So I've read about people putting the shifter from a E60 550 into a E46 or other 5 series for shorter throws. I was curious to know If its ever been done on an X5. For $60 you can't beat the price.

^You can rig your own short shifter but theres a reason it hasn't been done - the X5's trans tunnel is different and the shifter itself is a lot longer at the bend - I just paid the $300 for the UUC and don't even sweat the purchase now, its a great short shifter.

Cough, Cough, aaahhhemmmm. Oh its been done.;) The UUC is beautiful and does a very nice job and is worth the $300. I did mine for $150 by modifying a Schmiedmann adjustable short shifter so I can adjust it perfectly. I like a challenge. More to come on this project as well as a custom DSSR/selector rod from a solid titanium or stainless rod. I have both, but can't decide on which direction to go..... more mass verses less mass. Expect something this spring.

Sweet! How'd you adjust it to fit? Also, can all the work be done from above?

^The work could all be done from above except the bottom clip on the lever for me - Ryan I forgot about your custom job, but was inferring on just doing a standard BMW shifter swap like the E60 lever for $60 which to my knowledge has not been done to give shorter throws using a BMW factory part, thus far.

Oh well... For the time being, I'll try to fix my side to side slop while in gear. I think it's time the shift rod connector that connects the selector shaft to the transmission. And you were able to access that?? I was also looking at DSSR's but it looks like we would need to go custom.

You can replace the selector rod if its sloppy - there are 2 bushings if I recall correctly that go on the factory selector rod which are like $4 each - However, you should hope that your shifter pin holding the selector rod in place on top of the trans isn't seized like mine was - the "jesus clip" if you will, mine was easily rotated but was frozen in place, I could not get it out for the life of me, and there isn't any room on top of the trans to hammer it out either - So I did the entire UUC install from under the car and in the cabin, its definitely doable.

Someday I will get my selector rod out, just not on the list of priorities, I still have the new bushings in my toolbox and a new jesus clip.

Hi y'all. New E53 5 speed owner here in TN. New to the X5 world, but not to BMWs -- we currently own 3 E30s along with the X. Here's the details and highlights:

2003 E53 X5 in titanium silver, tan leather interior
3.0 M54
5 Speed Manual
161,000 Miles
Black headliner
E70 Wheels
Rear suspension converted to static

Needs a bit of work still to be 100%. Looking like shifter bushings, front CV boots, sway links and control arms, O2 sensors, and (hopefully not) catalytic converters (threw an SES light the day after I brought it home). Pretty pleased with it so far though.

:xoutpost:

welcome Biddle and congrats. I like them in silver. Do consider the UUC shift kit and clutch delay valve delete, great improvements on shifting performance.