Nice! Do you think you'll be able to just bend the non-threaded part in the center?

Tomorrow I may be buying the white base model I posted a while back. I'm taking it to have a PPI done at a reputable indy shop (that specializes in BMW), and if it checks out, pretty sure I'm going for it. First thing I'll probably do is replace the shift bushings / carrier pin, and change the tranny fluid. Anyone used teflon ones, like these? Also, recommendations on what fluid to use?

I'm excited for you :thumbup:

Please keep us posted :popcorn:

Yeah, I gotta match up the angle of the stock shifter. I think there is enough tolerance with the adaptability of the rod, that I can find the sweet spot. "Fingers Crossed". Worse case, I may lose some of the upper adjustment of the upper most part due to the high oem angle. I can always make a new threaded rod if necessary..... and a few clones for my e53 brothers to adapt it over.

Congrats on the new ride. I used Red Line fluid when I changed my gear box fluid. I went with the Red Line D4 ATF. 2 quarts. You can go with their MTL, or do a hybrid of 50:50 MTL and D4 ATF. I had read that you get better winter performance with the D4 ATF straight, but honestly, I think I will try the hybrid approach next. The BMW OEM "lifetime" fluid can be purchased in 5 quart quantities at a premium price. You can also purchase a cross compatible fluid made by....Pentosin (German made)at Oreilly's at about $20 a quart which is good stuff. My personal vote is Red Line.

Good find on the Teflon bushing. You'd be the first that I know of. I'm putting in a new cup and assessing the rest of the bushings as I go.

I changed my manual tranny fluid to Redline MTL when I bought my X, shifts phenomenally. Used Redline 75w-90 in both diffs, and Redline D4 ATF in the transfer case.

I like having fresh fluids at all times, good luck at the PPI Dillon!

RB,
Do you have any issues with winter temps (other than the normal, "go easy till it warms up") with the MTL? Just curious. Thinking about swapping fluids.

Welp, now you can officially welcome me to the three pedal club :thumbup: The PPI on that white car went well, save for a few things---most importantly, driver front window regulator (which actually imploded on my way back tonight) and a rear upper control arm---but these are minor and expected on a vehicle of this age. I made an offer for what I felt was acceptable, and they took it. Here she is next to my M3. Can't wait to learn all about these things!

http://i892.photobucket.com/albums/a...g?t=1377140005

Awesome Dillon, based on their asking price i'm assuming you came around 8k or under, which is a great price for reliable winter transportation! Welcome (I'll add you to the list!)

You already know the inline 6 is dead reliable if all else is maintained, just take care of the broken stuff (window regulators, suspension pieces, etc), and do some mods along the way and drive the hell out of it!

Nope! Go ahead and switch it up! Have you done a fluid swap yet on your 6-speed? (not sure of your mileage) Or are you looking to just try a different fluid lol!

That would be the MT-90 that might be slightly "notchy" until warmed up, because I was worried about that too. The MTL from what I read is about 70w-80 fluid (OEM MTF is 75w-80), so the MTL is closest to what comes in the transmission stock.

MT-90 is recommended more for manual transmissions that don't see much of a winter as far as I knew, and my BMW indy recommended staying as close to OEM viscosity as possible, so he said the MTL would be best for me.

Congrats and enjoi i love my 3 pedal machine. Too bad i didnt see the one for sale in newton nj im 15minutes from there. i would have sold you my 5 spd with sports package and bought that one :D

For a manual, per Mike Miller of the BMW CCA (aside M cars), Redline ATF is good but Redline MTL is better. I've tried both my 5 speed manual X5 (2002 3.0 diesel), I'd say the MTL is even better - and no negative issues in winter (coldest here is perhaps -10 C).

As for a short shifter, I spoke to UUC last week (I call every two months). They HAVE produced the first "restart" Evo 3 for the X5 E53 5 or 6 speed manual. Why "restart" you say? When UUC last produced this for the X5, it was many years ago, and it was the Evo 2 stage design. They naturally wanted to update to current design - which has taken quite some time.

First one recently went to a customer in Illinois and they had to make a change to accommodate something in the carrier (where the shifter ball goes) which is modestly different on the X5. I've been advised to check back mid September, and I'll keep people informed of this - as I am one of the people who have pre-ordered this.