Re: Subject: SS for E28? **Rob

["Rob Levinson" <always_coca-cola@xxxxxxx>]

"James Donohoe" <James.Donohoe@domain.elided> wrote:
>Subject: SS for E28?
>
>Did anyone ever come up with a SS solution for the older E28 vehicles? I
>have a 1985 535i that I'm going to replace the bushings on and though I'd
>shorten the throws if possible. Thanks in advance!


    Yes, there are SS kits available for pre-'87 E28s, the shifter lever and
selector rod is exactly the same as newer BMWs.  For a description and
comparison of *every* SS kit available for BMWs from *every* manufacturer,
check out www.shortshifter.com  . The big problem in the older (pre-1987 and
some 1986) E28 (and older E30 as well) is that they don't have an aluminum
carrier like the newer cars.  Older cars like ours have a sheetmetal console
that is held in place by a big flat piece of foam and some rubber
bushings... the problem is that these parts degenerate and loosen the whole
assembly, which is why there's lots of slop left even of you replace the
lever and linkage (both with integral bushings).  There's also no nylon cup
like the newer cars.  So a SS kit may shorten your throws but the increased
leverage may cause the sheetmetal console to flex/pull off the rearmost
bushing even more than before.  It won't break anything but will introduce a
different feel, sort of like there's resistance to the lever and then *pop*
into gear.  Not entirely objectionable, but different.

    Here's my experience; my '85 535i has had a Metric Mechanic kit in it
for years.  It's shorter than stock but less than a BL/SS Level 2 kit.  The
one I had was modified with brass bushings to replace the regular plastic
ones, so it has stayed tight for many years.  Right now I am working on a
good conversion kit for earlier cars.  Part of the kit is a replacement
bushing for the console, and the proper lever.  I will be putting in a BL/SS
Level 2 shifter tomorrow with a prototype bushing and other mods.  Because
of the inherent weakness of the sheetmetal carrier design, I don't feel that
a Level 3 is appropriate... plus there's no way to mount an ERK (although I
am working on a modification to the ERK to enable its use).

    Because a Level 2 kit for the E28 would have different parts, I don't
have an exact idea of cost just yet.  You wouldn't require the cup removal
tool (no cup!) and the directions are different.  Final product, as they
say, is "coming soon".  If you're interested, contact me privately and I
will keep you (and anyone else who is interested) updated on the progress.

- - Rob Levinson
UUC Motorwerks
'85 535i Turbo

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