BMW Drivetrain Parts for BMW 3 Series E36 (1992-1998)

The ZF S5D 320Z 5-speed transmission is known for its robust design, exceptional durability, and impressive power-handling capability. Unfortunately, as these transmissions age, shifter-related issues have become increasingly common. Problems such as difficulty selecting gears, a sticky shifter, or a decline in shift quality are often the result of worn detent springs, pins, and bushings. These components are essential for precise gear engagement and proper shifter centering, making their replacement a critical step in maintaining optimal performance.

Replacing detents requires specialized tools known as "drifts," which are notoriously hard to find. Fortunately, we've developed a complete Detent Tool Kit, featuring five precision-engineered drifts designed for exact fitment in the ZF transmission's detent bores. This toolset makes detent replacement straightforward and minimizes the risk of damage to internal transmission components.

Features

Complete Tool Kit: Includes five precision-machined drifts specifically designed for the ZF 5-speed transmission’s detent bores and caps. Hassle-Free Detent Replacement: Simplifies the process of removing and installing detents with professional-grade precision. Protects Your Investment: Reduces the risk of damaging internal transmission components during service. Durable Construction: Made from heavy-duty 1045 steel for exceptional strength and long-lasting reliability.

The ULTIMATE shifter upgrade for your BMW! Experience more precise throws, less shift lever travel, and an all-around transformation in your shifting experience.

For dozens of years, enthusiasts have critiqued the imprecise and vague feeling of BMW manual transmissions. Plagued with long throws, fore and aft play in gear, and a generally loose feeling, your OEM BMW shifter leaves much to be desired. While most standard carrier-mount short throw shifter kits will aid in reducing throw length and eliminating side-to-side play in gear, some enthusiasts long for a hardcore, race-inspired shifter that completely removes play and excessive throw length. At Turner Motorsport we share the same desire and set out to offer the ULTIMATE upgrade with this Performance Chassis Mount Short Shifter.

WHY UPGRADE?

Factory BMW shifter assemblies are complex by nature. The main component of this assembly is the shift carrier, a cast aluminum piece positioned inside the transmission tunnel that incorporates bushings at both ends for mounting. Like most factory parts, these bushings are designed to reduce NVH (noise, vibration, and harshness) transmission to the cabin. To the spirited driver, however, these bushings translate to flex and vagueness in the shift lever. Moreover, because this carrier is mounted to both the transmission and the body, the entire shifter assembly will "float" with the driveline, further increasing the vague and imprecise feeling of your shifter.

Our Performance Chassis Mount Short Shifter removes the shift carrier assembly entirely—removing any prospect of flex caused by bushings or driveline movement. By contrast, this chassis mount shifter offers a drastic reduction in shift lever travel, vagueness, and side-to-side play. An elevated base allows for moving the fulcrum point upwards, resulting in a much shorter and more precise throw. Shift times are further reduced by a tall, "rally style" shift lever, used to aid in leverage while also bringing the lever closer to the steering wheel. Our design incorporates a proprietary centering spring design, which is adjustable for increasing or decreasing self-centering force. In short, this design eliminates all the drawbacks of your factory BMW shifter, translating to more control, greater precision, shorter throws, and faster shift times.

FEATURES & BENEFITS

Reduced Throw: Modified shifter geometry and heightened fulcrum point translate to a shorter shift lever throw
Improved Shifter Feel: Eliminating the shift carrier and associated bushings drastically reduces "slop" and side-to-side play in the shift lever
Increased Precision: Mounting the shifter to the chassis allows for little to no variation in gear selection
Universal Fitment: Fits many BMW chassis with the provided base plate and hardware (see "Fits These Cars" for exact fitment information)
DESIGN

6061 aluminum, 4130 steel, and 316 stainless steel construction
A type-II black anodized finish
Adjustable self-centering spring
"Rally Style" shift lever
Spherical bearing pivot with maintenance-free brass insert
Product Development:

Our Chassis Mount Shifters are designed, engineered, tested and quality inspected by our Research and Development team at Turner. Nothing but the highest level of precision and quality through leading-edge product development technology including FARO laser scanning for reverse engineering and quality inspection, SolidWorks 3D CAD modeling, rapid prototyping utilizing our in-house 3D printer and rigorous long term product testing.

The ZF 320z S5D is a common swap choice among BMW enthusiasts due to its reliable and robust nature. Unfortunately, it does have a weakness. The detent pins and springs that live inside of the transmission are known to wear down over time, often causing the shift lever to lean towards the 5th gear position when in neutral.

This full-service kit consists of everything you need to replace the failing detents in your ZF transmission. The kit contains only Genuine ZF components, all of which are sure to provide you with smooth shifting and operation for years to come.

This kit includes the following items:

3 Shift Pin Kits - 23117525048
2 Slide Bushings - 23117533395
2 Gearbox sealing lids - 23311224825
1 Shifter detent pin - 23311224849
1 Shifter detent pin - 23317502165
2 Lock Rings - 23317531374
3 Spring Retention Plates - 23317637524
5 Detent Drift/Punch Tools - 054834LA01AKT
Remedying the ZF's detent issue is a must for any enthusiast planning to get the most out of their transmission. Proper centering is essential for quick and smooth shifting, both being desirable features in any application. This kit is easy to install with several DIY guides existing online. A set of "drift" tools are included for proper installation.