Sloppy Shifter
Pete Lautares
Das Kummet - Tidewater Chapter
How may adverts have you seen for various short shift kits which include new bronze/wondermetal/kryptonite shift bushings? These kits have their good points - BMW shift throws are too long, and when the bushings are worn there is too much lost action for a proper "sporting" shift. However; another source of lost shift action is wear of the nylon cup bushings that support the shift lever. Check for wear by lifting the shift boot and moving the shifter in the vertical plane, there should be no play. If wear is severe the cup bushings may need to be replaced, but often the slack can be taken up by using shims between the top of the tension spring upper cap and retainer clip. Shim part numbers are 23 41 466 125/126/127 in .5/.6/.7 mm thicknesses @ $0.63 ea. If the pivotball is dry lubricate it with redline synthetic grease or even an antiseize compound.