m3 shifter vs 328is shifter

[bmwNOW]

After reading through some posts I am sort of confused here. I am sure I read that the m3 shifter and the 328 shifter are exactly the same. I heard that people with 325's upgrade to the m3 or 328 shifters because they are lower than the 325's. But the thing is, I sat in my buddies m3 the other day and his shifter is definitely lower than my 328's. Is it just the difference in shift knob's or is it the shifter all together?

[DBK81]

I just replaced my stock 328 shifter knob with a ZHP knob and it is wayyy shorter like over an inch.

[bmwNOW]

hey thanks for the quick response, i am assuming now that the shift design is identical just the 328 has a higher knob...

[Ohtwo]

Yeah, the knob makes a big difference. I installed the M3 lever on my 325 tonight , and I think your right about it being the same as the 328. Its not any lower, but the throws are much shorter and it requires more effort to shift.

[DBK81]

By the way if you replace your stock knob, the zhp knob is SIIIICKKKKK!!! I love it.

[bmwNOW]

ok so the m3 shift knob is exactly the same size as the stock 328 knob. i put them up to each other. i think the only way to shorten the shift without getting a short shifter for the 328 is getting the zhp knob.

[richbarn2]

can you post a picture and a source? im interested... thanks

[BMRSEB]

can you post a picture and a source? im interested... thanks

Here's a link to one.. Cheaper than getting it from the dealership..

http://images.google.com/imgres?imgu...icial%26sa%3DN

[absentmathis]

Z3 shift rod FTW

[richbarn2]

Cool, thanks!

[gcalvey]

thanks for the info

[Herb]

z3 1.9 shift lever ftw. I have one in my e30 and it is perfect, once it warms up I will get one for my 328i.

[bmxludwig]

The shift knob will only make the shit "shorter" by giving you a lot less leverage, making it harder to shift. If you have a 325 or 318 you upgrade to an m3 or 328 shifter. The pivot point is different on the m3 and 328 shifters making the shift shorter without decreasing too much leverage.

[bmwNOW]

The shift knob will only make the shit "shorter" by giving you a lot less leverage, making it harder to shift. If you have a 325 or 318 you upgrade to an m3 or 328 shifter. The pivot point is different on the m3 and 328 shifters making the shift shorter without decreasing too much leverage.

yeah thats the point i was trying to get across in my first post. i understand that the actual m3 and 328 shifters are the same. Actually, now i realize that the m3 shifter + shift knob are identical to the 328. But, now after reading some of these replies its obvious that putting a zhp knob on an M3 or 328 is going to make it sit lower (obviously no short shifter but its better than stock)

[DBK81]

zhp knob on an M3 or 328 is going to make it sit lower (obviously no short shifter but its better than stock)

Soooooo much better than stock the zhp knob is wieghted as well and makes it feel very nice in your hand while shifting.

Stock in first pic zhp in second. Then my new glovebox trim Just have to make something to cover up or replace the wood trim in the glove box, I'm sure with some light gauge aluminum, and a bending machine I can rig something up.

[beamah332is]

Oh damn. I wish I saw this ZHP knob before... looks great.

[fashizzle]

Hi!
I didn't want to create another thread, so I ask here. I swapped M52B20 engine to M52B28 (with ZF tranny). I have currently old 320 shift lever but it feels very tall. Are the 328/M3 lever lower? I looked the parts in realOEM and found that there is two different (at least different part nr) in Euro M3 lever:
* 3.0L '94 part nr is 25117527247 and
* 3.2L '98 part nr is 25117527255

Does anyone know what differences they have and which one should I buy? Thanks...

[328 Power 04]

Best place i've found for the ZHP shifter is here at Tischer BMW http://www.trademotion.com/partlocat...catalogid=4462

$60 shipped for it.

[richbarn2]

I found an M3 shift lever on the M3 board, many owners upgrade to aftermarket and if you are lucky you will be able to find one that an owner hasnt tossed (328 is the same so look on our subforum as well).

I bought a sparco shift knob and trimmed the shift shaft so the knob would be flush with the boot. It is awesome, the knob was a bit expensive but I only had to pay shipping for the lever so Im under 100 bucks for the finished product (less the beer money I threw in for the M3 owner that was very cool to give me the lever).

Here is some info on lever difference....

http://www.understeer.com/shiftlever.shtml