GB: AutoSolutions SSK for Z4M

onebluemcm · 02-04-2011, 07:34 PM

I used to let frustration get to me - anymore, I've learned to take breaks, think about something else, and usually I get things done quicker that way.

Now I'm sitting at my work bench trying to figure out how to thin down the supplied plastic washers and maintain some semblance of keeping it flat in the process - they are all a tad too thick. Not as easy as it would seem...file, sand paper, hard to keep it flat while removing material.

3002 tii · 02-04-2011, 09:00 PM

did you guys take a look at this?

http://m3.madrussian.net/diy_as_ssk.shtml

Step 17: Disconnecting the Selector Rod from the AS Shift Lever

For some ungodly reason the shift lever is shipped connected to the selector rod from AutoSolutions.

Its not like at this point you're looking for more shit to take apart.

Anyway, with a small screw driver carefully pop off the clip from the selector rod, remove the plastic washers and pull out the selector rod from the shift lever.

Z4-VILLA · 02-05-2011, 03:32 AM

oh.....shit........

wrh3 · 02-05-2011, 08:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dubbedown

did you guys take a look at this?

http://m3.madrussian.net/diy_as_ssk.shtml

Step 17: Disconnecting the Selector Rod from the AS Shift Lever

For some ungodly reason the shift lever is shipped connected to the selector rod from AutoSolutions.

Its not like at this point you're looking for more shit to take apart.

Anyway, with a small screw driver carefully pop off the clip from the selector rod, remove the plastic washers and pull out the selector rod from the shift lever.

I reviewed the MadRussian DIY before the E46 M3 installation I did a few weeks ago. This isn't really a big deal, 3 seconds with a small flat head screwdriver to remove the circlips and another 3 seconds with the screwdriver to reinstall. I think he ships it assembled as a final QA check to make sure all the pieces work together as desired.

I don't think the Z4M kit ships with the selector rod though? OE is reused?

Shereef_Osman · 02-05-2011, 08:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by onebluemcm

I used to let frustration get to me - anymore, I've learned to take breaks, think about something else, and usually I get things done quicker that way.

Now I'm sitting at my work bench trying to figure out how to thin down the supplied plastic washers and maintain some semblance of keeping it flat in the process - they are all a tad too thick. Not as easy as it would seem...file, sand paper, hard to keep it flat while removing material.

Factory washers are thinner than the AS ones, you can reuse some of them.

Shereef_Osman · 02-05-2011, 08:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shereef_Osman

Factory washers are thinner than the AS ones, you can reuse some of them.

Also you should note, once you put that selector rod in the coupler / lever, it is not coming out (well not until the car has been driven for a while), so I would put one factory washer before and one after.

onebluemcm · 02-05-2011, 09:57 AM

First, wrh3 - correct - M3madrussian's description does not apply to us - we reuse the factory selector rod (and I can see why, it's pretty stout - got some mass to it)

Second, the factory shifter on Z4M does not have washers at the selector rod connections - mine did not anyway. I discovered a way to make the supplied washers work better - will be in forthcoming DIY. The devil is in the details - one reason why I am never in a hurry - if it takes me longer to be meticulous, so be it.

onebluemcm · 02-05-2011, 10:24 AM

Need torque values for the exhaust - headers to Sect1, Sect1 to x-pipe, x-pipe to cans.... Anyone got them? Would be nice to have them, Can probably get it by feel if no numbers available.

NM - found it in TIS...

wrh3 · 02-05-2011, 11:24 AM

I was looking for it while you found it.....but you did remind me that my exhaust write-up was missing this so I added the TIS instructions and torque specs at the bottom with conversions to ft/lbs:

http://www.billswebspace.com/MZ4ExhaustRR.htm

onebluemcm · 02-05-2011, 12:11 PM

Nice - Bill, you're making all my work in taking pics for a DIY kind of redundant!!

It's all good. I did find a different way to deal with the installation of the shifter and a few other minor detail things that can complement your write up.

What sort of TIS do you have? I have it on CD where it runs in a VM Ware virtual XP OS on my windows 7 system. It's and'06 version and I feel like an '07 or '08 version might contain more updated info. What do you think?

