|
|
|
04-24-2019, 10:13 AM | #1 |
Brigadier General
827
Rep 3,856
Posts |
Need better shift feel
Hi all, I currently have the BMW Perf SSK, E46 M3 trans mounts, BMW Perf shift knob, as well as M3 RSFB (which improved the shift feel a lot too). Still not satisfied with the shifter. It's too vague and rubberyl. What should I do next for this? Any other bushings I can replace to improve feel?
As a comparison, last week I sat in the New Miata at the NY auto show which had excellent shift feel; short, precise, tactile. I'm trying to get a feel like that in my 128i. Has anyone tried the UUC EVO 3 SSK for the 128i? Any ideas? Last edited by chris82; 04-24-2019 at 10:26 AM.. |
04-24-2019, 10:42 AM | #2 |
E82 Mudflap Ambassador
2214
Rep 2,219
Posts
Drives: '08 128i
Join Date: May 2016
Location: Orlando, FL
|
Change your motor mounts too. Mine were still in good shape, but I was doing my oil pan gasket (which requires dropping the subframe) so I replaced my mounts with OEM Corteco ones. Shift feel improved, and I didn't expect it to at all so I was surprised. Maybe consider the solid rubber ones instead of the OE hydraulic? We have smooth inline 6's so NVH shouldn't be huge
Don't think the Getrags have the greatest shift feel to be honest.
__________________
My 2008 128i - Sparkling Graphite/Beige - Sport pkg - 6MT - Click me!
Parents' 2014 528i - Mineral White/Ivory White - fully loaded Instagram @Andreys_128i and @Honda.Bito |
Appreciate
0
|
04-24-2019, 11:01 AM | #3 |
Sideways and Smiling
3027
Rep 2,860
Posts
Drives: In Exuberance
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: Rosamond, CA USA
|
ECS Tuning shifter rebuild kit with their teflon and urethane support bushings did magic for my shift feel. That, and a weighted shift knob will make it a lot slicker (don't do a tall knob like I did).
__________________
2012 BMW 328i 6-Speed Wagon | Deep Sea Blue with Grey Dakota Leather | Manual Swap, 330i Intake + Tune, 3.15 Helical LSD, Öhlins R&T
(SOLD) 2009 BMW 128i 6-Speed Coupé | Monaco Blue with Black Sensatec | chris_flies' 128i thread |
Appreciate
1
Tuxedo1409.00 |
04-24-2019, 11:14 AM | #4 |
Major
785
Rep 1,000
Posts |
Wow. I find your impressions bizarre. My 128 with the SSK and zhp has the most precise feel of any box I've ever rowed. Talk about a rifle bolt! If you want vague and rubbery, try a 2006 Civic SI. I swear that I could not tell a when I was in gear or neutral. My 128 also has a better feel than the NA and NC Miatas I've driven.
How many miles on your transmission? Fluid? I doubt my Redline D4 would make that much difference. |
Appreciate
0
|
04-24-2019, 11:17 AM | #5 | |
Brigadier General
827
Rep 3,856
Posts |
Quote:
I had a Jaffster knob before, thought it was too heavy for the shifter. |
|
Appreciate
0
|
04-24-2019, 11:17 AM | #6 | |
E82 Mudflap Ambassador
2214
Rep 2,219
Posts
Drives: '08 128i
Join Date: May 2016
Location: Orlando, FL
|
Quote:
Down in FL I like running MTL, but that's heavier. So for NY I think OP would be best with something like D4. If the fluid hasn't been changed in a while this'll help. Also do rebuild the linkages like Chris mentioned. If the car is like 10 years old then that rubber is getting past its prime (which reminds me I need to do control arms lmao). I did mine and it feels pretty good, still have a tiny bit of side to side slop but I'm not going back in there lol.
__________________
My 2008 128i - Sparkling Graphite/Beige - Sport pkg - 6MT - Click me!
Parents' 2014 528i - Mineral White/Ivory White - fully loaded Instagram @Andreys_128i and @Honda.Bito |
|
Appreciate
0
|
04-24-2019, 11:20 AM | #7 | |
Brigadier General
827
Rep 3,856
Posts |
Quote:
|
|
Appreciate
0
|
04-24-2019, 11:22 AM | #8 | |
Brigadier General
827
Rep 3,856
Posts |
Quote:
|
|
Appreciate
0
|
04-24-2019, 12:22 PM | #9 |
Major
785
Rep 1,000
Posts |
My car has 75k now, but my SSK only has about 7k on it. Maybe a rebuild kit is a good idea. It also sounds like your spring may be worn out. My spring absolutely snaps the lever back to center with a vengeance. Try the D4 fluid and see if that helps also.
|
Appreciate
0
|
04-24-2019, 02:07 PM | #10 |
Brigadier General
368
Rep 3,547
Posts |
I used to use MTL and switched to D4. Definitely feels more mechanical now, less smooth. I kind of like the MTL better but not enough to change it again. I feel the gears engage with the D4. I think my 128 is the best shifting car I've driven in the 45+ years I've been driving - mostly in manuals. I've driven a couple Porches in that time, both were used with >50K but <100K miles and I like my 128 better. The 911 was nice, however.
