Potiential Revivial of a Short Shifter for the e53

[tecnica]

I spoke with Rob from UUC about the X5 manual tranny. At one point in time, they made a product for this vehicle however with lack of sales it has long been a dead end. I asked if the X5 could be rigged with other BMW parts to make a shifter since I dont feel the enjoyment of boat-rowing every time I hop in the car. It was explained that the X5 was very unique in size and length, and then angle as well and no other BMW comes close to the this design.

When asked if a possible one-off batch could be made, he seemed willing. However to make it worth their time, a 25 person commitment would be needed. I realize this is a shot in the dark; however, if you have a manual tranny X5 and would like some fun put back into it, please join the cause.

I'd assume that the price would be like the other models UUC makes at or around 355 dollars. If you may be interested in this or have another method of short-shifting the X5, please post below.

[Gregory891]

UUC Motorwerks IS putting the X53 3.0 short shifter back in production. They sold some a number of years ago (Evo 2 version), sales were slow and modest. I commited to one (Oct 2011) for my (Euro) 2002 X5 3.0 diesel (5 speed manual). It will be the current Evo 3 version SO if you have a 3.0 X5 (diesel or gasoline) with a manual transmission - call Rob and spend your money.

[Phr3d]

Thanks for the heads-up!
If anyone has a before & after comparo & pictures, I know it would be appreciated.

Also, what the evolutions entail, as that is always a worry - most of us have seen/used an aftermarket shorty that really wasn't an improvement OR had longevity issues due to increased stress on the mechanical parts.

no longevity issues, I presume
The UUC Motorwerks Ultimate Short Shifter

I was unaware of the clutch delay valve as well, been an interesting day.

UUC Lightweight Performance Flywheels for BMW

Which obviously led to this

UUC Motorwerks Shopping Cart

If this solves all my "yeah, MT, but it doesn't feel like BMW.." that I've been raggin' on about.. hm.. X5girl suspension -AND- reworking clutch and throw? gon'be another expensive year, heheh.

EDIT: 15% off, -ORDERED!
will not arrive until SSK has been re-created, so be a while for review.. I am definitely psyched!

[RickM5X3]

Sounds like a great upgrade.

I had a 3.0i 5-speed manual loaner from my dealer over 5 years ago, and still remember how much fun it was! Sad that it will likely be the last manual X5 that I ever drive. I remember that it was a long-throw, but not any worse than the E39 M5. Our X3 manual is no short shifter, but is a generation ahead of that X5 and the M5.

[Gregory891]

For Phr3d's questions on a UUC short shifter.

The UUC site allows you to download the instructions (universal but the procedure REALLY is the same) to know how to do this. I've put them on three BMW's so far - always a great improvement. My E30 325i touring was sold five years ago & I know the current owner loves the UUC short shifter (Evo2 version). Same for my former E34 touring 525i (converted to 5 speed manual). Reworked clutch valve (I removed the valve part myself) was a VERY nice improvement - DO IT. As for the clutch, mine is fine but I will plan for a UUC clutch (the 3.0 diesel has the same as an E39 540i, so I'm in luck).

I have a follow-up call with Rob on 23 Dec 2011 to check status. I'll mention other's interest and try to give you a part / reference number so you can order yours. Pass this on to other X5 3.0 manual people (gasoline and diesel).

[Phr3d]

Rob mentioned you by name and was pleased that there was more interest. His ball-park was 'weeks' but that worked for me since Santa smashed m' Visa, lol, it was a double blessing, got the 15 % sale prices but it won't be available 'til after christmas, so I can save up m' pennies until then (mine IS already ordered for approximately $300 with the sale).

I've read most of the site as well as werken-centric forums and haven't found a bad review yet.. Thanks for your review, pretty sure that This is what I bin needin'

(and Zeckhausen replacement for the 'I am stupid' valve is indeed on the way. My clutch is good, like yours, but at 120k.. well, by the time Rob and I were done the entire kit sounded like a better plan, as the flywheel is nearly as stupid as the clutch valve, so if I'm gonna tear it apart that far, might as well be done with it for a few 10k mi with a thorough inspection of everything driveline in the process).

[Ricky Bobby]

any updates on this?

[Ricky Bobby]

saw it on UUC website, 355 not bad!


will this short shifter remove a lot of the sloppy feeling from my stock shifter, or will I need additional parts? the free play in the shifter is what feels really bad and makes it sloppy to shift, i'd look forward to a shorter shift though!

[Gregory891]

I don't know what your shifter is like. The UUC shifter will take out a lot of play - it would be a smart thing to replace the U joint on the shifter rod that exits the back of the transmission. I did the same with the UUC short shifter on my former E34 and was quite happy with the results.

[Phr3d]

No word at all from Rob regarding the shifter, will try to remember to call him Monday when der X is at stealer..