I am trying to figure out what shifter to order from Dinan. They have one listed for the 540 that reduces the throw by 24% but they also have one for the M5 that reduces throw by 17% and lowers the knob height by a 1/2". My question is how much shorter is the OEM M5 shifter compared to the OEM 540 shifter? Will the Dinan M5 shifter be the same as the Dinan 540 shifter in terms of throw? (Obviously sitting a 1/2" lower)

I'd bypass all that and just go for either an M3 selector rod or a bent MZ3 one. The M5 selector rod is noticeably shorter - but to be honest I got tired of how much throw it had after a few months. I have an M3 one in there now and it's just about perfect... I think a shorter ZHP shift knob would totally complete it, but finding it hard to source one.

What part of the lever has to be bent when using a MZ3 lever? What about using a Z4 3.0 shift lever? Or would it be too short? It's also longer on the bottom part of the pivot point. Will this rub or hit anything because of that? Thanks.

I'd bypass all that and just go for either an M3 selector rod or a bent MZ3 one. The M5 selector rod is noticeably shorter - but to be honest I got tired of how much throw it had after a few months. I have an M3 one in there now and it's just about perfect... I think a shorter ZHP shift knob would totally complete it, but finding it hard to source one.
got a part # for the ZHP one?

got a part # for the ZHP one?

The part number is 25117896886, however - from what it sounds like you can't get this part from the dealer anymore, as it will supercede to a different part (ending in 884) that is the same height as the stock shift knob. I tried to order it from bmaparts.com and had this experience.

Dinan's shifters for E39 are a total scam. They take a stock M5 BMW shifter and paint a D on it and double the price.

Folks who buy into Dinan's value-added retail scam (shifters, Koni's etc) get ripped. Half the time, you're lucky if it come in a different box.

Dinan's shifters for E39 540i are a total scam. They take a stock M5 BMW shifter and paint a D on it and double the price.

Folks who buy into Dinan's value-added retail scam (shifters, Koni's etc) get ripped. Half the time, you're lucky if it come in a different box.

I'd bypass all that and just go for either an M3 selector rod or a bent MZ3 one. The M5 selector rod is noticeably shorter - but to be honest I got tired of how much throw it had after a few months. I have an M3 one in there now and it's just about perfect... I think a shorter ZHP shift knob would totally complete it, but finding it hard to source one.

I tried to research the p/n's on the M3 selector rod and it seems like the M3 selector rod is the same for all E36's. Is this the case?

Dinan's shifters for E39 are a total scam. They take a stock M5 BMW shifter and paint a D on it and double the price.

Folks who buy into Dinan's value-added retail scam (shifters, Koni's etc) get ripped. Half the time, you're lucky if it come in a different box.
+1

I tried to research the p/n's on the M3 selector rod and it seems like the M3 selector rod is the same for all E36's. Is this the case?

One thing that you need to be aware of is that I believe that the stock 528i shifter rod is the same (or very similar) length and throw as an M3 shifter - this is of course assuming that selector rods from the 97 M3 is the same length as other M3s...