Quote:
Originally Posted by imag
Looking at the service manual, I'm was surprised the stock shifter feels so rubbery because it's not cable actuated, but linked almost directly to the transmission. The feel is not as bad as newer BMWs, but I would love it if it could feel more like the S2000 (perhaps the best shifter in the world). So I have two questions:
Does this kit help it feel more mechanical and less vague?
In the process of disassembly, did you see any rubber bits that look like they could be either eliminated or replaced with solid bushings to give the shifter a more direct feel?
Thanks much - I love me some notchy short shifting, and this mod is high on my list...
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Surprisingly the S2000 is a cable based shifter (if I'm not mistaken).
The stock "bearing" and stick is where half of the rubbery feel comes from, the other half is how the carrier arm is mounted. The carrier arm mounts on the back of the transmission and does not have a triangulated point that mounts to the chassis, therefore it is allowed to swing rather loosely. If you want to get rid of ALL slop and make the shifter direct, you will need to replace the stock stick pivot assembly (urethane cup with a plastic ball) with a mechanical BEARING design and a more solid upper stick isolator. In the process of removing the knob, it is surprising that the stick assembly itself rotates about 5 degrees due to the rubber isolator used in the top stick assembly. Also you will need to replace two rubber bushings at the front of the carrier to something more solid, like urethane or maybe even a SOLID bearing.
The B&M short shifter will get you about 65% of the way there in terms of direct, mechanical feel.