I will say right now, even with the car up on jack stands, the shifter is awesome. Not tight at all, as in requiring more force to move or shift, but very precise and positive feeling. There is a substantial decrease in the side to side slop when the shifter is in gear. I can't wait to drive it and see what it's like running - I anticipate it being unreal - quick, precise, and smooth. Not going to get to drive it soon - still have other work to do on the car....

wrh3 · 02-05-2011, 12:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by onebluemcm

Not tight at all, as in requiring more force to move or shift, but very precise and positive feeling.

This sounds great, the E46 M3 shifter is still HARD/TIGHT 1k miles later.

Shereef_Osman · 02-05-2011, 10:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wrh3

This sounds great, the E46 M3 shifter is still HARD/TIGHT 1k miles later.

This morning I swapped in the stock shift knob over the ZHP and it feels ALOT better, but I think also that the shifter is working in, it's starting to feel really really nice, especially with the taller knob, just can't stand how ugly it is compared to the ZHP, lol.

PS onebluemcm with the car off the shifter will always feel nice, turn the car on and then see how it feels, totally different, not bad, just very tight. Also I had thin yellow factory washers on either side of the coupler / lever with the stock setup, not sure why you didn't.

Z4-VILLA · 02-06-2011, 12:01 AM

too bad we cant shave down the bottome end of the stock shifter to match the zhp height then modify for a clean oem look with a shorter height

3002 tii · 02-10-2011, 12:38 PM

putting on my ssk this saturday, can't wait...

3002 tii · 02-12-2011, 05:05 PM

Just had the kit installed, install was a biatch for sure, maybe I had a freak part but the hole on the bottom of the shifter was not big enough to let the rod slip in. After calling Ronald he agreed to take back the part for inspection but being so close to the install I just wanted to finish. So took a dremel to the inside to let the tip slip in, then hammered it. Yes so many innuendos lol.

Initial feedback, was worried I made the wrong choice given how stiff the shifter was but as others mentioned after 15 mins you really get used to it, and things will definitely loosen up. But overall... controlled, precise, and direct. No chance of misshifting, no slack, overall motion (in the directions you DON'T want) are limited. 6th gear is a tricep workout but again things will loosen up...., very happy overall that I went with this kit.

mfanatic325 · 02-12-2011, 05:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dubbedown

...the hole on the bottom of the shifter was not big enough to let the rod slip in...so many innuendos lol...things will definitely loosen up. But overall... controlled, precise, and direct. No misshifting, no slack, overall motion (in the directions you DON'T want)...a tricep workout but again things will loosen up....very happy overall that I went with this kit.

3002 tii · 02-12-2011, 06:18 PM

LOL I knew what I was risking with that review. I should add, first doesn't seem as difficult to engage, although maybe because I'm so used to the added effort from other gears. The only thing I noticed so far is that when I'm in neutral and I move the shifter side to side, sometimes it gets caught in the H pattern, ie the slits between 1st and 3rd, or 5th and 6h? I mean it's still is able to make its way through but you feel the shifter is catching on something.

Also threw on the M knob since the ZHP knob was no longer needed. I was able to get it to light up with the connector going into the Sport Button. Stock M knob (which is same height as the non-M knob) puts the shifter at a perfect height in my opinion.

mfanatic325 · 02-12-2011, 08:41 PM

Yup, side to side in neutral has a tiiiiiiiiiiny bit of resistance; approximately 1/5 the amount of resistance when one tries to push over into reverse gear. It's not caused any issues, so I'm assuming it's normal. I've alread had a full track day and MANY miles with th SSK. No problems whatsoever =]

Z4-VILLA · 02-13-2011, 01:21 PM

damn my ssk is waiting for the headers to come back from jet hot.....im doing everything at once.......i cant wait.....

mb1 · 03-10-2011, 09:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wrh3

This sounds great, the E46 M3 shifter is still HARD/TIGHT 1k miles later.

Its finally starting to loosen up. Its not work to drive any longer. I must be 1,500 miles now since we put it in. I like it better than the UUC in your e92 (and the UUC I had in my e92 335) but then that's a totally different transmission.

