Drivetrain B&M Short Shifter
4th Gear
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 305
Likes: 0
I just installed the B&M SS Kit on my cooper. It definately shortens the throw, but it also dropped the height of the stock **** by 1.5"!? The shifter definately looks stubby now. My first impressions are: It feels precise, but it is going to take some getting use to since it feels so low.
ok, I'm going to play Devil's Advocate here; Casey, as the BMP representative, what exactly is the difference in your house-branded B&M shifter versus the one "everyone else" gets?
Not interested in the sales pitch, leave that for the Vendor Announcement Forum. "Just the facts, Jack."
Thanks,
Ryan
Not interested in the sales pitch, leave that for the Vendor Announcement Forum. "Just the facts, Jack."
Thanks,
Ryan
MinMax - Sorry for the late follow-up. Did the install go well? Should have taken about 1 1/2 to 2 hours depending on where your working and under what conditions.
Things to waatch out for are the shifter clips on the underneath side and the retaining ring on the upper. Everything else moves pretty simply. The shifter cable clips on the underneath side are pretty hard to get off but will come with some muscle. Just be sure not to bend the cable or put any pressure on the cable connections toward the front of the assembly. The upper retaining ring you need to be sure everythiong else is unhooked before you attempt to remove it. Easiest method I found was to move the shifter as far to the passenger side of the vehicle as possible when trying pull the retainer out.
Let us know how everyting turned out. :smile:
Things to waatch out for are the shifter clips on the underneath side and the retaining ring on the upper. Everything else moves pretty simply. The shifter cable clips on the underneath side are pretty hard to get off but will come with some muscle. Just be sure not to bend the cable or put any pressure on the cable connections toward the front of the assembly. The upper retaining ring you need to be sure everythiong else is unhooked before you attempt to remove it. Easiest method I found was to move the shifter as far to the passenger side of the vehicle as possible when trying pull the retainer out.
Let us know how everyting turned out. :smile:
OVERDRIVE
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 7,926
Likes: 40
From: Greensboro, NC
Ok...can someone summarize?
1-Will the B&M work with the Whalen ****?
2-How much does it shorten the height of the ****? I've heard from 1/4" to 1 1/2"!!
3-How's the group buy coming, Minibeast?
1-Will the B&M work with the Whalen ****?
2-How much does it shorten the height of the ****? I've heard from 1/4" to 1 1/2"!!
3-How's the group buy coming, Minibeast?
>>Ok...can someone summarize?
>>
>>1-Will the B&M work with the Whalen ****?
Both Randy at Mini Motorsport and myself are waiting for our Whalen shift ***** to come in. Until then neither one of us knows definitively that it fits, though a good guess would be that it does.
>>2-How much does it shorten the height of the ****? I've heard from 1/4" to 1 1/2"!!
I think some of the reason for the difference in height has to do with the 2 **** options when it is first installed. (B&M's **** and the stock ****) I believe using the stock **** gives a much lower height versus the B&M ****. Out of thos that have tried out my car at the last few car shows, all have noticed the difference in height, but none were put off by it. Most said they felt it was a much better height.
>>3-How's the group buy coming, Minibeast?
Group buy has sold out. We're getting more shifters in this week though the boss wants them sold at retail for now. ($139.00) I'll work on him and see what I can work out.
>>
>>1-Will the B&M work with the Whalen ****?
Both Randy at Mini Motorsport and myself are waiting for our Whalen shift ***** to come in. Until then neither one of us knows definitively that it fits, though a good guess would be that it does.
>>2-How much does it shorten the height of the ****? I've heard from 1/4" to 1 1/2"!!
I think some of the reason for the difference in height has to do with the 2 **** options when it is first installed. (B&M's **** and the stock ****) I believe using the stock **** gives a much lower height versus the B&M ****. Out of thos that have tried out my car at the last few car shows, all have noticed the difference in height, but none were put off by it. Most said they felt it was a much better height.
>>3-How's the group buy coming, Minibeast?
Group buy has sold out. We're getting more shifters in this week though the boss wants them sold at retail for now. ($139.00) I'll work on him and see what I can work out.
3rd Gear
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 163
Likes: 0
From: Costa Mesa, CA
>>Ok...can someone summarize?
>>
>>1-Will the B&M work with the Whalen ****?
>>2-How much does it shorten the height of the ****? I've heard from 1/4" to 1 1/2"!! :smile:
1. Yes. I just installed my B&M shifter on Sunday and it works perfectly with the Whalen ****.
2. Whoever mentioned 0.25" needs to pass me whatever they're smoking
It's more like 1.50". You can tell immediately when getting into the car that the **** is sitting lower. I'll post a pic later tonight.
_________________
"I live my life a quarter mile at a time...and in that 17 seconds or more, I'm free."
>>
>>1-Will the B&M work with the Whalen ****?
>>2-How much does it shorten the height of the ****? I've heard from 1/4" to 1 1/2"!! :smile:
1. Yes. I just installed my B&M shifter on Sunday and it works perfectly with the Whalen ****.
2. Whoever mentioned 0.25" needs to pass me whatever they're smoking
It's more like 1.50". You can tell immediately when getting into the car that the **** is sitting lower. I'll post a pic later tonight._________________
"I live my life a quarter mile at a time...and in that 17 seconds or more, I'm free."
That would explain how they can have the ball joint high enough (probably the same as stock) to keep it within the dust cover 
Temporarily Banned
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 3,382
Likes: 2
From: Denver
ACtually, the fulcrum is changed from underneath as well. The way they get away with using the stock cover is pretty ingenious. They actually supply anodized blue aluminum spacers that replace rubber bushings that supply just enough space to get the cover back on - it makes sense when you see it.
