Rogue Engineering Weighted Selector Rod

Say Goodbye to Notchy Short Shift Kits
Rogue Engineering is proud to offer one of the smoothest short shift kits for BMWs.  Whereas not all shift kits are created equally, all share similar drawbacks.  With the reduced shifter throws come increased shifting effort and worse, gearbox notchiness.  For the most part, these penalties are considered minor when compared to the advantages of a short shift kit.  Now you can have your cake and eat it too.

With the introduction of the RE Weighted Selector Rod, you can enjoy the benefits of a short shifter while virtually eliminating gearbox notchiness and simultaneously improve its smoothness.

Stock vs. RE

Stock

RE WSR

How Does it Work?
To completely understand and appreciate the functionality of the RE Weighted Selector Rod, we must first revisit the mechanics of a short shift kit.

When a short shift kit is installed, the throw reduction is directly proportional to the effort increase.  In simple terms, if a short shift kit reduces throws by 30%, the effort required to shift into gear increases by the same amount (30%).  Whereas most people find this increase acceptable (remember, this is Physics), some do not like the increased gearbox "notchiness" that is associated with the increased effort.  There are those that say that the newfound notchiness feels sporty, whereas others categorize it as a decrease in gearbox smoothness.

With the RE WSR, the factory selector rod is replaced with a higher quality, CNC'd 303 stainless version that has a significant increase in mass.  This mass is added on the low side of the shifter assembly, out of sight from the user.  Honda, for example, is notorious for silky smooth, short shifters in such cars as the S2000.  Their secret for their short, smooth throws is attributed to the weight of the cables actuating the shifting.  Now the secret is out for BMWs.

The following chart shows the differences between the factory vs. the RE selector rods:

In the case of the 1995-99 E36 M3, adding 426g (nearly 1 pound) to the selector rod reduces most gearbox notchiness and improves smoothness.

Just say NO to ugly shift knobs
A common "Band-aid" to notchiness and required effort of short shift kits was the addition of aftermarket shift knobs that have more mass.  Whereas a factory BMW shift knob typically weighs 3.0 ounces, some aftermarket shift knobs can weigh nearly TEN times this amount.  While this additional mass counteracted the notchiness of the short shift kit, it also makes the user driving feel like they're manipulating a grapefruit.  Additionally, most metallic shift knobs (aluminum, steel, titanium, etc.) get blazing hot in the summer and frigid cold in the winter.  Most generally overlook this detail until they actually touch the knob again, either searing their hands or getting frostbite.  The obvious choice that most people do not use aftermarket shift knobs is that they do not match factory interiors like one compared to a factory BMW knob.

Most of our E46 M3 and E39 M5 customers love their factory BMW illuminated shift knobs.  Even with the addition of our short shift kit, they choose to use the illuminated shift knob, despite the increased effort of the short shift kit.  Now they continue to retain their factory shift knob while benefiting from smooth, notch-free shifting with the Rogue Engineering Weighted Selector Rod.

How Much is Too Much?
There is the point where too much mass is a bad thing.  While prototyping the RE WSR, we found that adding too much mass made the shifter too smooth.  It was so smooth that when driven "enthusiastically" there was the remote risk of shifting into the wrong gear, an issue with stock BMW shifter assemblies.  Rather than smooth the shifter assembly to this degree, we experimented and tested various different weights and found a perfect balance between "too much" and "not enough" while being able to retain a comfortable and acceptable amount of gearbox effort.

Easy Installation
The Rogue Engineering WSR is extremely easy to install, even for the novice mechanic.  Installation does NOT require the removal of your short shift kit, but does require access to the underside of the vehicle.  Since the RE WSR is manufactured to emulate the factory selector rod dimensions, installation is as easy as the removal of the factory part and reinstalling the WSR.  Typical installation times may vary, but an average installation should take approximately 15-20 minutes, depending on ability and access to tools.  If you have questions regarding the installation, please consult a professional automotive technician.

The Final Result
The RE WSR is an integral part in most of Rogue Engineering OCTANE short shift kits.  While the WSR is not included in every short shift kit Rogue Engineering designs, it continues to greatly aid the tougher-feeling gearboxes in older BMWs.

Rogue Engineering no longer sells WSRs to replace stock selector rods.  WSRs are now specially designed to work only with our short shift kits.

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