evokid Posted August 10, 2015 Report Share Posted August 10, 2015 Hi Guys, forgive the question and I have searched with varying results! Is the E60 545i best to get for the 5 Spd gearboxes in our E46's? This link seems great if best one to go for? Who has done it and what's best? Cheers http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=900208 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
autosri Posted August 10, 2015 Report Share Posted August 10, 2015 Yeah I did it to my old one and it was spot on Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
evokid Posted August 11, 2015 Author Report Share Posted August 11, 2015 So you used the E60 one? :-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
autosri Posted August 11, 2015 Report Share Posted August 11, 2015 From the 545 make sure you order a new bushing and clips as I will guarantee you will loose at least one and the bushing will be worn and there is a potential to damage it on removal CHAOS and Cannockwolf 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
evokid Posted August 11, 2015 Author Report Share Posted August 11, 2015 Great thanks for advice buddy :-) will do. Just fitted the M sport weighted gear knob which makes an improvement straight away Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jay. Posted August 12, 2015 Report Share Posted August 12, 2015 From the 545 make sure you order a new bushing and clips as I will guarantee you will loose at least one and the bushing will be worn and there is a potential to damage it on removalcan these be fitted to the 6 speed models mate? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
autosri Posted August 12, 2015 Report Share Posted August 12, 2015 I don't know mate I had a 5 speed box Is the shifter the same part number between the 5 and 6 speed boxes Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dooge Posted August 17, 2015 Report Share Posted August 17, 2015 No, the 6 speed are basically straight, the 5 speed are slightly bent. I bought and fitted one to my 6 speed and the throws were ridiculous. If you have a 6 speed get a 330d manual gear shifter. Its shorter than M3 and OEM, it will work and because the mounting point is further away from the pivot it means shorter shifts. momo and Jay. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jay. Posted August 17, 2015 Report Share Posted August 17, 2015 thanks Dooge - is it a job with a ramp like? or can i do it on the drive? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
simonlpearce Posted August 17, 2015 Report Share Posted August 17, 2015 Its a fiddly job made much easier with a ramp. Either need to remove zorst and prop for the easiest install, or contort yourself around them and work blind. I fitted a B&M SSK to my 6 speed and it was almost 50% shorter. Needed a weighted know from storm though as the 6 speed box is much less smooth than the 5spd. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jay. Posted August 17, 2015 Report Share Posted August 17, 2015 hmm, dont know if i can be arsed with removing the zorst & prop, i've got access to a pit so will have a look nex time i'm there.I've found the box is a lot nicer in this 6 speed though than the last 5 speed 330 pre facelift i had, which felt a bit baggy! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daveo132 Posted August 17, 2015 Report Share Posted August 17, 2015 I'm pretty sure I used a Z4 shifter in mine, although it wouldn't surprise me if it was pretty much the same part as the E60 one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
simonlpearce Posted August 17, 2015 Report Share Posted August 17, 2015 It can be done with the zorst etc still in place. Its the c-clip that goes onto the end of the pivot bearing where it connects to the selector rod that is a pita. Its a small place to work and your doing it blind, though a pit will make life a lot easier. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
autosri Posted August 17, 2015 Report Share Posted August 17, 2015 I did mine by just jacking one side of the car up and didn't remove anything I don't think apart form the trims inside obviously Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dooge Posted September 2, 2015 Report Share Posted September 2, 2015 The guys in ATS did it on a ramp without removing the exhaust. I now have a 330cd and can say the shifts are about perfect and not laboured. The Z4 shifters seem a bit hit and miss whether or not they will hit things underneath due to the throw. At least with the 330d one you know it will work. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
evokid Posted September 14, 2015 Author Report Share Posted September 14, 2015 Sorry to re erect this thread! Did those that have replaced their gear levers use any grease on bushes? And if so what spec? I mean the ball cup on selector rod (no dirty thoughts :-)) and the plastic bushes on selector arms? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
autosri Posted September 14, 2015 Report Share Posted September 14, 2015 Any old thick grease will do Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
evokid Posted September 14, 2015 Author Report Share Posted September 14, 2015 Great :-) thanks for reply. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fozzie Posted September 24, 2015 Report Share Posted September 24, 2015 I had a uuc replica type one on my 540i it was very notchy but when I added a weighted sport gear knob it felt better, I've a friend with a 545i shifter and i think that's the best all rounder, I wouldn't go aftermarket again but I did get used to it in the end, it was so short reverse was tough to get sometimes! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
evokid Posted September 29, 2015 Author Report Share Posted September 29, 2015 Thanks for info, I've bought all genuine BMW bits now with the 545 gear Lever. Just need to fit it all! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
L333JSA Posted October 16, 2015 Report Share Posted October 16, 2015 If anyone needs one I've got a brand new genuine 545 shifter here for sale, fitted for all of 5 mins before realising it wouldnt work. Offers... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
