Rogue Engineering E46 M3 CNC Short Shift Kit

For the purposes of comparison, we will show why we include specific parts in our kit, and how it applies to the vehicle in question.

The first part that most notice about the kit is the intricately machined CNC'd replacement carrier.  Carved from a single piece of billet aluminum, it is much stronger than the cast factory carrier that it replaces.  More than the strength, the cup area is also elevated so that it allows for more over the driveshaft.  This is required since our shifter lever reduces more throw than the ones mentioned below.

Another noticeable part of the kit is our Weighted Selector Rod (WSR).  For this application, the selector rod is specifically modified so that all of the benefits of the selector rod do not interfere with clearance issues in this very confined space.  The ends of the WSR are now meticulously TIG welded to ensure that the ends are permanently attached to the middle of the WSR.

The replacement OCTANE shifter lever is where the magic occurs.  While the shift knob height is slightly lower than stock, the throws are reduced approximately 34%.  Of course, small details such as shifter lever geometry are retain to emulate the stock lever that it replaces.

BMW Performance Parts
BMW # 25 11 0 430 358, List Price $230

BMW NA recently introduced the "BMW Performance Parts" program, as an official aftermarket parts program to enthusiasts looking for more out of their BMWs.  Of course, when they introduced their "short shift kit" for the 2001-06 BMW E46 M3, we had to get one to check it out!

Included in the kit, you get the following:

• Replacement factory lever (from a European E46 330d)
• Replacement shifter boot
• Replacement shift knob
• Replacement pivot cup
• New circlip

The assumption is that this is not a DIY job (although it would be relatively straight forward), since it does not come with directions for installation.

Upon further inspection of the parts, the actual shifter lever (which reduces throw and shifter knob height) is actually a factory part from a European E46 330d (Diesel) which has a retail price of only $63.95 for the lever itself.  Using other included parts (boot and shift knob) means that the E46 M3 users loses his illuminated shift knob (last we checked, this was a favorite feature of the shift knob).  Although the included knob is slightly heavier in weight over the stock knob, it is the same height.   From the measurements of the shifter lever, it reduces height by 1/2" over stock, and reduces throws by 17%.

One disappointing part of the shifter lever replacement is that it does not mimic the factory lever angles.  Instead of being bent 10º reward, it is only bent 6.5º rearward.  Also, because it is a unmodified, factory part, the inherit slop between the upper and lower portions of the lever remain.  So that squishy, rubbery, feeling of the lever when it goes into gear is still going to be there.

Dinan
Dinan # D550-1001, List Price $229

Dinan, who has been in the BMW tuning business for more than 25 years, FINALLY decided to market a short shift kit.  Unfortunately, it is a disappointing product, considering the level of product they normally turn out.

Included in the "kit", you get the following:

• Replacement lever (painted factory lever from unknown BMW model)
• Replacement pivot cup

Since the Dinan part is a factory part, construction is par for BMW.  However, the inherit problems with the factory lever still exist.  Funny thing, when compared to the BMW Performance Part, the reduction of throw is the same, as well as the reduction in shift knob height.  The only difference between the two (besides the incredible price tag increase and black paint) is the Dinan lever is also the incorrect shifter lever geometry, when compared to stock.  At 13.5º bent rearward, it lays the shifter lever back too far.