Quick Shift / Short Shift Options for e46 6speed 330D

[Anees]

Hi guys,

What options do I have for a quick shift for my e46 faclift 330D Sport?

I have been doing some research and it appears that the prop shaft? is thinker on the 330D then the 330i, so a standard 6speed 330i quick shift might not necessary fit.

The gearbox for me, is one of the worst parts of the car for me, so want to combine getting one of the superb looking new gearkobs from the group buy with a new short shifter.

I want something precise, no/very little extra noise when shifting and I don't need arms like Mr T to select Reverse. :P I like the shifter on my sisters Mini.

I have seen a few people with 5 speed cars have a Z4 shifter, but not sure if something similar is availble for the 6 speed cars.

Any suggestions?

Thanks,
Anees :D

[peppernick]

Variants in prop shafts do not affect the application of a short shifter.

We recently had a discussion of good short shifters HERE (http://forum.evotechnik.net/showthread.php?t=14858&highlight=rogue)

[Anees]

Thanks for the info. :) I have seen that thread you linked to before and it is very interesting, however I contacted CA Automotive back in December to ask if they had any short shifters for the 330D and they said they didn't. :(

Regarding the propshaft issue, this is where I got my info. If I may quote:


The shortening of the shift is normally achieved by changing the position of the pivot ball relative to the the base of the shifter, by making this length longer it means that the bottom moves further for the same movement of the upper section, the stick part.

But this has 2 potential issues with it.

1: While making the movement ratio higher, and so meaning you move the stick a shorter distance, it also increase the leverage resistance, meaning that the gear change gets heavier by the same proportion.

2: The 330D has a larger diameter propshaft, which reduces the distance between the prop and the lever part of the stick, and quite a few of the ones available can touch the propshaft - not something you really want!!! Even if it clears with the car stationary, it's the vertical movement of the motor whilst moving on and off power that causes it to touch!

Finally, the OEM lever is a combination of alloy stick and steel lever with a bonded rubber insulated joint between the 2 parts. The aftermarket ones tend to be all steel and are so heavier and there is no insulation between the lever and the stick - a lot of people complain about vibrations and rattles coming from these lever.

If you do get one, make sure that the manufacturer/supplier guarantee's that it will fit a 330d without any problems.

I would love it if the UUC or Rogue speed shifters discussed in the other thread worked! :)

[CA Automotive UK]

hi

I am a little snowed under just now, but if you can log onto Real OEM website and compare part nos for 330 petrol and diesel gear linkages then we can establish if the Rogue items may fit :D

many thanks

[danch]

Unfortunately shifters are different, see here

330i (http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=ET56&mospid=47644&btnr=25_0375&hg=25&fg=05)

&

330D (http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=ED92&mospid=47643&btnr=25_0354&hg=25&fg=05)

BUT According to Here (http://www.uucmotorwerks.com/html_product/bmw_shifters/bmwshifterapp.htm) there is a shifter specifically for the 330d

HTH

Dan

[CA Automotive UK]

nice work dan :)

I just rang Rogue engineering and if we order 15 units they will make diesel kits for us.

I know we are agents for Rogue so i would be expected to say so anyway, but the Rogue shifters are somewhat better quality and operation than UUC. I have personally tried both various times in the past, honestly.

If any diesel owners are interested in the above let me know:)

thanks

[danch]

;) As always I am interested:D

Dan

[Anees]

I have been in contact with Rob from UUC about the 330d shifter on their website. This is for the 5 speed version. My last email from him was in Feb.

[Anees]

nice work dan :)

I just rang Rogue engineering and if we order 15 units they will make diesel kits for us.

If any diesel owners are interested in the above let me know:)

thanks

Thanks for your effots! :)

If the price was around the same as the 6 speed 330i shifter then I am definetly in! Only trouble with group buys, is that my patience when it comes to my car is not that great!;)

How would the group buy work? Do we pay a deposit? Can I post this offer on other BMW Clubs to try and get more people interested?

[CA Automotive UK]

hi

agreed on the time issue with group buys

honestly i think we are looking at 5 - 8 weeks production time.
50% deposit required .

Yes I think it would be a very good idea to share this out on other forums; cost would be same as petrol version :)