The old sloppy gear linkage issue

[AndyBaur]

Looking at the online parts catalogue I think I need parts 7 to 16.

http://bmwfans.info/parts/catalog/E21/S ... g_parts-3/

It seems some parts are discontinued.

7 Stop buffer 25 11 1 204 422
8 Spacer 25 11 1 220 199
9 Circlip 25 11 1 220 379 Production discontinued
10 O-ring 25 11 1 221 243
11 Plastic washer 25 11 1 220 439
12 Circlip 25 11 1 220 379 Production discontinued
13 Tension bush 25 11 1 203 682
14 Plastic washer 25 11 1 434 194
15 Dowel pin 23 41 1 466 134
16 Gearshift rod joint 25 11 7 503 525

I've found conflicting views on the merits of the Z3 short shift mod. Is it worth doing?

[Jeroen]

For the circlips being nla, I believe you can just order E30 examples.

As for the Z3 short shifter conversion, that's a common one in E21 and E30 land: http://www.bmwe21.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=16784

[AndyBaur]

Seems like the Z3 1.9 lever is the best bet. I'll have a look at the E30 circlip part numbers.

[AndyBaur]

Looking at the online parts diagram I see the E21 linkage is completely different to the E30/Z3 setup. Since other folk have managed to install Z3 levers I assume there must be more similarity than the diagrams imply.

As well as replacing the "gearshift rod joint" at the forward end of the linkage (the Z3 diagram gives the replacement circlip p/n) I want to replace the upper & lower cups for the "ball" of the Z3 lever I'm intending to use. Do I use the E21 parts?

What about the "Stop Buffer" (p/n 25.11.1.204.422) at the back of the linkage - does this need to be replaced? (I'm surprised nobody has made a polyurethane replacement)

Which other parts do I need to change?