock. If its a lot harder, then again, something is wrong. My E46 shifts like butter with that setup in fact. Was just snicking through the gears top down & tunes up on a sweet drive around the island yesterday afternoon noting how smooth and easy it shifts...
    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)


  4. #54
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    Nov 2014
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    Virgina
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    2003 540 6 speed
    Installer issue, not the part.

    I also did a short(er) shifter mod. All new bushings, cup and this part number lever
    25117527255

    Perfect for me. Noticeably shorter shifts, but not notchy and minimal additional effort. Perfect for me

  5. #55
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    1999 540i
    Yep, now that I look back at the diagram, I had myself convinced that the bend went towards the front of the vehicle. Looking at things from the top and the bottom of the vehicle got my equilibrium all messed up.

    I'll get it sorted out and report back.

  6. #56
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    Quote Originally Posted by Mach540 View Post
    Yep, now that I look back at the diagram, I had myself convinced that the bend went towards the front of the vehicle. Looking at things from the top and the bottom of the vehicle got my equilibrium all messed up.

    I'll get it sorted out and report back.
    Yeah, the bend goes back towards the rear of the car. The shifter is supposed to sit pretty much straight up when in neutral.

    Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk

    -Paul
    2003 "M5" - Full M5 conversion, AMG C63S 6 piston front calipers, Porsche Panamera 4 piston rear calipers, GC Coilovers,
    Eibach ARBs, UUC Evo3/DSSR, Borla Exhaust w/Muffler Delete, BMW NBT with Carplay/Android Auto, Bi-Xenons, e38 Style 37 M-Pars, e60 Hubs 530i 6-speed swap build thread
    2005 Range Rover 4.6is (M62TU Powered) - 4.6is Engine Swap from X5, BMW NBT with Carplay/Android Auto
    2006 Porsche Cayman S - Soul Performance Competition Headers and Exhaust, H&R Coilovers, 718 Boxster Spyder wheels, Rennline 35mm rear spacers

  7. #57
    geargrinder's Avatar
    geargrinder is offline Having No Trouble Here BMW CCA Member
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    thumbs. sorry man luckily it's not a tough job to re-do.
    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)


  8. #58
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    2000 M5, 2018 Macan Turb
    I've bought 2 BMW's in a row that had PO SSK kits installed that have ended up removed. I find the stock shifter is best, especially after a refresh. My latest 2003 540 came with a Dinan and I disliked it, notchy and made the car unpleasant to drive, and even slower than stock as I always had to baby moving it into gear. Finding a factory shifter that's a bit shorter usually preferable to aftermarket.


    Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
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    current:
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    past:
    1995 BMW M3 3.2
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  9. #59
    geargrinder's Avatar
    geargrinder is offline Having No Trouble Here BMW CCA Member
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    Yeah - some of the aftermarket super-SSK's suckballz for sure. The E60 kit is a nice moderate usable setup I think, especially w the V8's and the potential balkyness of the Getrag 420G tranny especially when cold.
    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)


  10. #60
    Join Date
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    2003 BMW 530i
    thanks for the info here guys. Just installed mine this past weekend in about an hour while i was swapping out the summer tires. put a zhp knob on top, a bit notchy when cold but more enjoyable than the stock unit overall.

    14495377_10111729647733804_8303192572137938498_n.jpg14517420_10111729647848574_1769460513866093207_n.jpg

  11. #61
    Join Date
    Sep 2015
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    Chambersburg PA
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    2003 e39 540i M-Tech

    e39 ssk DIY

    Thanks very much for the instructions and info. Just put a the ecs tuning ssk with the ZHP knob https://www.ecstuning.com/Search/SiteSearch/ES2581003/ on my 2003 540i 6 spd mtech. Took about 3 hrs, start to finish. Hard part was lifting car up on jack stands and difficult part was plastic cup from the ball joint removal. Installed a new rubber boot while i was in the neighborhood since I have about 145,000 on the car. Shifts great, although a bit notchy when starting out in mornings from overnight park. Appreciate this forum and any/all instructions I read, as this was the first time doing this DIY. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

    Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk
    Last edited by Bullwinkle628; 12-29-2016 at 01:01 PM. Reason: added ecs tuning part number

  12. #62
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    1997 BMW 540i
    What is the estimated time to accomplish this project? Have access to a full shop and lift.