For everyone else, this A/S ssk did exaggerate the tranny's reluctance to shift into 1st and 2nd in the cold even with RP tranny fluid. Other than babying it for the first mile, its not too bad. Its night and day compared to the e46 stock tranny's feel.

I wonder if this kit feels similar on the e36 or e92 (two cars I'd like to add down the road).

onebluemcm · 03-11-2011, 02:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mb1

Its finally starting to loosen up. Its not work to drive any longer. I must be 1,500 miles now since we put it in. I like it better than the UUC in your e92 (and the UUC I had in my e92 335) but then that's a totally different transmission.

For everyone else, this A/S ssk did exaggerate the tranny's reluctance to shift into 1st and 2nd in the cold even with RP tranny fluid. Other than babying it for the first mile, its not too bad. Its night and day compared to the e46 stock tranny's feel.

I wonder if this kit feels similar on the e36 or e92 (two cars I'd like to add down the road).

It's the bushings as supplied - with no chamfer on them where they sit at the bottom of the selector rod pins, the linkage binds and will likely be sticky or tight for a long, long time. With the small chamfer I added to the supplied bushings, mine was slick as snot and very precise from the first shift - not tight/sticky/difficult to shift anymore than original. Well, ok, maybe a teency bit firmer into each gear - I think it's from the reduced leverage from a slightly shorter shifter, not binding of the linkage. I've never had a problem with 1st or 2nd and the shifter didn't any any problem.

Sorry to say it but should have chamfered the white plastic bushings a tiny bit...

inTgr8r · 03-11-2011, 03:17 PM

^good info, thanks

I'll do that when I install mine.

