E28 Shifter FAQ

[JOM]

I’ve got a 1983 528 factory manual with the sheet metal console. Couldn’t find a DSSR but gambled a little and bought the garagistic DSSR which is for later models with aluminium carrier.

My selector rod is 197mm and garagistic is about 50mm shorter. I lengthened this with a 19mm diameter stainless shower curtain rail from the local hardware shop. Chopped and welded in the 50mm extension piece.

Next issue is that the bolt going through the front DSSR and the selector rod joint sticks out too far and hits the metal console bushing. I shortened that bolt as much as possible while still allowing full engagement with the lock nut.

This was all completed without removing driveshaft & exhaust but I’d recommend to do so tbh. Another tip is to lie straight under the car with feet forward so as to gain best access to the various bits & bobs.

Combined with new bushes, this has transformed the shift feel.

Hopefully this helps someone navigate this rabbit hole down the track.

[bbaxter]

I installed a CAE shifter in my e28. There aren't words that can describe how quick and smooth the shifts are. It's changed the entire dynamic of the car. It's that good. It was very simple to install. bbaxter

[thrty8street]

I installed a CAE shifter in my e28. There aren't words that can describe how quick and smooth the shifts are. It's changed the entire dynamic of the car. It's that good. It was very simple to install. bbaxter

Link to shifter?

[bbaxter]

Google it.
They only make one for BMW's.
The only thing you will need to do is cut and weld the linkage rod the right length for your installation. Everything else bolts right in.

[thrty8street]

Google it.
They only make one for BMW's.
The only thing you will need to do is cut and weld the linkage rod the right length for your installation. Everything else bolts right in.

Did you go with the clubsport or race version? Did you get the DSSR?

https://www.hardmotorsport.com/cae-ultr ... t-version/

https://www.hardmotorsport.com/cae-ultr ... e-version/

[bbaxter]

Race version. Black knob. Bolted right to the floor then mounted the center console around it. I have a six-speed transmission in my e28, which is 4" longer than the stock transmission. I just cut the shift linkage to the length I needed and welded it back together. Really easy, fit right in, and is crazy fun to drive. It's spring-loaded so you never make a mis-shift. The pivot point on the shifter is a couple of inches above the floor, not at floor level or below floor level. Makes your shifts dramatically quick and short. Nothing like a stock shifter.

[bbaxter]

When I ordered mine they didn't have all the options they are showing now. They only offered for the e46, which is what I ordered and it fit perfectly.

[SeattleGuy]

I’ve got a 1983 528 factory manual with the sheet metal console. Couldn’t find a DSSR but gambled a little and bought the garagistic DSSR which is for later models with aluminium carrier.

My selector rod is 197mm and garagistic is about 50mm shorter. I lengthened this with a 19mm diameter stainless shower curtain rail from the local hardware shop. Chopped and welded in the 50mm extension piece.

Next issue is that the bolt going through the front DSSR and the selector rod joint sticks out too far and hits the metal console bushing. I shortened that bolt as much as possible while still allowing full engagement with the lock nut.

This was all completed without removing driveshaft & exhaust but I’d recommend to do so tbh. Another tip is to lie straight under the car with feet forward so as to gain best access to the various bits & bobs.

Combined with new bushes, this has transformed the shift feel.

Hopefully this helps someone navigate this rabbit hole down the track.

OK so we did the cup and rear Turner mount yesterday
https://www.facebook.com/KingCast/video ... 3332495945

.........but I screwed up and didn't order THIS:
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-sh ... 5117503525

On a 1988 car do you think we can do this without dropping the driveline? Would it be as this writer posted?
https://www.bimmerfest.com/threads/need ... t.1098017/

Thanks guys.

[szacsi72]

Hi guys,

I've got a DSSR, new yellow spacers, new selector joint and a chassis mounted short shifter; but i still have slop. The difference being: much less than stock, however now there's no bushings in the system so it's more of a play, then fully "locked", which makes an awful shifting experience (at least for me it is).

Any ideas what I could do? I was thinking butting a bearing in my selector rod.

I think my ratio is too small/big; the short shifter makes the play seem more, because comparably to the actual shifting motion, it's more than it was when brand new. Between 3rd and 4th is around 4-5m for me.

[EE TWO EIGHT]

So, I know I'll get dumped on for this but I'm not home to look so... How do I know whether my shifter is aluminum or sheet metal? My car is a late 85 which may help......and thanks for not ganging up on me for not finding it in search or the FAQ.

[LarryM]

If your car’s an ‘85 then it should have the sheet metal shifter. It should also have the desirable 265/6 tranny.

[EE TWO EIGHT]

Thanks! Need to order all the bushes for it. Getting it back on the road after a years slumber.