RTD Shifter Vibrations

Skers 05 · 08-06-2019, 01:19 PM

I recently installed a RTD Shifter into my car and wanted to see if anyone else has experience with a vibration issue I came across after the install.

- Occurs in 3rd gear only
- Occurs during both WOT conditions as well as off throttle.
- No vibration is detectable during partial throttle tip in.
- The higher the RPM's in WOT, the higher the amplitude of the vibration.
- Vibration amplitude is so large that I can audibly hear the vibration and concerned something will break.
- See the shifter lever visibly vibrating!
- Amplitude of vibration also increases with RPM's.

I will attempt to post a video demonstrating the vibrations later.

I want to be clear, this is not a bash on RTD as I think the vibration was present with the stock shifter installed. However, it was less perceivable (small amplitude) due to the fact the stock shifter is isolated with rubber at the front and back. Now the RTD is solid mounted, the transmission path is much more direct.

My thought is the detents in the transmission is worn. Looking for ideas and/or potential solutions.

2019.08.07 Update
If the shifter is in 3rd gear and I push it forward (essentially preloading the shifter), the vibration goes away. As soon as I remove the "preload", the vibration reappears.

ShocknAwe · 08-06-2019, 01:45 PM

Have you replaced the engine and trans mounts?

Also... Pics!

Skers 05 · 08-07-2019, 07:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ShocknAwe

Have you replaced the engine and trans mounts?

Also... Pics!

OP updated with additional information/findings.

Pictures
- I'll snap some tonight and add to the original post

Engine Mounts
- OEM Engine Mounts
- Changed 1k mi ago at time of turbo install. So they are essentially brand new.
- I have Turner Motorsports 80A Engine Mounts sitting on top of my toolbox, but I have not installed them yet. I like to assess the performance deltas individually when doing part swaps on my car.
https://www.ecstuning.com/b-turner-m...002445tms02~a/

Trans Mounts
- Changed to ECS Tuning 80A at the time of the shifter install
https://www.ecstuning.com/b-ecs-part...002705ecs01~a/

ShocknAwe · 08-07-2019, 08:12 AM

Should be fine but you may want to put the stiffer engine mounts in. Also I highly recommend RE trans mounts. Not a fan of polyurethane on the trans.

deesea · 08-07-2019, 08:52 AM

Sounds like the shifter isn't bolted down tight. I have no vibrations at all when using the shifter, the occasional creak when putting it in reverse. Otherwise, it's silent.

btw, does anyone know of a way to rid of the creaking? lol

ShocknAwe · 08-07-2019, 09:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deesea

Sounds like the shifter isn't bolted down tight. I have no vibrations at all when using the shifter, the occasional creak when putting it in reverse. Otherwise, it's silent.

btw, does anyone know of a way to rid of the creaking? lol

Oil?

Skers 05 · 08-07-2019, 11:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deesea

Sounds like the shifter isn't bolted down tight. I have no vibrations at all when using the shifter, the occasional creak when putting it in reverse. Otherwise, it's silent.

btw, does anyone know of a way to rid of the creaking? lol

I can confirm the RTD shifter is bolted down tight. Your suggestion cannot be the culprit due to this comment/feedback...

"I want to be clear, this is not a bash on RTD as I think the vibration was present with the stock shifter installed. However, it was less perceivable (small amplitude) due to the fact the stock shifter is isolated with rubber at the front and back. Now the RTD is solid mounted, the transmission path is much more direct. "

deesea · 08-07-2019, 12:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ShocknAwe

Oil?

I tried, Might try reinstalling the OEM foam to help dampen the creak.

ShocknAwe · 08-07-2019, 01:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deesea

I tried, Might try reinstalling the OEM foam to help dampen the creak.

How's the RTD to live with otherwise? Been sitting with my finger on the purchase button for quite some time but haven't driven one and only have the memory of my now long gone s2000 shifter, and this BMS SSK in the 1er now.

deesea · 08-07-2019, 06:04 PM

Do you enjoy orgasms? Do you enjoy it on the daily? Are you getting it on the daily? If the answer is yes yes no, then you need the RTD Shifter.

ShocknAwe · 08-07-2019, 06:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deesea

Do you enjoy orgasms? Do you enjoy it on the daily? Are you getting it on the daily? If the answer is yes yes no, then you need the RTD Shifter.

Hate to detail the thread anymore, but do you have pics? Wondering if it's worth getting the version that accepts the ZHP knob.

Skers 05 · 04-13-2020, 12:43 AM

A quick update...I had the transmission removed from the car to install a new clutch some weeks ago. While the trans was out, I replaced #6, 7, 8, 9 in the diagram below. After reinstalling the trans, the vibration was reduced to an acceptable level. the vibration is certainly still present, but not so annoying I don't enjoy driving the car. Additionally, if you're planning to replace #6, 7, 8, 9, you should plan to buy 4 (qty: 2) and 5 (qty: 2) as they will be damaged upon removal.

https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/sho...diagId=23_0968

Hope this information is helpful to someone in the future!

ShocknAwe · 04-13-2020, 08:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skers 05

A quick update...I had the transmission removed from the car to install a new clutch some weeks ago. While the trans was out, I replaced #6, 7, 8, 9 in the diagram below. After reinstalling the trans, the vibration was reduced to an acceptable level. the vibration is certainly still present, but not so annoying I don't enjoy driving the car. Additionally, if you're planning to replace #6, 7, 8, 9, you should plan to buy 4 (qty: 2) and 5 (qty: 2) as they will be damaged upon removal.

https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/sho...diagId=23_0968

Hope this information is helpful to someone in the future!

