Shifter Upgrades and Components for BMW 5 Series E39 (1996-2003)

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 BMW Shifter Carrier Arm Bushings - Round are crucial components designed to enhance the performance and functionality of the shifter assembly in various BMW models. These bushings provide critical support for the shifter carrier arm, improving the overall shifting experience and driving dynamics.

Key Features:

1. High-Quality Material:

   • Crafted from durable materials, these round bushings are engineered to withstand the rigors of daily driving and performance use. Their robust construction ensures long-lasting reliability and performance.

2. Enhanced Shifting Precision:

   • By reducing play and unwanted movement in the shifter mechanism, these bushings allow for more accurate gear engagement. This improvement translates to a more responsive and connected feel when shifting gears.

3. Improved Shift Quality:

   • Replacing worn or degraded bushings with new round bushings can significantly enhance shift quality. Drivers will notice a reduction in vagueness and a more direct response when changing gears, contributing to a more engaging driving experience.

4. Simple Installation:

   • Designed for ease of installation, these bushings can typically be replaced using standard hand tools. While experienced DIYers can handle the job, professional installation is recommended to ensure proper alignment and function.

5. Wide Compatibility:

   • Suitable for a variety of BMW models, these bushings are an excellent upgrade for enthusiasts looking to improve their vehicle's shifter performance and feel.

Benefits of Upgrading or Replacing:

• Direct and Engaging Shifting: New bushings eliminate excess movement in the shifter assembly, providing a firmer and more enjoyable shifting experience.
• Vibration Dampening: Fresh bushings help absorb vibrations, reducing noise from the shifter area and contributing to a quieter cabin environment.
• Extended Component Life: By replacing old, worn bushings, you can prevent additional wear and tear on the shifter assembly, ultimately extending its lifespan.

In summary, the BMW Shifter Carrier Arm Bushings - Round are essential for enhancing the performance and feel of the shifter in various BMW models. By improving shifting precision and overall driving dynamics, these bushings are a valuable addition for any BMW owner looking to elevate their driving experience.

This bushing is designed for use at the rear side of the shifter arm, providing support for the rear section connected to the body.

Key Features:

Ensures a perfect fit Instantly replaces worn or damaged OE shift lever bushings, restoring smooth manual transmission shifting Constructed from high-strength materials for long-lasting durability Manufactured to factory specifications for easy installation and optimal shifting performance Resistant to heat and ozone for extended reliability

Shifter slop is a common complaint among all BMW models. Some of that play comes from the bushings where the shifter carrier mounts to the transmission. The original rubber carrier bushings don't last very long and when they get too soft the shifter flops around. These Teflon bushings are not as stiff as Delrin so they won't transmit as much vibration and buzz in the shifter. Yet Teflon will last much longer than the factory rubber, giving you precise shifting for many years.

Note: this is only one part of the shift linkage and there may be other components that need replacing to improve shifting feel.

We advise getting a replacement bushing carrier pin as well. If the original rubber bushings are worn the pin will have wear too and you will still have slop in the shifter, even with the new bushings.

These are the OVAL shifter carrier bushings (some BMW models have round bushings).

This item fits the following BMWs:
1992-1998 E36 BMW 328i 328is 328ic M3
1999-2002 E46 BMW 328i 328ci 330i 330ci
2001-2006 E46 BMW M3
1997-2003 E39 BMW 540i M5
1997-2002 Z3 BMW Z3 1.9 Z3 2.3 Z3 2.5i Z3 2.8 Z3 3.0i M Roadster M Roadster
1999-2003 E52 BMW Z8

BMW Shifter Carrier Arm Bushings - Round are essential for enhancing shifting precision and feel in your BMW’s manual transmission. These 90A urethane bushings from Turner Motorsport replace the stock rubber bushings, which tend to wear out quickly, resulting in sloppy shifting. Designed to fit at the front of the shifter carrier arm, these bushings securely attach the carrier to the transmission, providing a stiffer connection that minimizes excessive play without increasing vibration. This upgrade is perfect for enthusiasts seeking a more responsive shifting experience.

These bushings are compatible with various BMW models, including the E30, E36, E46, E28, E34, E39, E24, and Z1 Roadster, and serve as a direct replacement for BMW part #25117519669. Installation is simple when the shifter carrier is removed from the vehicle.

Key Benefits:

• Enhances shifting precision and overall feel
• Replaces worn-out stock rubber bushings
• Made from durable 90A urethane for long-lasting performance
• Reduces excessive play without adding unwanted vibration
• Easy installation when the shifter carrier is removed
• Compatible with numerous BMW models, including E30, E36, E46, and more
• Direct replacement for BMW part #25117519669