135i short shifter on a 128i?

[Blau]

I'm looking to see if there is a way to make a 135i short shifter work on my 128i swap. It seems like it should work, but I can't find much info on it and I do see that after market short shift kits usually only list the 135i.

Any help will be greatly appreciated.

[spidertri]

I've been using a 135i N54 shift lever on my car for several years now with no issues, it shortened the throw a good bit from the stock 128i lever.

What parts come with the short shift kit you're considering?

The main difference I can think of is that the shift selector rod for the 128 has a bend in it where the 135i doesn't. But your kit may not include that part, some kits do and some don't.

[Blau]

Originally Posted by spidertri

I've been using a 135i N54 shift lever on my car for several years now with no issues, it shortened the throw a good bit from the stock 128i lever.

What parts come with the short shift kit you're considering?

The main difference I can think of is that the shift selector rod for the 128 has a bend in it where the 135i doesn't. But your kit may not include that part, some kits do and some don't.

Did your kit come with the SSR? I have a kit attached to an n54 trans I picked up. Can't tell the brand, but the whole thing is intact. I also have the stock n52 SSR attached to a stock shifter. Maybe I can piece meal this kit.

[spidertri]

No, mine wasn't a kit, I was just refreshing all the rubber parts in the stock shift linkage and used the 135i N54 factory part since it's a shorter throw than the stock 128 lever.

My SSR is still the stock 128 piece. Although I wouldn't mind eventually getting a dssr.

[Blau]

Originally Posted by spidertri

No, mine wasn't a kit, I was just refreshing all the rubber parts in the stock shift linkage and used the 135i N54 factory part since it's a shorter throw than the stock 128 lever.

My SSR is still the stock 128 piece. Although I wouldn't mind eventually getting a dssr.

This is exactly the info I needed. Thank you.

[Blau]

For anyone wondering...

It works! But... It sucks. It's too notchy, too short, too much effort, and gives vague engagement feel.

Looking for a better shifter solution now. Anyone know another option other than the $300 ones out there? Anything OEM from another car that works well?

[Thunderguts]

Originally Posted by Blau

For anyone wondering...

It in works! But... It sucks. It's too notchy, too short, too much effort, and gives vague engagement feel.

Looking for a better shifter solution now. Anyone know another option other than the $300 ones out there? Anything OEM from another car that works well?

What knob are you using? A weighted knob can make quite a bit of difference. I also disliked my BMWP short shifter until I installed the ZHP knob.

[Blau]

Originally Posted by Thunderguts

What knob are you using? A weighted knob can make quite a bit of difference. I also disliked my BMWP short shifter until I installed the ZHP knob.

OEM 135i knob on a 135i specific short shifter. It's a little better feeling now after a few days. I want to see what a regular 135i shifter feels like and also what a regular 128i shifter feels like. I want a more factory feel, I think.

It works and I'm tapped out for the moment, so I'm sending it. I'll keep an eye on the for sale section and FB marketplace to try to pick one up for cheap later.

[BMWCCA1]

I agree that simply using the ZHP or 128i M-sport knob gives enough of an improvement that no SSK is needed.

[Blau]

Originally Posted by BMWCCA1

I agree that simply using the ZHP or 128i M-sport knob gives enough of an improvement that no SSK is needed.

Tell me more about the ZHP?

[ZHPizza]

Originally Posted by Blau

Tell me more about the ZHP?

The ZHP shift knob is hands down the best shift knob ever made by BMW. Simple, perfect shape, perfect weight. I always come back to it in all of my cars.

Part no 25117896886

[Blau]

Just installed a fresh stock 128i shifter today. I can't believe how much nicer it feels than the SSK. I saw zero added benefit. It just made everything feel clunky and vague.

[4JawChuck]

When I did my engine rebuild I installed the side bushings and chassis bushing with aftermarket alternatives, they are extremely soft factory and create a lot of deflection.

Next I shortened my factory shifter and mounted an adapter for a Hurst shift ball, ended up about 1/2” shorter than stock and much stiffer (factory shifter rod is aluminum and flexible). Last I welded the factory shift rod closed on the ends as it’s just a crushed tube with the ends riveted on. Welding the tube ends closed really stiffened the rod.

Pretty satisfied with the result, should have been this way from the factory…those gum rubber bushings are the big culprit.

[cerealwars]

Man I see all these threads about aftermarket shifters and the weighted shift knobs. On some transmissions the extra heft of a weighted knob definitely feels nice, but I cannot get over how good the stock shifter is on my 128i. One of the mods every one seems to do, where I just cannot see why it needs upgrading. I love the light, smooth, predictable ker-plunk! positive feedback from each gear change. I even tried an M-sport knob and found it removed or greatly dulled that feedback. Personal preference, I guess. Or maybe my linkage/bushings are in better shape than most. Out of the 10 or so manual cars I've had, this is tied for my favorite shifter.

[Blau]

Originally Posted by 4JawChuck

When I did my engine rebuild I installed the side bushings and chassis bushing with aftermarket alternatives, they are extremely soft factory and create a lot of deflection.

Next I shortened my factory shifter and mounted an adapter for a Hurst shift ball, ended up about 1/2” shorter than stock and much stiffer (factory shifter rod is aluminum and flexible). Last I welded the factory shift rod closed on the ends as it’s just a crushed tube with the ends riveted on. Welding the tube ends closed really stiffened the rod.

Pretty satisfied with the result, should have been this way from the factory…those gum rubber bushings are the big culprit.

I did all new bushings as well. Definitely didn't get as involved as you though. I'm happy with the way the stock setup feels now with refreshed bits.

[4JawChuck]

Originally Posted by Blau

I did all new bushings as well. Definitely didn't get as involved as you though. I'm happy with the way the stock setup feels now with refreshed bits.

Agreed, the bushings and CDV removal solved the shifter issues these cars have for me and I’m picky,

[Papa Popov]

I run a Dinan SSK on my 128 and love it. Its not advertised as being compatible but it went in without issue.

[JKE82128]

I used the e46 zhp short shifter for 100 bucks. Popped right in with. New bushing. No meed to hcange any arms. Works great.