hey, thanks guys. great responses...didn't think this would start quite a volume of conversation!
I had the same 1-2 grind issue with the stock shifter in my 3-series....getting the UUC Evo3 cured it, and made the throws short and deliberate. I would hope for the same result in the Z4M...and I agree it seems all BMW trans do not like to be rushed with "extreme haste".