[Bayo]

Hey guys, I just wanted to give a word of warning to anyone else looking to do this mod. I read a ton of DIY threads before I started and had delusions of being able to do everything from the top, as many have posted the did. I can only assume these are all not UUC installs, or there is something different about the xi. There is NO WAY to to it from the top. The UUC kit includes a new cup that sits in the carrier, this completely blocks access to the clip that you need to get on. I got everything apart from the top side, but could not put everything back together.

This means you have to remove the exhaust and heat shield, disconnect the rear drive shaft from the transfer case, support the transfer case and drop it a good 3 inches. This was the only way I could get to the clip.

So don't fool yourself thinking this can be a 45 minute job. It isn't. Maybe with other SSK's but not UUC's, and maybe on a RWD (but I assume they use the same cup design, so I doubt it). If I hadn't had two exhaust bolts shear off (a 3 hour adventure on its own to get them ground off then drilled out) this probably would have been a 4 to 5 hour job, and I am fairly handy with a lot of tools on hand.

Beyond the brutal install it is a well engineered part. Rock solid and my shifts are about 1.5" to 2" shorter (I used a measuring tape off the radio for a before and after). Feels fantastic. I put in a ZHP weighted knob at the same time.

Oh, and while you are down there with everything apart swap the transfer case fluid. With everything out of the way it was really easy to get to. I used a large syringe to squirt the new fluid in after draining.

For reference the car is a 2008 335 xi.

Good luck everyone. Please understand this is in no way a slight against UUC, it is a fantastic product and I fully recommend them, just know what you are getting into.

[Julian2485]

Originally Posted by Bayo

Hey guys, I just wanted to give a word of warning to anyone else looking to do this mod. I read a ton of DIY threads before I started and had delusions of being able to do everything from the top, as many have posted the did. I can only assume these are all not UUC installs, or there is something different about the xi. There is NO WAY to to it from the top. The UUC kit includes a new cup that sits in the carrier, this completely blocks access to the clip that you need to get on. I got everything apart from the top side, but could not put everything back together.

This means you have to remove the exhaust and heat shield, disconnect the rear drive shaft from the transfer case, support the transfer case and drop it a good 3 inches. This was the only way I could get to the clip.

So don't fool yourself thinking this can be a 45 minute job. It isn't. Maybe with other SSK's but not UUC's, and maybe on a RWD (but I assume they use the same cup design, so I doubt it). If I hadn't had two exhaust bolts shear off (a 3 hour adventure on its own to get them ground off then drilled out) this probably would have been a 4 to 5 hour job, and I am fairly handy with a lot of tools on hand.

Beyond the brutal install it is a well engineered part. Rock solid and my shifts are about 1.5" to 2" shorter (I used a measuring tape off the radio for a before and after). Feels fantastic. I put in a ZHP weighted knob at the same time.

Oh, and while you are down there with everything apart swap the transfer case fluid. With everything out of the way it was really easy to get to. I used a large syringe to squirt the new fluid in after draining.

For reference the car is a 2008 335 xi.

Good luck everyone. Please understand this is in no way a slight against UUC, it is a fantastic product and I fully recommend them, just know what you are getting into.

Nice i didn't even know there was a ssk for the xi

[DS3IAM]

Thanks for the warning .. there goes my thoughts about getting a short shift kit!

[335xituned]

Originally Posted by Bayo

Hey guys, I just wanted to give a word of warning to anyone else looking to do this mod. I read a ton of DIY threads before I started and had delusions of being able to do everything from the top, as many have posted the did. I can only assume these are all not UUC installs, or there is something different about the xi. There is NO WAY to to it from the top. The UUC kit includes a new cup that sits in the carrier, this completely blocks access to the clip that you need to get on. I got everything apart from the top side, but could not put everything back together.

This means you have to remove the exhaust and heat shield, disconnect the rear drive shaft from the transfer case, support the transfer case and drop it a good 3 inches. This was the only way I could get to the clip.

So don't fool yourself thinking this can be a 45 minute job. It isn't. Maybe with other SSK's but not UUC's, and maybe on a RWD (but I assume they use the same cup design, so I doubt it). If I hadn't had two exhaust bolts shear off (a 3 hour adventure on its own to get them ground off then drilled out) this probably would have been a 4 to 5 hour job, and I am fairly handy with a lot of tools on hand.

Beyond the brutal install it is a well engineered part. Rock solid and my shifts are about 1.5" to 2" shorter (I used a measuring tape off the radio for a before and after). Feels fantastic. I put in a ZHP weighted knob at the same time.

Oh, and while you are down there with everything apart swap the transfer case fluid. With everything out of the way it was really easy to get to. I used a large syringe to squirt the new fluid in after draining.

For reference the car is a 2008 335 xi.

Good luck everyone. Please understand this is in no way a slight against UUC, it is a fantastic product and I fully recommend them, just know what you are getting into.

Is there a reason why needle pliers would not work? I installed the ucc kit on my 330i e90 all from the top i was planning on doing the same on my 11 335xi e92.

[dpaul]

I also had a UUC SSK in my 335xi. For me, there was no possible way to install from the top.

Compounding the agony, I really didn't like the shifter. Just as lengthy a process to remove as to install.

[335xituned]

Originally Posted by dpaul

I also had a UUC SSK in my 335xi. For me, there was no possible way to install from the top.

Compounding the agony, I really didn't like the shifter. Just as lengthy a process to remove as to install.

How did you end up installing it?