UUC Shift Kit update
 

Had a nice visit this afternoon with Rob at UUC. They have a couple of 'test' X5 installs out and about and he's heard nothing back from the owners: a good sign. He'll reach out to them to confirm no issues and get back to me; they are understandably reluctant to put kits out on the market without feedback from their 'beta' testers. Apparently, the Double Shear Selector Rod [DSSR] they sell is a no-go in our application; he suggests minor OEM wear part replacements rather than a DSSR coincident to the shift kit install.

If the reports are good, I'll take the new ride up to UUC in the next couple of weeks for their install of the SSK and their clutch delay valve [CDV] replacement, and change the tranny fluid to Redline MTL and do the diff fluids and transaxle, too. With these, I might have an SUV that does justice to my driving experience with E28 and E36 bimmers .....

If this works out, it looks like quality shift kits will soon be available for all of us 'gearjammers,' at least in the USofA. The Euro regulatory state might be an obstacle for exports, but who knows?

That 1st gear ain't so goofy when you're blown! LoL..

Awesome to hear Riggo and thanks for visiting Rob at UUC! Would be interested to know which shift parts he recommended replacement on in lieu of the DSSR not being included in their SSK kit, most likely just a few bucks worth of bushings.

Pricing still set around 350 or so correct? Looking forward to your updates!

We didn't talk price, I assume same as they charge for their other SSKs [$350]. I don't recall the details of the stock parts replacement alternative to a DSSR, but will likely know soon. He did say the costs were nominal, $30-50, so I'm assuming its bushings, or something similar.

Spammer alert. ^^^^ DO NOT click qiajuytera0009's links!

While I applaud UUC's efforts to put together a good shorter alternative shifter for the e53, I don't see how this would be any more complicated than it is for other cars. I still think that off-the-shelf parts from other BMWs could be used to successfully get a short shifter on the X5 without going to a third-party. It's been done for a long time with other cars (info on this business for the e28 is here, and the e39 here) And if you check the application cross reference of the parts that mate the shift lever (#5) with the shifting arm (#1) and selector rod (#9), they look to be off-the-shelf items, used on many other cars (e28 and e39 included.) What you'd want is a lever with a shorter distance between the pivot ball and the knob and a slightly longer distance between the pivot ball and where it connects with the selector rod.

#11, Part #25117571899, is used on many cars, as is #6, Part #25111220600.

http://realoem.com/bmw/diagrams/v/e/92.png

RealOEM.com * BMW E53 X5 3.0i Gear shift parts,manual transm./4-wheel

Quoted below is some of the pertinent info from the e28 Shifter FAQ thread on mye28.com; since part numbers 6 & 11 also fit the e28, I wouldn't be surprised if the levers mentioned here would also work on the e53. Assuming they would interface properly with the bearing cup and the selector rod, the two things that would make it a go/no-go would be the bend in the lever and if the distance between the pivot ball and the selector rod joint were long enough that it would interfere with driveshaft. The bend is less critical than the distance on the lower end of the lever. I think the only way to really tell is to get up in there and take some measurements, and maybe do some fitment trials. I haven't spent enough time underneath mine to know how accessible things are; I know on other cars you can get at the bits with the exhaust and driveshaft in place, but it's a lot easier with them out of the way. Next spring I'll likely be tackling the job of pulling the transmission out to replace the shift detent pins, and will take copious notes along the way.

Dave I'm totally with you man, I remember in my VW days it was a 50 dollar mod with a shifter and 2 bushings to upgrade your MKIV GTI shifter to the "Audi TT shifter" which was about 25% shorter, and more solid gear changes.

If we are talking about just replacing the selector rod itself (and a few circlips and bushings), I would be hopeful that some BMW part would fit (a manual transmission X3 part comes to mind = FALSE I just checked RealOEM) in place, but not sure. Gregory891 in Switzerland did send a stock shifter piece to UUC for testing, maybe he took some pics of the stock piece and took some measurements?

Here is a pic of the E53 shifter, I cross checked to be sure and 5 and 6 speed are same part, so if we either find a solution or if UUC comes out with theirs it will be beneficial to owners of both manuals:

http://c1552172.r72.cf0.rackcdn.com/250102_x600.jpg

http://c1552172.r72.cf0.rackcdn.com/250104_x800.jpg

Looks to be one hell of a wicked bend if you ask me, not to mention the length between the bottom of the "rod" and the distance to the pivot ball on the bend is extremely long compared to other models. Just going over E39 dimensions, E46, and E83 dimensions, it's unlikely that another shifter will fit.

Quick update: I haven't heard back yet from Rob at UUC, I'll give him a call this week. I'm generally familiar with Stygar from my E36 days. I, too, would like a less expensive way to improve the shift linkage and pattern, but if UUC can provide a long-lived, effective solution, I'm prepared to spend a couple extra benjamins for the pleasure.

Hey guys. Remember me?

Just curious... what are the going rates on E53 X5 3.0s with 5 or 6 speeds?

Found a 6 speed locally for $10k, 120k miles.

Miss you Dan :wavey:


6-speed is nice, 10k sounds pretty good too, miles are a bit high but if its been maintained well, and is nicely equipped, I'd say its a good starting point for negotiation.

Let us know color combo, options, mods and maintenance history. 1 owner maintained well is definitely a plus as well!

Would love to see you back on here :)

All prices are condition/mileage related, but a primo 2006 six speed, w/the bells & whistles, puts the top end around $18k [both blue book and reality of the marketplace .....]. I saw 04-06s, mileage well under 100k, on the market for $13-16k. One I considered in Colorado [06, 70k miles, but needed some TLC] is asking $15.9k.