02-04-2011, 07:34 PM	#375
onebluemcm Captain 42 Rep 632 Posts Drives: '07 Z4MC Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Richmond, VA iTrader: (0)	I used to let frustration get to me - anymore, I've learned to take breaks, think about something else, and usually I get things done quicker that way. Now I'm sitting at my work bench trying to figure out how to thin down the supplied plastic washers and maintain some semblance of keeping it flat in the process - they are all a tad too thick. Not as easy as it would seem...file, sand paper, hard to keep it flat while removing material. __________________ \|=.-._.-._.-._.-._.-._.-._.-._.-._.-._.-._.-.=\| Silbergrau A08 / Sepang Brown LSD6 / Carbon Leather 4MY (1 of 3, this combo) RAC RG63 \| Conti EC-DW \| GC/Koni-Dinan \| Rogue RSM \| Arqray \| Autosolutions \| BMW brace \| Pinnacle tint
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02-04-2011, 09:00 PM	#376
3002 tii Lieutenant General 2286 Rep 12,565 Posts Drives: Z4 M, X5, GX460 Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: CT iTrader: (99) Garage List F15 X5 xDrive35i [8.75] E86 Z4 M [10.00] F10 550i (Retired) [9.17] F25 X3 xDrive35i (R ... [9.43] E82 135is (Retired) [9.50] E85 Z4 M (Retired) [9.41] E90 328i xDrive (Re ... [9.25] E86 Z4 3.0si (Retired) [9.24]	did you guys take a look at this? http://m3.madrussian.net/diy_as_ssk.shtml Step 17: Disconnecting the Selector Rod from the AS Shift Lever For some ungodly reason the shift lever is shipped connected to the selector rod from AutoSolutions. Its not like at this point you're looking for more shit to take apart. Anyway, with a small screw driver carefully pop off the clip from the selector rod, remove the plastic washers and pull out the selector rod from the shift lever. __________________ Follow for latest mods
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02-05-2011, 03:32 AM	#377
Z4-VILLA Banned 111 Rep 2,460 Posts Drives: Z4M Hardtop Roadster Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Classified iTrader: (0)	oh.....shit........
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02-05-2011, 09:57 AM	#381
onebluemcm Captain 42 Rep 632 Posts Drives: '07 Z4MC Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Richmond, VA iTrader: (0)	First, wrh3 - correct - M3madrussian's description does not apply to us - we reuse the factory selector rod (and I can see why, it's pretty stout - got some mass to it) Second, the factory shifter on Z4M does not have washers at the selector rod connections - mine did not anyway. I discovered a way to make the supplied washers work better - will be in forthcoming DIY. The devil is in the details - one reason why I am never in a hurry - if it takes me longer to be meticulous, so be it. __________________ \|=.-._.-._.-._.-._.-._.-._.-._.-._.-._.-._.-.=\| Silbergrau A08 / Sepang Brown LSD6 / Carbon Leather 4MY (1 of 3, this combo) RAC RG63 \| Conti EC-DW \| GC/Koni-Dinan \| Rogue RSM \| Arqray \| Autosolutions \| BMW brace \| Pinnacle tint
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02-05-2011, 10:24 AM	#382
onebluemcm Captain 42 Rep 632 Posts Drives: '07 Z4MC Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Richmond, VA iTrader: (0)	Need torque values for the exhaust - headers to Sect1, Sect1 to x-pipe, x-pipe to cans.... Anyone got them? Would be nice to have them, Can probably get it by feel if no numbers available. NM - found it in TIS... __________________ \|=.-._.-._.-._.-._.-._.-._.-._.-._.-._.-._.-.=\| Silbergrau A08 / Sepang Brown LSD6 / Carbon Leather 4MY (1 of 3, this combo) RAC RG63 \| Conti EC-DW \| GC/Koni-Dinan \| Rogue RSM \| Arqray \| Autosolutions \| BMW brace \| Pinnacle tint
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02-05-2011, 11:24 AM	#383
wrh3 Car Guy 31 Rep 796 Posts Drives: 2005 MCS, 2013 Corvette 427 Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: ATL, GA iTrader: (10)	I was looking for it while you found it.....but you did remind me that my exhaust write-up was missing this so I added the TIS instructions and torque specs at the bottom with conversions to ft/lbs: http://www.billswebspace.com/MZ4ExhaustRR.htm __________________ Bill- 2005 Mini Cooper S, 2013 Corvette 427 www.billswebspace.com/bmwindex BMW CCA Member # 389948
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02-05-2011, 12:11 PM	#384
onebluemcm Captain 42 Rep 632 Posts Drives: '07 Z4MC Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Richmond, VA iTrader: (0)	Nice - Bill, you're making all my work in taking pics for a DIY kind of redundant!! It's all good. I did find a different way to deal with the installation of the shifter and a few other minor detail things that can complement your write up. What sort of TIS do you have? I have it on CD where it runs in a VM Ware virtual XP OS on my windows 7 system. It's and'06 version and I feel like an '07 or '08 version might contain more updated info. What do you think? I will say right now, even with the car up on jack stands, the shifter is awesome. Not tight at all, as in requiring more force to move or shift, but very precise and positive feeling. There is a substantial decrease in the side to side slop when the shifter is in gear. I can't wait to drive it and see what it's like running - I anticipate it being unreal - quick, precise, and smooth. Not going to get to drive it soon - still have other work to do on the car.... __________________ \|=.-._.-._.-._.-._.-._.-._.-._.-._.-._.-._.-.=\| Silbergrau A08 / Sepang Brown LSD6 / Carbon Leather 4MY (1 of 3, this combo) RAC RG63 \| Conti EC-DW \| GC/Koni-Dinan \| Rogue RSM \| Arqray \| Autosolutions \| BMW brace \| Pinnacle tint Last edited by onebluemcm; 02-05-2011 at 12:17 PM..
