Off center BMW Performance SSK - Is this normal?

[blakelocati]

I got my short shifter installed today at a local BMW performance shop. The guy charged me a great rate and he came recommended. However, I went and picked up my car and the shifter is off center. It leans to the right. I drove home, and it shifted fine, but neutral is way off. 1st gear is almost where neutral was before the short shifter. I called the guy up and he said it was normal and that if he had installed it any other way, it would have been too high or something. Anyways, is this normal? Or should neutral be in the same position as stock? He seemed like a good guy and I hate to have to bring it back in with problems, but I want it to be right! Thanks for any help.
Here's a pic with the shifter in neutral (sorry for the lighting).

[SfValley335i]

uh no thats not normal. Go back and have them fix it. I'd be pissed if they tried to pass this kind of work to me, especially since the part is OEM, not some cheap ebay part.

[blakelocati]

Originally Posted by SfValley335i

uh no thats not normal. Go back and have them fix it. I'd be pissed if they tried to pass this kind of work to me, especially since the part is OEM, not some cheap ebay part.

That's what I was thinking, but I'm not sure what to say... Any idea what he could've done wrong? Something backward perhaps? I don't even see how it's possible for it to end up like this.

[Adam135]

Is there a DIY for this that you could give him?

[blakelocati]

Originally Posted by Adam135

Is there a DIY for this that you could give him?

There's a 335i one I think. I included the instructions (the BMW ones) in the box, but it didn't look like they were touched. I hate to be insulting.

[SfValley335i]

Originally Posted by Adam135

Is there a DIY for this that you could give him?

Here is the DIY, I suggest OP take the car back with a printed copy of this DIY and have them fix it.

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=378134

[blakelocati]

It looks like your right. It's obviously this part that he messed up:

" The new SSK shifter will snap in place in the Shift Arm. Put in the pin #11 to hold it in place but don’t secure it yet with #12. You should check that in Neutral the lever is centered correctly and not to the side. If this is not the case you can detach the pin #11 and rotate the lever 180 degrees very easily and test again. You can’t miss it, it’s easy to see if the lever is installed correctly or needs to be rotated. Once you are satisfied, clip in #12."

Shoot shoot. I'll have to give him a call tomorrow and let him know. I'll print this out as well. Thanks for the help. On the bright side, I love the short shifts... just not the ghetto angle.

[RimasRS]

I see that second or even third time when dealer installing in the wrong way...

[blakelocati]

Originally Posted by RimasRS

I see that second or even third time when dealer installing in the wrong way...

Well, this was a private shop that specializes in older BMWs, but they should have known. I'm calling him this morning to get it fixed. Hopefully, all goes well. And, I was looking for a good shop to call home... Then this happens. disappointing.

[RimasRS]

Originally Posted by blakelocati

Well, this was a private shop that specializes in older BMWs, but they should have known. I'm calling him this morning to get it fixed. Hopefully, all goes well. And, I was looking for a good shop to call home... Then this happens. disappointing.

Hope you will sort this out good luck

[blakelocati]

I called him up, and he said he would fix it, but apparently he can't do it until next Tuesday. He is going on vacation! He didn't seem happy that I called it out on him, which really pissed me off. Anyhow, it looks like it will be fixed, but I sure a hell won't be returning my business to him in the future. I'm assuming I don't need to worry about any harm to the trans or shifter until then?

[FazerBoy]

I think it just needs to be flipped around. I had that happen to me too.

Jack

[blakelocati]

Originally Posted by FazerBoy

I think it just needs to be flipped around. I had that happen to me too.

Jack

Yeah, the shifter needs to be unclipped and turned 180 degrees. Is this something you can do without having to go under the car?

[FazerBoy]

Originally Posted by blakelocati

Yeah, the shifter needs to be unclipped and turned 180 degrees. Is this something you can do without having to go under the car?

I'm not sure. All I do with my car is drive it - my indy dealer gets his hands dirty!

Whatever the situation it doesn't take long to fix.

Jack

[blakelocati]

all right, thank you!