UUC Motorwerks IS putting the X53 3.0 short shifter back in production. They sold some a number of years ago (Evo 2 version) and I ordered one 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.

Updates on the short shifter. Rob needed a new X5 shifter rod to check some design elements. I live in Europe so ordered one and mailed to him around Easter weekend.

They (UUC) needed to move their machining / tooling to a new facility, which delayed some orders. They've caught up on the existing ones and will be producing mine (and some additional three or four X5 short shifters) sometime in May / early June.

Bottom line, order yours. They are really coming. Mine will be on the car this summer.

I guess this never happened?

UUC Short shifter
 

I've sorted other issues on my X5 while waiting: Dynamat in the doors, PDC retrofit, etc. Now I have the factory sport rear sway bar and rear Bilstein's to install.

Last I spoke to Rob was August - he was swamped with orders (customer and his vendors) and the X5 was coming afterwards. He had between 5 and 10 pre-orders for this, so it's worth his trouble.

I plan on calling after Thanksgiving to follow up.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone. Im interested...

Only way to have it (and get production moving sooner) is to go to the UUC web site and order it. Put X5 in the search part to find the specific part number for your order (they only charge you when it ships). If you get stuck, drop me a note privately.

Does anyone have one of these (previous gen)? Before I spend $350+, want to make sure it's worth it.

I've put short shifters in most of the BMW's I've owned, E12 M535i, E30 325i touring & E34 525i touring. Definitely a cost effective improvement (Mehr Freude am Fahren for your money vs. other upgrades). They didn't exist when I had a 2002, but it will be done when I find the 2002 baur that I like (another story).

On the E12, it was before UUC existed - best then was Metric Mechanic (and the current car's owner is still happy with the car and shifter). A great product and it made a HUGE difference. For my former E30 & E34, the came from UUC. E30 was Evo2, E34 was Evo3, and again absolutely no regrets on this, all enjoyment. Based on UUC's reputation and knowledge (I've actually visited them in Alpharetta), I pre-ordered mine and will patiently wait.

Spoke to Rob this week (29 Nov), they are still getting caught up on orders and the holiday season. He has nearly ten of these pre-ordered, so he knows that there are people waiting. Put this in perspective: you don't spend the money until it ships, it's perhaps the cost of one tire (if you run 19" or larger) and you'll get enjoyment every time you drive the car and in any condition or mode (summer / winter / track).