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02-06-2011, 12:01 AM	#387
Z4-VILLA Banned 111 Rep 2,460 Posts Drives: Z4M Hardtop Roadster Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Classified iTrader: (0)	too bad we cant shave down the bottome end of the stock shifter to match the zhp height then modify for a clean oem look with a shorter height
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02-10-2011, 12:38 PM	#388
3002 tii Lieutenant General 2286 Rep 12,565 Posts Drives: Z4 M, X5, GX460 Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: CT iTrader: (99) Garage List F15 X5 xDrive35i [8.75] E86 Z4 M [10.00] F10 550i (Retired) [9.17] F25 X3 xDrive35i (R ... [9.43] E82 135is (Retired) [9.50] E85 Z4 M (Retired) [9.41] E90 328i xDrive (Re ... [9.25] E86 Z4 3.0si (Retired) [9.24]	putting on my ssk this saturday, can't wait... __________________ Follow for latest mods
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02-12-2011, 05:05 PM	#389
3002 tii Lieutenant General 2286 Rep 12,565 Posts Drives: Z4 M, X5, GX460 Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: CT iTrader: (99) Garage List F15 X5 xDrive35i [8.75] E86 Z4 M [10.00] F10 550i (Retired) [9.17] F25 X3 xDrive35i (R ... [9.43] E82 135is (Retired) [9.50] E85 Z4 M (Retired) [9.41] E90 328i xDrive (Re ... [9.25] E86 Z4 3.0si (Retired) [9.24]	Just had the kit installed, install was a biatch for sure, maybe I had a freak part but the hole on the bottom of the shifter was not big enough to let the rod slip in. After calling Ronald he agreed to take back the part for inspection but being so close to the install I just wanted to finish. So took a dremel to the inside to let the tip slip in, then hammered it. Yes so many innuendos lol. Initial feedback, was worried I made the wrong choice given how stiff the shifter was but as others mentioned after 15 mins you really get used to it, and things will definitely loosen up. But overall... controlled, precise, and direct. No chance of misshifting, no slack, overall motion (in the directions you DON'T want) are limited. 6th gear is a tricep workout but again things will loosen up...., very happy overall that I went with this kit. __________________ Follow for latest mods
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02-12-2011, 06:18 PM	#391
3002 tii Lieutenant General 2286 Rep 12,565 Posts Drives: Z4 M, X5, GX460 Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: CT iTrader: (99) Garage List F15 X5 xDrive35i [8.75] E86 Z4 M [10.00] F10 550i (Retired) [9.17] F25 X3 xDrive35i (R ... [9.43] E82 135is (Retired) [9.50] E85 Z4 M (Retired) [9.41] E90 328i xDrive (Re ... [9.25] E86 Z4 3.0si (Retired) [9.24]	LOL I knew what I was risking with that review. I should add, first doesn't seem as difficult to engage, although maybe because I'm so used to the added effort from other gears. The only thing I noticed so far is that when I'm in neutral and I move the shifter side to side, sometimes it gets caught in the H pattern, ie the slits between 1st and 3rd, or 5th and 6h? I mean it's still is able to make its way through but you feel the shifter is catching on something. Also threw on the M knob since the ZHP knob was no longer needed. I was able to get it to light up with the connector going into the Sport Button. Stock M knob (which is same height as the non-M knob) puts the shifter at a perfect height in my opinion. __________________ Follow for latest mods Last edited by 3002 tii; 02-13-2011 at 03:42 AM..
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02-12-2011, 08:41 PM	#392
mfanatic325 ///M-fanatic 193 Rep 3,885 Posts Drives: '01 911 Turbo Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Cupertino, CA. iTrader: (23)	Yup, side to side in neutral has a tiiiiiiiiiiny bit of resistance; approximately 1/5 the amount of resistance when one tries to push over into reverse gear. It's not caused any issues, so I'm assuming it's normal. I've alread had a full track day and MANY miles with th SSK. No problems whatsoever =]
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02-13-2011, 01:21 PM	#393
Z4-VILLA Banned 111 Rep 2,460 Posts Drives: Z4M Hardtop Roadster Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Classified iTrader: (0)	damn my ssk is waiting for the headers to come back from jet hot.....im doing everything at once.......i cant wait.....
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03-11-2011, 03:17 PM	#396
inTgr8r Lieutenant General 2432 Rep 11,667 Posts Drives: M2 Comp Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Toronto iTrader: (10)	^good info, thanks I'll do that when I install mine. __________________ '21 M2C Hockenheim Silver '18 718 Cayman S Lava Orange (sold) '13 E92 M3 Santorini Blue (sold) '07 Z4 M Coupe Alpine White (sold)
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