__________________
128i Convertible, MT, Alpine White, Black Top, Taupe Leatherette, Walnut, Sport
Ordered 5/22/09, Completed 6/4/09, At Port 6/9/09, On the Georgia Highway 6/13/09, Ship Arrived Charleston 6/24/09 at 10pm, PCD 7/21/09 |
Appreciate
0
|
04-24-2019, 02:13 PM | #11 |
Brigadier General
827
Rep 3,856
Posts |
Definitely going to try the D4 when I change fluid! How difficult is it to install a new spring? I can't find any info on that...
|
Appreciate
0
|
04-24-2019, 02:24 PM | #12 | |
Brigadier General
827
Rep 3,856
Posts |
Quote:
|
|
Appreciate
0
|
04-24-2019, 03:06 PM | #13 | |
Major
785
Rep 1,000
Posts |
Quote:
|
|
Appreciate
1
chris82827.00 |
04-24-2019, 05:10 PM | #15 |
Captain
641
Rep 695
Posts |
Since Day 1 (26k miles for me) I’ve wanted better feel. My Mk6 GTI with 80,000 miles that I upgraded from was night and day better than the 128i, and both cars were completely stock at the time. I sat in a 2019 GTI at the DFW Auto Show a few weeks ago and was reminded how awesome that shifter is.
My NA Miata was also far better after I replaced the worn bushings. Same with the ND Miata I test drove. I think these Getrag transmissions are just not great for feel. However, I don’t hear about 128is stripping the teeth off second gear like the ND is known for, so I guess I’ll take a robust transmission I can beat on that doesn’t feel as satisfying over a transmission that might fail. |
Appreciate
0
|
04-24-2019, 05:33 PM | #16 | |
Major
785
Rep 1,000
Posts |
Quote:
|
|
Appreciate
0
|
04-24-2019, 08:16 PM | #17 | ||
Brigadier General
827
Rep 3,856
Posts |
Quote:
|
||
Appreciate
0
|
04-24-2019, 08:31 PM | #18 |
Major
543
Rep 1,233
Posts |
1000% do the rebuild kit, and consider adding a DSSR (like AKG). Then you'll see what nice shift feel is like (doing the fluid, mounts etc should be done too if not already).
I installed a rebuild kit along with an AKG DSSR around 60,000 Kms ago and it was a huge difference. 2+ years later, things are starting to feel mushy again so I may do another partial rebuild (the DSSR is likely fine, it's all the other stuff that can develop play over time). A weighted shift knob and a new spring will also help the overall feel. I'm at 153,000 Kms now, anywhere beyond 60K miles or 100K kms, rebuilding the shift linkage is a worthy endeavour. |
Appreciate
0
|
04-24-2019, 10:13 PM | #19 | |
Major
785
Rep 1,000
Posts |
Quote:
Now the Getrag is a very different box than the Tremec with short shifter and GM Synchromesh in my Bullitt. The Getrag requires real concentration whereas the Tremec is so smooth and buttery that you hardly feel it go into gear. The Tremec is relaxing and effortless to row, but I really need to work when driving my 128. The Getrag definitely has a two stage snick-snick feel to it. I can’t shift it anywhere near as fast as the Tremec, but I like them for different purposes. It’s so strange to hear you describe your gearbox because it sounds like my Tremec which is the antithesis of the Getrag. Last edited by Thunderguts; 04-24-2019 at 10:26 PM.. |
|
Appreciate
1
Tuxedo1409.00 |
04-25-2019, 11:11 PM | #20 | |
Major
785
Rep 1,000
Posts |
Quote:
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/show...diagId=23_1033 |
|
Appreciate
0
|
04-26-2019, 01:25 PM | #21 |
Brigadier General
827
Rep 3,856
Posts |
Scheduled to get Redline D4 fluid put in tomorrow. Thanks for the rec i'll let u know how it feels
|
Appreciate
0
|
04-29-2019, 09:14 AM | #22 | |
Bowties r cool ▶:◀
1409
Rep 796
Posts
Drives: 09' 128i MT e88, 24'G05 X5 50e
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Chicago
|
Quote:
btw I had mine custom made as to not put ///M logo on the car and to my eye looks oem. https://www.leatherz.com/collections...ort-shift-knob before /after |
|
Appreciate
0
|
Post Reply |
Bookmarks |
|
|