Tempted by the short shifters I see on Ebay. Was wondering if the ones for e30s would work with the e21? BTW, I am using the standard 4 speed gearbox.

Besides the shorter throw/quicker gear change, what are the pros and cons of installing a short shifter?

TIA

I have heard that the e21 shifter is different from the e30.
BAVAuto sells the correct e21 short shift kit.

I also previously posted about a z4 shift linkeage part number that can be used to make your own short shift kit.
You can make your own: Here are what you need:

Z4 shift part number 25-11-7-516-160
1) 25-11-1-434-194 (washer) - $0.40
(3) 25-11-1-220-439 (yellow spacer) - $0.41 each
(1) 25-11-7-501-309 (front joint assembly) - $18.32
(2) 25-11-1-221-243 (O-ring) - $1.00 each
(1) 25-11-1-220-832 (bushing) - $9.20
(1) 07-11-9-932-863 (lock washer) - $0.06
(1) 25-11-1-220-912 (front console bushing, i think) - $9.68 "
(1) 25-11-1-469-397 (shift lever plastic cup) - $5.96
(1) 25-11-1-220-379 (clip, i think) - $0.56
(1) 25-11-1-220-707 (rear shift console support) - $14.80"
(1) 07-12-9-946-400 (hex nut) - $0.20
(1) 25-11-1-203-682 (bushing of some sort, possibly felt tab) - $1.20
(1) 25-11-1-204-422 (Aft shifter rubber mount)
(1) 23-41-1-466-110 (Upper sheet metal plastic bushing) requires cutting to install.
(1) 25-11-1-207-744 (Lower plastic bushing) big wear point.
(1) 25-11-1-220-837 (reverse light wire retaining clip) - $0.30
(1) 25-11-1-220-581 (Rubber dust cover) gets torn every time,

My mech checked it out and was able to fit the e30 short shifter with some mod/replacement of the bushing that is part of the shift lever. Its been fitted on my e21. The throw is much shorter, a little bit stiffer and the lever/knob height is lower. The lever also leans towards the drivers side (RHD). Still getting used to it. Will post pics when I have time later.

Cheers!

You can make your own: Here are what you need:

Z4 shift part number 25-11-7-516-160
1) 25-11-1-434-194 (washer (http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=336766#)) - $0.40
(3) 25-11-1-220-439 (yellow spacer) - $0.41 each
(1) 25-11-7-501-309 (front joint assembly) - $18.32
(2) 25-11-1-221-243 (O-ring) - $1.00 each
(1) 25-11-1-220-832 (bushing) - $9.20
(1) 07-11-9-932-863 (lock washer) - $0.06
(1) 25-11-1-220-912 (front console bushing, i think) - $9.68 "
(1) 25-11-1-469-397 (shift lever plastic cup) - $5.96
(1) 25-11-1-220-379 (clip, i think) - $0.56
(1) 25-11-1-220-707 (rear shift console support) - $14.80"
(1) 07-12-9-946-400 (hex nut) - $0.20
(1) 25-11-1-203-682 (bushing of some sort, possibly felt tab) - $1.20
(1) 25-11-1-204-422 (Aft shifter rubber mount)
(1) 23-41-1-466-110 (Upper sheet metal plastic bushing) requires cutting to install.
(1) 25-11-1-207-744 (Lower plastic bushing) big wear point.
(1) 25-11-1-220-837 (reverse light wire retaining clip) - $0.30
(1) 25-11-1-220-581 (Rubber dust cover) gets torn every time,

Just replace old parts with new? How long does this take? Sound like an inexpensive alternative,,,,

I hate the throw on these cars. maybe I'll do that

Very good explaination of shifters and how to shorten them

http://www.mz3.net/articles/143.html

I was able to graft an E30 shifter to make use of a short shifter on my 5-speed. I ended up using various pieces from the 2002, 320i and E30 to get the thing to work correctly.

Good Luck,
Mike

wow. resurrected old thread again.

i just looked at the 2 shifters next to each other yesterday and they seemed to be the same length and roughly the same dimensions. I can compare them more precisely next time i'm in the garage.