GB: AutoSolutions SSK for Z4M

[wrh3]

Originally Posted by Dubbedown

speaking of knobs, so is the general consensus that ZHP + AS SSK is too short? also, can any aftermarket knob work on this kit?

I wouldn't think it is to short, but I know I convinced my friend with the E46 to try a UUC SS knob with his AS shifter and we found it to feel/work better with the shifter since it is so tight.

[onebluemcm]

Originally Posted by Dubbedown

speaking of knobs, so is the general consensus that ZHP + AS SSK is too short? also, can any aftermarket knob work on this kit?

Any aftermarket knob that fits the OEM shifter will fit on the AS shifter - it's identical to stock where the knob attaches. How an aftermarket knob attaches to the boot is a whole other issue...

Originally Posted by Shereef_Osman

Ya, I don't get it either, maybe the slit on the top of the shift lever is a different angle on the RHD?

Originally Posted by inTgr8r

^thanks

"knob rotation" ?

Anyone else notice that the slot in the top of the shifter is at a slight angle relative to the through hole in the bottom of the shifter? The slot is not parallel to the through hole at the bottom - I think he is referring to how they are set up or built with a different knob rotation/orientation.....

[3002 tii]

so anyone else have the kit installed yet?

[Shereef_Osman]

Originally Posted by Dubbedown

so anyone else have the kit installed yet?

Finally had some time to finish my install over the weekend. First impressions are that the shifter is tight, very tight. To a certain extent that is a good thing, although I am hoping that is loosens up a little bit. I have the ZHP shift knob and I know mfanatic switched back to stock, so I may try that and see how it feels but I think I will give it 1000 miles or so to work itself in a bit and then see how it feels.

Word of advice to anyone doing this install themselves, in Ronalds tips section of his install notes, he suggests either replacing the rear carrier mount or wrapping the end of the carrier with tape to tighten it up, this really does help significantly with the lateral movement of the carrier, very good tip. Also, I disconnected my driveshaft from the guibo on the tranny side, and that made things a lot easier! Although I had a few scares about removing the driveshaft, with the advice or several forum members, it went back together and I haven't had any issues. Thanks guys! Lastly, I wasn't able to fit any washers when installing the selector rod into the lever and coupler. Looking back, I would have probably used one of the factory washers which are much thinner than the ones supplied by Ronald. For some reason, I also trusted the factory circlips more than the ones supplied by Ronald.

Looking back, this install wasn't actually that hard, but that is only cause I have gone through it once now, the first time doing something like this might be a little stressful, so keep that in mind. Also I would not attempt this without a lift, it just makes things so much easier.

[inTgr8r]

Thanks for the update.

in Ronalds tips section of his install notes, he suggests either replacing the rear carrier mount or wrapping the end of the carrier with tape to tighten it up,

Tape seems a bit less than professional way to do this.
Would some heat shrink tube be a better fix?

[Shereef_Osman]

Originally Posted by inTgr8r

Thanks for the update.


Tape seems a bit less than professional way to do this.
Would some heat shrink tube be a better fix?

True, I used electrical tape pretty heavily and it seems to hold up but really you can use anything that will thicken the end of the carrier. You would probably want to use several applications of heat shrink though.

[Z4-VILLA]

any write up with pics?

[Shereef_Osman]

Originally Posted by Z4-Villalona

any write up with pics?

http://www.billswebspace.com/MZ4UUCEvo3DIY.htm

wrh3's UUC DIY is very useful, pretty much all the same steps, except our shift lever comes assembled already. The way I see it, there are two ways of installing the shift lever, either dissemble it and then resemble it after you have installed the shift carrier OR disconnect the driveshaft and then you can install it without taking it apart, although it is still not that easy. If I had snap ring pliers, I would have probably taken it apart, although removing the shift coupler would be a royal pain in the ass to remove, even with the driveshaft disconnected I was having trouble.

[Z4-VILLA]

mine comes in today.....cant wait

[3002 tii]

One other question I had, are all oem parts reusable or are there any one time parts I need to get in advance? Would hate to do the install on a weekend and then find out I need to run to the parts dept.

[Z4-VILLA]

this is very importnant to know ahead of time.....i need same info too

[onebluemcm]

OEM stuff will be reusable unless you F it up. What I want to know is what's this tape thing on the rear carrier mount all about? Don't recall ever hearing about a problem with that. Replace with OEM, or something else?

As for the idea of taking the snap ring off the AS shifter cup to disassemble, I tried it - that is one stout snap ring and before I got it out I decided this is probably a bad idea. Just looking at it, it has been assembled very well and seems like an area that could be messed up by taking it apart. Also, I'm not convinced the cup will slide over the the bottom part of the shifter where the hole is to connect to the selector rod - this part looks to be larger than the bottom hole in the cup. I was thinking the same thing and decided to abort....

[RobMCoupe]

My shop used the OEM clips instead AS. The shifter gets smoother after time. I like the feel and height with ZHP knob. It takes a little more effort since the knob is shorter, but I like the weighted feel.

[Z4-VILLA]

is there anything out there that has the ZHP knob but with the lights?

[Z4-VILLA]

im trying to keep thi car looking as original as possible....thanks

[3002 tii]

end of day, you should obviously choose what feels right but reason you might want to stick the stock height now that you've shortened the throws already:

http://www.rogueengineering.com/bmw/SNNN.html

[RBull]

Got mine yesterday. Some good points being made on here and probably more to come as the installs take place.

I haven't even looked at beyond opening the box.

[onebluemcm]

I've been doing this install today - taking lots of pictures to try and set up a DIY. One thing I don't really get is that this kit came with a new coupler for the selector rod to the trans but I don't really see a need for it. We aren't changing the selector rod with this kit so there is no need to even disassemble the coupler from the trans.

Anyone care to chime in?

[wrh3]

Originally Posted by onebluemcm

One thing I don't really get is that this kit came with a new coupler for the selector rod to the trans but I don't really see a need for it. We aren't changing the selector rod with this kit so there is no need to even disassemble the coupler from the trans.

Anyone care to chime in?

His piece may eliminate the OE plastic bushings with his precision fit bushings to get rid of some slop? They shouldn't wear as fast as the OE plastic pieces either.

[onebluemcm]

I'll say right F'n now, I wish I hadn't begun screwing with the damned coupler. What a complete beeotch..... Can get the pin to slide through and with so little room to work, can't get any leverage to knock it through. Now I'm having a helluva time getting the dang circlip back on to the original coupler so I can just leave it and get on with things!! Needed a break - venting over.

I didn't notice and slop in the oem slector rod-to-coupler connection, nothing major anyway...

I've come so far - gotta figure out how to get the pin out of the original coupler.

[onebluemcm]

HA HA!! Eureka! Yahtzee!!! Got it - will be in the write up for sure. Amazing what a little mind-clearing break can do!!

[wrh3]

Yeah, when frustration sets in taking a break gives you the time you need to think things through objectively Glad to hear you got it.