Yo dudes, As some of you may have seen, I'm using an e46 M3 Trans in my 1j Altezza.. I know nothing about e46s so could do with the knowledge of you BMW dudes I need some info on the shifter components used on different Engine/Trans options.. Iv got the box and it has 1 rod sticking out the back, but not much else.. From what I gather, there is different length shifter rods depending on engine/trans.. Do all the shifter rods have the same fitment at both ends? ie. are they same but different length? ie. can I use longer/shorter ones if I need them to be longer or shorter? I'm guessing I need to cut the carrier/mounting bits out the tunnel of an e46 and weld it into mine.. Or is there a method of securing the components to the box itself? I can weld Alu so can make something up, but without seeing what it's supposed to look like in an original form I can't really do much.. Any help would be greatly appreciated Dale
The only part that needs mounting to the body/tunnel is the rear bush that the linkage sits in, and that just clips in. Most models have different linkage lengths, but it's only a link, box to tunnel linkage and gear lever at the end of the day. Google image e46 m3 gear linkage and it makes sense.
Or you can do it like this. https://scontent-a-fra.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/t1/1184932_428364367282106_257841963_n.jpg
The length of the rods doesn't concern me so much, i can always change that.. But just wanted to know if the end of the rods are all the same? ie. Can I get any e46 shifter and make it work with the m3 box? I have googled the shifter so I know roughly what it looks like, but I havnt been able to tell how it fixes to the tunnel. Edit... That spike bit hanging off the back that fixes to the tunnel, is it fixed, ie doesn't move? I'm thinking I can weld a flange on it that I can then bolt to my tunnel.. Any mileage in getting aftermarket short shift kit?
