[3point6]

Hello forum members, here's another one to share, just recently replaced the original shifter on my '06 330i with the BMW performance version, brand new part, I did the install myself and believe I've followed the procedure as recommended, the difference is obviously significant with shorter travel however I've recently noticed an increased and notchy feel while trying to engage either first or reverse, either in cold or warm conditions, I did replaced the nylon bushing that came with this kit but I'm not sure if there's also need to replace any other component or a way to adjust the linkeage, a little frustrated as you can imagine and any feedback will be greatly appreciated, thanks

[Terraphantm]

Generally expected with short shift kits. That's one of the trade offs.

[6ixSpd]

Yes there will be increased shift effort in 1st/2nd/R as with all short shift kits.

[Kgolf31]

When I installed my BMW Performance SSK, I had to bend the lever a bit over to the left to make center.

Helped getting into first/reverse a tad easier.

[3point6]

Originally Posted by Terraphantm

Generally expected with short shift kits. That's one of the trade offs.

I see, I guess every manufacturer performs differently, had other short shift kits installed but although a little tighter not as much notchy as this one, thanks

[3point6]

Originally Posted by 6ixSpd

Yes there will be increased shift effort in 1st/2nd/R as with all short shift kits.

Noticed that, is there a way to determine if another bushing needs some attention maybe?

[3point6]

Originally Posted by Kgolf31

When I installed my BMW Performance SSK, I had to bend the lever a bit over to the left to make center.
Helped getting into first/reverse a tad easier.

I noticed that the lever tends to sit closer to the passenger side, assume that driver needs to apply more force to get into 1st-2nd or even Reverse, how did you bent the lever, seems like a really sturdy piece of steel.. are you aware of any maintenance/service for the transmission linkage, this car has little over 86k miles, thanks

[Volasko]

Originally Posted by 3point6

Noticed that, is there a way to determine if another bushing needs some attention maybe?

The difficulty getting into first isn't a shift linkage problem but a transmission issue. I think 330i's transmissions have this as a common problem. The fact you installed a shorter shift kit just makes this issue more noticable as you have a shorter lever arm available. I have noticed doing a fluid swap improves this issue.

[3point6]

Originally Posted by Volasko

The difficulty getting into first isn't a shift linkage problem but a transmission issue. I think 330i's transmissions have this as a common problem. The fact you installed a shorter shift kit just makes this issue more noticable as you have a shorter lever arm available. I have noticed doing a fluid swap improves this issue.

Interesting, I wouldn't thought about that but makes sense if a shorter shift is used, I believe I've read somewhere in this forum that these transmissions are filled with a 'lifetime fluid' that BMW doesn't encourage to be replaced (I think the Bentley Manual also mention that), I was considering doing an all fluids refresh since I have no maintenance/service records available when I purchased this fun car a few months ago, do you know of any recommended fluid type? I assume will be easier to have a shop do the job since I only have standard jack stands to work under the car..

[Kgolf31]

Originally Posted by 3point6

I noticed that the lever tends to sit closer to the passenger side, assume that driver needs to apply more force to get into 1st-2nd or even Reverse, how did you bent the lever, seems like a really sturdy piece of steel.. are you aware of any maintenance/service for the transmission linkage, this car has little over 86k miles, thanks

I put it in a jig and bent the upper arm above the ball joint.

[Volasko]

Originally Posted by 3point6

Interesting, I wouldn't thought about that but makes sense if a shorter shift is used, I believe I've read somewhere in this forum that these transmissions are filled with a 'lifetime fluid' that BMW doesn't encourage to be replaced (I think the Bentley Manual also mention that), I was considering doing an all fluids refresh since I have no maintenance/service records available when I purchased this fun car a few months ago, do you know of any recommended fluid type? I assume will be easier to have a shop do the job since I only have standard jack stands to work under the car..

I had a shop do it while the car was in for other work. I went with Motul 300 Gear Oil (75w90) from ECS tuning. I found this to help gear engagement in 1st, especially once warmed up. Don't buy into the lifetime oil BS, there are absolutely no downsides to changing your transmission fluid. I've already done it twice in my ownership with my car. Once at 100k kms and another at 200k kms. Its really the only maintenance item you can do for your transmission and its kind of an important item!!