  13. #63
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    Gig Harbor, WA
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    2000 BMW 540i
    Took me about an hour. Once you get the car up in the air (I had both jacks on the driver side, with jack stands!!), you remove the shifter knob (hard pull straight up), remove the leather shifter boot (push in a bit toward the shifter then lift up around the edges), remove the carpet piece, remove the rubber boot, then you will see the white plastic piece that holds the shifter. Tap it counter clockwise with a screwdriver and a light hammer until it stops rotating. At this point, you need to get the "wings" pulled in toward the shifter. I had a new one, so I wailed on mine and broke the tabs off. Go underneath and pop off the clip. I put some duct tape on the clip so when it popped off, it did not shoot in behind the heat shield that is under the car. Just clean everything up, lube the white plastic socket, snap in the shifter and reverse what you had pulled apart. The rubber boot is easy if you shoot some silicon spray on the shifter rod, then slide it down into place. I used a large flat head screwdriver to slowly push the lip on the rubber boot into place. Easy peasy. I like the shifting, although it is a bit notchy. Royal purple MTL is next, and all should be good.

  14. #64
    Join Date
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    Plymouth, MA
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    09e92m3, 02e39m5
    Appreciate the write-up OP. Made the job easier. Just performed on my newly purchased e39 M5. Imagine my surprise when I pulled the old one out, and guess what? It was the same exact part I was planning to put in. Oh well, my rubber boot was destroyed so I got to replace that, and I also installed the F10 M5 shift knob. So uh, if anyone is looking for the e60 shifter, I'll sell you a slightly used one cheap!

  15. #65
    Join Date
    Jan 2018
    Location
    Ireland
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    2002 E39 520i MSport
    Great writeup, thanks a lot!

    Is the shifter from an E60 530D (6 Speed) 2009 the same shifter? Or will only the 545i shifter fit?

    Cheers!

  16. #66
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    Feb 2014
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    Caboolture, Q, Australia
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    E39 535i
    They're all the same shifter

    Sent from my G8141 using Tapatalk

  17. #67
    Join Date
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    1984 Delphin 533i/5, 200
    Quote Originally Posted by quixeger View Post
    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
    it's a vibration damper/absorber to help keep driveline vibes and noises away from us executives in our executive sedans.

    Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

  18. #68
    Join Date
    Jul 2019
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    Canada
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    BMW E39 528i 1998
    I wonder how e60 shifter compares to UUC?
    I'm wondering which one to get.

    UUC also has the option to get DSSR

    https://store.uucmotorwerks.com/ulti...8-evo3-p5.aspx

    Now sure which one to go with.

  19. #69
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    Quote Originally Posted by Bmwe39528i1998 View Post
    I wonder how e60 shifter compares to UUC?
    I'm wondering which one to get.

    UUC also has the option to get DSSR

    https://store.uucmotorwerks.com/ulti...8-evo3-p5.aspx

    Now sure which one to go with.
    Skip the UUC shift lever and DSSR and just go with the E60 shifter and a new rod end joint on the back of your transmission. Replace the 3 worn bushings on your shifter carrier as well.
    Nate J.

    (oOO\ (|||)º(|||) /OOo)
    Titanium Silver/Black Nappa Full 07-18-2001 E39 M5 Heritage (BZ99672). 198,000mi+. Increasing daily. Engine rebuild thread.
    (eŌō\ (||||)º(||||) / ōŌe)
    Alpineweiss III/Black Merino Full 03-26-2007 E60 M5 Manual (CX08265). 157,000+. Dead starter -_-

    RIP, Seabiscuit. Black Sapphire/Schwarz 03-11-2003 530iA Sport (CK39185). T-boned 03-01-2017 at 155,861mi.
    Take 2 "Otto" - Toledo Blue/Sandbeige 04-25-2002 530iA Sport (CH98032). Sold 11-10-2017 at 147,743mi.
    Take 3 "Manuel" - Toledo Blue/Grau 10-29-2001 530i5 Sport (CE92358). Sold 02-01-2019 at 217,600mi. I regret that. Build Log
    Reliable P.O.S. - Green/gray 1995 Camry V6 LE. 270k mi. Sold for space.

  20. #70
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    Thanks ordered the e60 shifter! If you have pictures or part numbers for other parts you mentioned, that'd be great! Never heard of those parts hehe

  21. #71
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    Quote Originally Posted by Bmwe39528i1998 View Post
    Thanks ordered the e60 shifter! If you have pictures or part numbers for other parts you mentioned, that'd be great! Never heard of those parts hehe
    Parts 7, 13 (x2), and 14 on this diagram. https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/sho...diagId=25_0009
    Nate J.

