e8x,e9x Non M 128,228,135,335,130
I will add to this shortly. Right now just a couple of pictures of some models. I rarely build the 130 and I am not even sure I have a photoof it on hand . I think the last one I built was in 2021 but it is priced the same as the 328i or the 228i. Those I build quite a bit. Typically folks like a 25% reduction and a few mm shorter height.
The 135, 335 I build quite a bit. There are essentially two kinds of shifters. N54 and N55. The difference is not in the throw or travel but in the geometry of each shifter. The N54 models are much critical to set up because their selector rod is quite short So the pivot point needs to be raised not only to avoid contact with drivetrain but so that the transfer of force occurs in as much a linear fashion as possible. What I try to avoid at all cost is a cam effect with the N54 where the shifter resists then gives way. It feels fun at first but it is really distracting in the long term
The N55 models are essentially hybrids between the 228i,328iand the N54s.
All models use the e9xM3 pivot which is a beast.
Cost
5 series M shifters are all priced the same regardless of configuration. We charge $499 for the mechanism, $59 for the optional bushing set for the front of the shift arm, $20 for USA shipping . Payable with Paypal Friends and Family, Zelle Transfer, Personal Check and soon Venmo. If Paying with a Credit card or Paypal for Goods and Services, then there is a $30 fee. all payable upon completion and not at the time of ordering.
The Importance of a Better Pivot
Look at photo number 1. It shows a factory lever in its bushing. The current OEM pivot ball is made of Nylon. It rides in a nylon bushig that is harder so in essence the ball is sacrificial. It is also smaller in some respects that the original steel ball that nylon bushing was designed for. So under moderate shifting the center of the ball shifts within the Nylon bushing.
Look at photo number 2 . It depicts the Standard Ultra pivot ball. As you can see it is made of steel and somewhat larger than the OEM ball . In fact it is a hair larger than the OEM steel ball that was the staple of BMW shifters until the mid 90s. I made it a hair larger to add a bit of preload inside the OEM nylon bushing so that the pivot of our Ultra shifter is stabilized and can handle hard shifting with a lot less movement.
Now look at photo number 3. This is the pivot on the AutoX. it is a spherical bearing. it is used to control the rotation of race cars suspension components. it is designed to have zero movements even if subjected to a force of several thousand pounds. More force than any of us could possibly exert on a shifter knob. This pivot will not move and it is the secret of the AutoX precision.
1. BMW Nylon Pivot Ball
2. AutoSolutions Steel Ball
3. AutoSolutions Spherical Bearing
Unstable Pivot Analogy
Picture a pair of pliers. It is designed to cut steel wire. It is made of the noblest Samurai sword steel one can afford. The cutting edge was hardened and sharpened first by machine then by an old timer by hand until it can split a hair in two. Its hinge or pivot unfortunately was neglected and has a some play in it. Just enough so that the cutting edges do not perfectly mate . Regardless of the quality of the steel this will be a sub standard tool. It is the same with a shifter. if it wobbles when shifting hard precision becomes an illusion.