Hey I was pulling part numbers and realized that some of the gear shift parts are not the same between Non-LCI and LCI.

RB, Make sure your using the right diagram for your application. mcurcio1989 actual shift arm is a different design..... and what UUC told him applies to his design. Its a good idea that you are replacing all those bushings. Your shift arm bushings are a higher wear/stress item similar to other BMW's. You may want the Delirin Bushings, etc. For sure now, I will need the selector arm measurements to build you a DSSR. Mine LCI version looks to be different. I may have to buy both versions of the selector rod. I bet you that's why the is no DSSR for the e53. Two versions for a low production product... its gotta make sense for them to make a profit.

No sweat on the shift arm measurements and that does make sense if the arm is different between 5 spd and 6 speed versions! Hell you can have my OEM shif lever for free once the Evo3 is in, I don't need it!

Here is my 5 speed shifter diagram from realoem for my 9/2003 build 5 speed:

http://realoem.com/bmw/diagrams/l/u/196.png

I just bought 2 of the #2 bushings for the shifter arm, as Rob includes #3 and #4 in the Evo3 kit from what mcurcio is showing. Stock rubber for now, but much better than 10 year old bushings!

Oooooops! Sorry man. I was the one with the oh s**t moment. Your late build '03 is probably one of the last few 5 speeds made. Its good that you have the updated design. Just wanted to make sure you got everything you needed. Sounds like your right on target.

Here's some pics of my original '01 5-speed. "The Green Dragon" You never forget your "first".

Hey man that is the OG Green Dragon, looking sweet!

Just double checked Realoem, for my 9/2003 build and for the LCI build (I used 9/2005 as build date) all the shifter part numbers are exactly the same. I guess that was the "cutoff month". But you are correct, all early 5 speed models UP TO 9/2003 have this style shifter:

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

1 Mounting point on the shifter arm as opposed to 2. My build day is 9/18/2003 so I'm guessing I have the dual mount shifter arm, but if for some reason I don't, and I only have that one bushing on the arm, I would DEFINITELY get a UUC delrin replacement bushing (oval) for that arm to tighten up the feel. Thanks for pointing out GD that for the prior - 9/03 builds (5 speeds) that you may want to invest the 25 bucks in the Delrin bushing for that arm.

Will update this thread when I get to work on the install for mine.

Now that I have had her in for a few days I figured I would give my impressions which are overall good.

It definitely takes some getting used to because, as expected, the shorter throw requires more force. It is very smooth but just takes more force. Additionally the lack of a rubber bushing on the shifter arm makes for a stiffer shift. It changes the feel from having more of a soft luxury feel to a sporty aggressive feel. To be honest when I first put it on I wasn't sure I liked it but after driving it for 6 days the feel has really grown on me. It is a very firm defined shift. You feel exactly where the shifter is going and the throw is very much noticeably shorter.

The only complaint I have is that when I pull the shifter towards the rear (for 2, 4, 6) I get a kind of clicking / knock noise. I am not sure what is causing this and I need to look into it cause it sounds cheap and loose. I am in no way trying to say this is because of the shifter - there is probably something a little loose or needing re-positioned somewhere. I am probably going to hang on to my oem shifter because, as easy as this is to put in, I think it would be cool to have the option to switch between the two to shake up the feel from time to time.

Are you sure that the clicking when shifting is not due to the harder bushings on the shifter design, eliminating the plastic and rubber? When I had my VW I installed delrin bushings on the shifter linkage, which gave a subtle "click click" when changing gears, a very positive shifting experience which felt very racy and was expected.

My guess is if you are not having a sound from underneath the car, that the shifting sound is just the positive engagement of the tighter bushings and shorter throw, it may take some getting used to but if it is how I imagine then it's designed that way. I'd have my shifter in already but I'm waiting on my order from ECS which has my 2 new rubber bushings for the shifter arm.

The fact that it only does it when pulling back makes me think it shouldn't be like that. Also if I go slower and let it drop into the gear but not hit the stop it won't make the noise.

Hmmm, are you sure the "bitch clips" are engaged properly? Everything greased up and tightened down as it should be?

:iagree: check to make make sure everything is tight. Have someone row throw the gears while you are under the car, paying close attention to the specific transitions. Like you said, the shifts to 2-4-6, are a specific motion. The bottom of the shifter is pushing the selector rod forward. High stress on the selector rod and bushings. You may need to add additional bushings/washers to take up some slop.

*Here's why I think that. The e53 varied frequently b/t needing washers and not needing washers on the shift rod/selector rod junction during the production run. UUC's is universal in that respect, and you need to address the fitment on a case to case basis.

Post me your actual part number on the shifter...... And I'll post the different variances.

Different part # for this lever (some are discontinued):
#___________Since___Till
25117540036_2003.09_2005.03_(wide bushing)
25117543190_1999.08_2003.09_(regular bushing)
25117543191_2005.03_2006.09_(wide bushing)
25111434624_1999.08_2003.09_(regular bushing)
25117525645_2003.09_2004.10_(wide bushing)

Let me know of this helps brother.