The Metric Mechanic Short Shift Kit

Think for a minute! What few simple components in the BMW "cockpit", where the driver is in direct contact with his machine, make the driving experience really special? How about the quality of the seat, the grip of the steering wheel and the feel of the shifter? A little improvement in these areas goes a long way towards enhancing the operation. Enter the Metric Mechanic Shift Kit. It tightens up the shift mechanism and provides the driver with a shorter more sporty throw. This is precisely why we believe our shift kit is so popular.

All six cylinder model BMW's (and 318i's) have a very long "throw" - the distance the shift knob travels from one gear to another - that is cumbersome and unnecessary. Because of the particular lower shift lever we use in our kits, the throw is shortened 40%, without changing the stock shift height of the upper shift lever and knob. This change further clarifies the "H" pattern which enhances the fun and responsiveness of shifting. Even the 2002 and late 320i throw is shortened 15% by using our kit, which leaves only the early 320i's unchanged.

Our short shift kit consists of couplings and lower shift levers with silicone and bronze bushings machined to precisely fit the shift rod extension. Made of silicone bronze, our bushings have several times the life expectancy of the stock nylon replacements. Also, in these kits we include the two rubber bushings that will remove any "play" between the upper and lower shift levers.

Installation Kit Parts Include:
Top Naylon cup bushings, Pressure Spring, Metal Ring Spacer, Circle Clip, Coupling Spring Band and Dowell Pin.

The Lower Shift Lever

• Slightly oversized pivot ball to reduce bushing slop
• Ears added to prevent the shift knob from rotating.
• A bronze bushing to reduce play.
• Up to 40% throw reduction.

Upper Shift Lever Options
Metric Mechanic offers the upper aluminum piece of the shift lever in three lengths:

• 135mm
• 157mm
• 179mm

Each incremental change represents a 10% change in throw distance. Changing the shifter height can add a "sporty" feel to your shifting and more comfort due to the placement of the shifter. Keep in mind that the percentage of throw reduction will be equal to the percentage of increase in shift effort.

So if the throw distance is shortened by 40% then the shifting effort will be increased by 40%. However going beyond a 50% throw reduction feels bulky and the shift pattern becomes hard to define (place). Staying under 50% can greatly enhance the feel of your shifter. We think that the combination of our short shift kit & the upper lever is the answer.

Extension Rod

• Billet steel construction for greater strength and weight; diminishes shifter vibration.
• Precision centerless ground posts for a more precise bushing fit.

Shift coupling
Bronze bushing to reduce slop.

Lubricant
Copper anti-seize.

Upper Shift Lever Options