Could you describe the vibration now? Is it like the normal shifter vibration in an older 6MT? Or more aggressive than that. And is there noise?

Skers 05 · 04-13-2020, 08:57 AM

I will take a video and upload next time I take the car out for a drive.

mwikina977 · 03-26-2021, 09:57 AM

Just bought the RTD shifter as well.

Has anyone been able to re-use the OEM insulation?

HeavyComponent · 07-31-2021, 03:22 PM

This is crazy! I have the same issue after installing my Coolerworx shifter. 3rd gear… vibration. It was fine when OEM was installed.

08-06-2019, 01:19 PM	#1
Skers 05 Lieutenant 78 Rep 584 Posts Drives: '08 1M Clone, '11 328i, '13 X5 Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Ann Arbor, MI iTrader: (10)	RTD Shifter Vibrations I recently installed a RTD Shifter into my car and wanted to see if anyone else has experience with a vibration issue I came across after the install. - Occurs in 3rd gear only - Occurs during both WOT conditions as well as off throttle. - No vibration is detectable during partial throttle tip in. - The higher the RPM's in WOT, the higher the amplitude of the vibration. - Vibration amplitude is so large that I can audibly hear the vibration and concerned something will break. - See the shifter lever visibly vibrating! - Amplitude of vibration also increases with RPM's. I will attempt to post a video demonstrating the vibrations later. I want to be clear, this is not a bash on RTD as I think the vibration was present with the stock shifter installed. However, it was less perceivable (small amplitude) due to the fact the stock shifter is isolated with rubber at the front and back. Now the RTD is solid mounted, the transmission path is much more direct. My thought is the detents in the transmission is worn. Looking for ideas and/or potential solutions. 2019.08.07 Update If the shifter is in 3rd gear and I push it forward (essentially preloading the shifter), the vibration goes away. As soon as I remove the "preload", the vibration reappears. Last edited by Skers 05; 08-07-2019 at 08:03 AM..
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08-06-2019, 01:45 PM	#2
ShocknAwe 1Addict 3228 Rep 7,889 Posts Drives: E82 Mutt, M57 Truck Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Charleston iTrader: (22)	Have you replaced the engine and trans mounts? Also... Pics! __________________ 2010 135i 6MT Jet Black N54/3 FE82 Mutt \| BUILD THREAD \| GARAGE SALE
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08-07-2019, 08:12 AM	#4
ShocknAwe 1Addict 3228 Rep 7,889 Posts Drives: E82 Mutt, M57 Truck Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Charleston iTrader: (22)	Should be fine but you may want to put the stiffer engine mounts in. Also I highly recommend RE trans mounts. Not a fan of polyurethane on the trans. __________________ 2010 135i 6MT Jet Black N54/3 FE82 Mutt \| BUILD THREAD \| GARAGE SALE
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08-07-2019, 08:52 AM	#5
deesea First Lieutenant 60 Rep 351 Posts Drives: 2009 135i Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Markham, ON iTrader: (1)	Sounds like the shifter isn't bolted down tight. I have no vibrations at all when using the shifter, the occasional creak when putting it in reverse. Otherwise, it's silent. btw, does anyone know of a way to rid of the creaking? lol
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08-07-2019, 06:04 PM	#10
deesea First Lieutenant 60 Rep 351 Posts Drives: 2009 135i Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Markham, ON iTrader: (1)	Do you enjoy orgasms? Do you enjoy it on the daily? Are you getting it on the daily? If the answer is yes yes no, then you need the RTD Shifter.
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04-13-2020, 12:43 AM	#12
Skers 05 Lieutenant 78 Rep 584 Posts Drives: '08 1M Clone, '11 328i, '13 X5 Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Ann Arbor, MI iTrader: (10)	A quick update...I had the transmission removed from the car to install a new clutch some weeks ago. While the trans was out, I replaced #6, 7, 8, 9 in the diagram below. After reinstalling the trans, the vibration was reduced to an acceptable level. the vibration is certainly still present, but not so annoying I don't enjoy driving the car. Additionally, if you're planning to replace #6, 7, 8, 9, you should plan to buy 4 (qty: 2) and 5 (qty: 2) as they will be damaged upon removal. https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/sho...diagId=23_0968 Hope this information is helpful to someone in the future!
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04-13-2020, 08:57 AM	#14
Skers 05 Lieutenant 78 Rep 584 Posts Drives: '08 1M Clone, '11 328i, '13 X5 Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Ann Arbor, MI iTrader: (10)	I will take a video and upload next time I take the car out for a drive.
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03-26-2021, 09:57 AM	#15
mwikina977 Private 4 Rep 73 Posts Drives: 2010 135I M-Sport Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: BOSTON iTrader: (0) Garage List 2010 BMW [0.00]	Just bought the RTD shifter as well. Has anyone been able to re-use the OEM insulation? __________________ Boston 10 135i / M Sport - Space Gray BMS - DCI \| BMS - CP \| VRSF 1.75" INLETS \| ARM 5" FMIC \| COBB HF DP's \|BERK RACE AXELBACK MHD STAGE 2+
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07-31-2021, 03:22 PM	#16
HeavyComponent Private 5 Rep 92 Posts Drives: 135i Join Date: Jul 2019 Location: NYC iTrader: (0)	This is crazy! I have the same issue after installing my Coolerworx shifter. 3rd gear… vibration. It was fine when OEM was installed.
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