length of selector rod and shifting arm

**catimann** · 06-07-2021, 02:17 PM

I am swapping in the 97Z3 5 spd I have into my 97 328i and the rod and arm are not the same. I understand they are longer and based on the wt. given on RealOEM that must be true. I am wondering what the difference is? Anyone have a pair of these they could post a picture of side by side? Or could someone give me the pin center to pin center dim. for the selector rod? That one could be cut and welded. The shifter arm is not as easy but what the difference would be interesting to know.

Thank you.

**BimmerBreaker** · 06-07-2021, 02:22 PM

The Z3 puts the shifter further rearwards, so the shifter carrier and selector rod are longer

It will probably be easier to just sell what you have and buy the E36 parts - the E36 parts are dime a dozen, Z3 parts are a little more sought after (lower production numbers) so you should have no problem selling them

**brianc** · 06-08-2021, 12:31 PM

I don’t have calipers here but using tape measure E36 selector rod is about 7.78” point to point and the shift arm is about 9.85” from shifter hole center to bushing hole center. The Z3 shifter also has different length and angle.

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**Thresher** · 06-08-2021, 06:51 PM

Not sure if this is relevant to the Z3, but I will mention it anyway; in 9/1996 the selector pull rod size changed on the 328i. My 328i was produced in 2/1996; it uses one size; cars after 9/1996 used a different size (shorter rod if I recall correctly). Just something to keep in mind as you sort through parts. I learned this the hard way -- bought a new BMW black leather pistol grip selector that was for the 9/1996+ models. I think I still have it in a parts box somewhere...

**spyderg0d** · 06-09-2021, 09:33 AM

Either selector handle/rod will work with either transmission setup. The changed rod length only changes the shifter throw slightly for feel.
However the pin rod, that goes from the selector rod to the transmission gear selector joint is bent on later zf trans models. This is ONLY to clear the larger flex disk the zf transmission used. There is no length difference between the 2. .