    (oOO\ (|||)º(|||) /OOo)
    Titanium Silver/Black Nappa Full 07-18-2001 E39 M5 Heritage (BZ99672). 198,000mi+. Increasing daily. Engine rebuild thread.
    (eŌō\ (||||)º(||||) / ōŌe)
    Alpineweiss III/Black Merino Full 03-26-2007 E60 M5 Manual (CX08265). 157,000+. Dead starter -_-

    RIP, Seabiscuit. Black Sapphire/Schwarz 03-11-2003 530iA Sport (CK39185). T-boned 03-01-2017 at 155,861mi.
    Take 2 "Otto" - Toledo Blue/Sandbeige 04-25-2002 530iA Sport (CH98032). Sold 11-10-2017 at 147,743mi.
    Take 3 "Manuel" - Toledo Blue/Grau 10-29-2001 530i5 Sport (CE92358). Sold 02-01-2019 at 217,600mi. I regret that. Build Log
    Reliable P.O.S. - Green/gray 1995 Camry V6 LE. 270k mi. Sold for space.

  22. #72
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    Just installed the short shifter, looking forward to testing it out!
    How hard is it to replace parts 7, 13 and 14? Do they just slide off?

  23. #73
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    Quote Originally Posted by Bmwe39528i1998 View Post
    Just installed the short shifter, looking forward to testing it out!
    How hard is it to replace parts 7, 13 and 14? Do they just slide off?
    https://youtu.be/t3J8VyGuGLs?si=hwAnUx_IddIHrDV7
    Nate J.

    (oOO\ (|||)º(|||) /OOo)
    Titanium Silver/Black Nappa Full 07-18-2001 E39 M5 Heritage (BZ99672). 198,000mi+. Increasing daily. Engine rebuild thread.
    (eŌō\ (||||)º(||||) / ōŌe)
    Alpineweiss III/Black Merino Full 03-26-2007 E60 M5 Manual (CX08265). 157,000+. Dead starter -_-

    RIP, Seabiscuit. Black Sapphire/Schwarz 03-11-2003 530iA Sport (CK39185). T-boned 03-01-2017 at 155,861mi.
    Take 2 "Otto" - Toledo Blue/Sandbeige 04-25-2002 530iA Sport (CH98032). Sold 11-10-2017 at 147,743mi.
    Take 3 "Manuel" - Toledo Blue/Grau 10-29-2001 530i5 Sport (CE92358). Sold 02-01-2019 at 217,600mi. I regret that. Build Log
    Reliable P.O.S. - Green/gray 1995 Camry V6 LE. 270k mi. Sold for space.

  24. #74
    Join Date
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    Thanks for the video. Should've bought this kit
    https://www.ecstuning.com/b-assemble...5111222375kt3/

  25. #75
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    Quote Originally Posted by Bmwe39528i1998 View Post
    Thanks for the video. Should've bought this kit
    https://www.ecstuning.com/b-assemble...5111222375kt3/
    You don't necessarily need to replace all of those parts. The rubber and plastic ones are the only ones that wear. The metal pieces hold up fine.
    Nate J.

    (oOO\ (|||)º(|||) /OOo)
    Titanium Silver/Black Nappa Full 07-18-2001 E39 M5 Heritage (BZ99672). 198,000mi+. Increasing daily. Engine rebuild thread.
    (eŌō\ (||||)º(||||) / ōŌe)
    Alpineweiss III/Black Merino Full 03-26-2007 E60 M5 Manual (CX08265). 157,000+. Dead starter -_-

    RIP, Seabiscuit. Black Sapphire/Schwarz 03-11-2003 530iA Sport (CK39185). T-boned 03-01-2017 at 155,861mi.
    Take 2 "Otto" - Toledo Blue/Sandbeige 04-25-2002 530iA Sport (CH98032). Sold 11-10-2017 at 147,743mi.
    Take 3 "Manuel" - Toledo Blue/Grau 10-29-2001 530i5 Sport (CE92358). Sold 02-01-2019 at 217,600mi. I regret that. Build Log
    Reliable P.O.S. - Green/gray 1995 Camry V6 LE. 270k mi. Sold for space.

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