[Go Horns!]

OP - Change the transmission fluid every 30,000 miles. I use Redline MTL. But if you are looking for an easier 1-2 shift, you should try Redline D6 ATF. It gives a smoother shift when the transmission is cold.

[3point6]

Originally Posted by Volasko

I had a shop do it while the car was in for other work. I went with Motul 300 Gear Oil (75w90) from ECS tuning. I found this to help gear engagement in 1st, especially once warmed up. Don't buy into the lifetime oil BS, there are absolutely no downsides to changing your transmission fluid. I've already done it twice in my ownership with my car. Once at 100k kms and another at 200k kms. Its really the only maintenance item you can do for your transmission and its kind of an important item!!

Thanks for the advise, will consider doing it on my next oil change service

[3point6]

Originally Posted by Go Horns!

OP - Change the transmission fluid every 30,000 miles. I use Redline MTL. But if you are looking for an easier 1-2 shift, you should try Redline D6 ATF. It gives a smoother shift when the transmission is cold.

Appreciate the feedback, wonder if there's any linkage/bushing parts that will be wise to inspect as well..

[6ixSpd]

Old trick for BMWs with notchy short shift kits: shift into 2nd before engaging 1st. It helps tremendously.

No bushing or linkage change will alleviate your problem.

[3point6]

Originally Posted by 6ixSpd

Old trick for BMWs with notchy short shift kits: shift into 2nd before engaging 1st. It helps tremendously.

No bushing or linkage change will alleviate your problem.

Interesting, will try and thanks again!

[max_330i]

Originally Posted by 3point6

I noticed that the lever tends to sit closer to the passenger side, assume that driver needs to apply more force to get into 1st-2nd or even Reverse, how did you bent the lever, seems like a really sturdy piece of steel.. are you aware of any maintenance/service for the transmission linkage, this car has little over 86k miles, thanks

Closer to the passenger side? Are you sure you did the install correctly? I have the BMW short shift lever installed in my car, and I didn't notice a significant difference in where the shifter sits. However my prior experience with SSK's has been that they move the shift action closer to the driver, so that they can shift even when they are slammed into the driver's door while cornering to the right.

FWIW my 1st and reverse are very notchy as well, especially when cold. As stated above, shifting to 2nd immediately prior will help.

[3point6]

Originally Posted by max_330i

Closer to the passenger side? Are you sure you did the install correctly? I have the BMW short shift lever installed in my car, and I didn't notice a significant difference in where the shifter sits. However my prior experience with SSK's has been that they move the shift action closer to the driver, so that they can shift even when they are slammed into the driver's door while cornering to the right.

FWIW my 1st and reverse are very notchy as well, especially when cold. As stated above, shifting to 2nd immediately prior will help.

Interesting to read about the logic behind the proximity to the driver, I think I did installed right, or at least in the same orientation as the original one, I do noticed that shifting 1st and R some days are harder/notchier than others and the shifter seats pretty close to the edge of the surrounding frame while in 6th..

[Noir]

Indy told me a trick, it usually helps, shift to sixth and go back to whatever gear you're getting into.
Hope this helps
I got scared too, until it was explained to me.

[3point6]

Originally Posted by Noir

Indy told me a trick, it usually helps, shift to sixth and go back to whatever gear you're getting into.
Hope this helps
I got scared too, until it was explained to me.

I would try anything until I find a chance to replace the transmission fluid, can you share the explanation about doing that?

[Noir]

Originally Posted by 3point6

I would try anything until I find a chance to replace the transmission fluid, can you share the explanation about doing that?

It helps "re-align all the components in the shifter" as per my indy.
He also said (not certain how factual, but I'll take his word for it, since he is usually right with my car..) He stated for the manual transmission, not recommended because it will cause the clutch to fail at some point (unless you replace it at the same time? (IIRC)

[AWSB328iM]

I think this is due to a slight flaw in the 330i ssk lever design. The 328i ssk lever is a completely different design and doesn't try to shorten the knob height. It's bent exactly as the stock lever and is only longer below the pivot ball. It's a major improvement over the factory lever with no downsides.