A couple weeks ago my original shifter broke on me so I saw it as the perfect opportunity to upgrade to a "budge" short shift kit on my e34 535. I went with an e36 M3 shifter (25-11-1-222-955) and replaced the plastic cup at the same time too since it was pretty worn. I am very pleased with the results. The shift has been noticably reduced with only a slight to modest increase in shifting effort. Also, other stuff I read on the web about the set up with an M3 shifter conversion mentioned shifting feeling more "notchy", but I don't think the shifting has become more "notchy". Overall I like the feel and reduced throw.

I can't give any advice/input on the install though since I had a local shop do it for me because I'm at school without a majority of my tools.

cool can't beat that. glad you are happy with it, one of these days I won't have to reach into the next county to complete a shift one of these days