Z3 Quick shifter

[theshootist]

Hi,

Comparing my Z3 to an MX5 I drove recently the only thing I would take from the Mazda was the gear shift. They really got it right.

My z3 3.0 has quite a long throw in comparison. There are occasionally quick shifters listed on the auction site. Has anyone ever fitted one with success?

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https://www.ebay.co.uk/ulk/itm/322846743604

 

[Slam]

No can't help but would be interested to know

 

[theshootist]

I've fitted something similar to my Subaru and it reduced the length of throw somewhat.

 

[Slam]

I had one on a Capri injection years ago that made a big difference too

 

[5harp3y]

i think the 1.9 has the shortest throw and lots of people use that as a factory short shifter

http://www.e30zone.net/e30zonewiki/index.php/Z3_short_shifter_conversion

 

[Slam]

That reads the 1.9 stick it will be a longer throw in a 2.8

 

[spurs fan in a coupe]

That reads the 1.9 stick it will be a longer throw in a 2.8

I think it’s the distance between the ball jont and the gear linkage which is the important bit. Which means a 1.9 has the better one

 

[theshootist]

I think a lot of the kits and advice on swaps are aimed at people modifying their e30s rather than z3s.

 

[the Nefyn cat]

I think a lot of the kits and advice on swaps are aimed at people modifying their e30s rather than z3s.

Z3s are made out of e30 e36 e46 bits depending which model you've got, things will swap around between different ones. Bit like Ford used to be, back in my younger days when any Ford engine would fit pretty much any Ford car. And any Ford key would fit any Ford car.Still, that's enough of mentioning them.
Did like the bit about laying the rod on a piece of wood and hitting hit with a hammer. They're talking my language.

 

[NZ00Z3]

Here's another reference on short shifters

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=15613

My reading is that the Z4 3.0 L shifter would be better in your case. Longer on the right hand side and lower shift ratio (3.28).

There is also discussion on changing the shifter knob for a shorter one (sometimes weighted) to give a shorter (lower) shift ratio.

Lowering the shift ratio increases the force required to make the gear shift, hence why people go to weighted shifter knobs.

There's also a comment in there about matching the bends between the original and new gear shifter so that the neutral position is the same.

 

[Althulas]

Mike Fishwick article may be worth reading https://zroadster.org/articles/bmw-z3-short-shift-gear-lever-by-mike-fishwick.40/

 

[motco]

The Honda S2000 gear action is the sweetest I've ever encountered. My Z3 is agricultural by comparison. Clunky and difficult (with the FBW throttle) to execute smoothly. S2000 lever is like a rifle bolt - short fast, and positive.

 

[MDB1983]

Hi,

Comparing my Z3 to an MX5 I drove recently the only thing I would take from the Mazda was the gear shift. They really got it right.

My z3 3.0 has quite a long throw in comparison. There are occasionally quick shifters listed on the auction site. Has anyone ever fitted one with success?

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https://www.ebay.co.uk/ulk/itm/322846743604

Hi there. Did you ever go through with this and buy/fit it? I've been looking at the same one.