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      03-28-2011, 01:47 PM   #33
onebluemcm
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Drives: '07 Z4MC
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Richmond, VA

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Autosolutions here, as many of you may know already from my write up.

I didn't think there was much of a 1-2 problem before the AS shifter. I came to my Z4M from and E46 M3, and for me the Z4M shifter was an improvement.

As installed, the AS shifter takes the driving experience to a new level, IMO. People get "increased tightness" or "resistance" with the AS kit because of a minor detail with the supplied bushings. With the bushings corrected (thank the Lord I noticed this before the install), it's as precise as you can get in this car and still quite smooth. I have no other upgrades to engine or trans suspension and I really don't get much hesitation from one gear to the next, but maybe I need to pay more attention to it.

BTW, the AS kit's main goal for the Z4M is to increase precision and feel of the shifter with shortening the shifter height or throw being secondary. In the M3, the AS kit can be had with as much as 40% reduction in throw. This kit in the Z4M reduced throw a bit but it essentially feels like stock. For me, exactly what I wanted. It's not a little "flippable" shifter in this trans, you have to deliberately put it where you want it and the AS kit is very good for this trans. I also decided on the AS shifter because it is virtually hands down the best shifter for the E46 M3 and has been known as such for several years now. The reputation of the build quality and improvement in shifting over the years on that chassis meant something to me.

Was it worth the effort to install? Absolutely yes, as much as it sucked I'd definitely do it again. I might not have had to take down the x-pipe - one unknown to me was whether of not you can get section 1 of the exhaust down by itself. If you don't have to take the x-pipe down, it's a lot less work. I still don't know the answer to this..... If you have a desire to improve on the shifter, I'd definitely be contacting Ronald @ Autosolutions to see if there are any over produced ones left.
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