As far as the Whalen, I did test fit it with the Whalen before starting to sell them, and as Albert said, it works fine.
I still have two left!
Randy
As far as the Whalen, I did test fit it with the Whalen before starting to sell them, and as Albert said, it works fine.
I still have two left!
Randy
3rd Gear
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 163
Likes: 0
From: Costa Mesa, CA
>>ACtually, the fulcrum is changed from underneath as well. The way they get away with using the stock cover is pretty ingenious. They actually supply anodized blue aluminum spacers that replace rubber bushings that supply just enough space to get the cover back on - it makes sense when you see it.
>>
>>As far as the Whalen, I did test fit it with the Whalen before starting to sell them, and as Albert said, it works fine.
Yeah, I was pretty amazed when I saw how those blue spacers worked.
FYI, the install went much easier than I thought it would actually.
Helpful hint. The part of the install that I worried about the most was disconnecting the cable sockets from the shifter mechanism. One faces directly down, and the other faces to the side. Instructions say to use a flathead screwdriver..... the difficulty in that suggestion rivals trying to drink a milkshake with a coffee stirrer. Instead, use large pliers (I used channel locks) for the downward facing socket, grasp moderately and twist to the side (should pop right out). For the side facing one, use like a 13 or 14mm open wrench and slide it in between the socket and shifter mechanism and give it a quick twist (should pop right out).
The hardest part of the install for me was snapping one of my exhaust bolts while finishing up the job. *DOH*
>>
>>As far as the Whalen, I did test fit it with the Whalen before starting to sell them, and as Albert said, it works fine.
Yeah, I was pretty amazed when I saw how those blue spacers worked.
FYI, the install went much easier than I thought it would actually.
Helpful hint. The part of the install that I worried about the most was disconnecting the cable sockets from the shifter mechanism. One faces directly down, and the other faces to the side. Instructions say to use a flathead screwdriver..... the difficulty in that suggestion rivals trying to drink a milkshake with a coffee stirrer. Instead, use large pliers (I used channel locks) for the downward facing socket, grasp moderately and twist to the side (should pop right out). For the side facing one, use like a 13 or 14mm open wrench and slide it in between the socket and shifter mechanism and give it a quick twist (should pop right out).
The hardest part of the install for me was snapping one of my exhaust bolts while finishing up the job. *DOH*
4th Gear
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 305
Likes: 0
After driving with the B&M for a week and getting use to it, I really like the feel. I highly recommend this mod!
I had someone install it in about 45 minutes with a lift. It is a fairly easy install. I would guess that it would take me 1.5 hours under jack stands, working slowly, and being careful.
I had someone install it in about 45 minutes with a lift. It is a fairly easy install. I would guess that it would take me 1.5 hours under jack stands, working slowly, and being careful.
2nd Gear
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 148
Likes: 0
From: Northern Virginia
Can anyone take pictures of the travel from Neutral, 3rd gear, and 4th gear? So just some side shots of where the shifter sits when in gear and neutral? I want to compare to stock.
Thanks
Tom
Thanks
Tom
5th Gear
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 850
Likes: 0
From: SoNo
>>
Shifter looks a lot shorter than I thought it would be. Nice, because I definintely want to get rid of some of the "bulk" from the shifter, as well as the throw. Thanks for the pic
-Chris
Shifter looks a lot shorter than I thought it would be. Nice, because I definintely want to get rid of some of the "bulk" from the shifter, as well as the throw. Thanks for the pic
-Chris
2nd Gear
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
Hi Minibeast,
Thanks for your reply, sorry for my late follow up as well (just got back from vacation :smile:. I tried to put in the new B&M shifter, but had a heck of a time. Spent pretty much all afternoon wrestling with trying to get the #$%@ shifter ball retainer (grey plastic thing) to snap back down over the shifter ball, and ended up finally breaking it.
I now need a new one, and some very good advice on how to put it in. I followed the instructions that came with the B&M shifter, which I now question, due to the problem I'm having. I agree with the earlier post that the shift cables don't pop off as easily as the instructions would have you believe, but anyway.
I'm generally pretty handy with cars, and have done quite a few mods to the few I own, but haven't had any of them frustrate me the way this one has (seemingly so simple to do). I tried to snap the ball retainer back over the new shift ****, in reverse of how I took it out (starting the ball arm side first and working the rest around, but that didn't work. I even made a tool out of some similar diameter pipe that slips down over the shifter handle to allow me to evenly push down on the ball retainer, but to no avail.
Basically I need two things:
1) Where would you purchase a new Shift ball retainer?
2) Any tricks you could help me with on how to get the shift ball retainer to snap down over the new B&M stick.
Is it possible that there are different sizes of shifter ***** on the earlier MINIs? I'll try and measure and compare the two (stock vs B&M) and see if there appears to be any discernable difference.
Thanks for your help,
Cheers!
MinMax
Thanks for your reply, sorry for my late follow up as well (just got back from vacation :smile:. I tried to put in the new B&M shifter, but had a heck of a time. Spent pretty much all afternoon wrestling with trying to get the #$%@ shifter ball retainer (grey plastic thing) to snap back down over the shifter ball, and ended up finally breaking it.
I now need a new one, and some very good advice on how to put it in. I followed the instructions that came with the B&M shifter, which I now question, due to the problem I'm having. I agree with the earlier post that the shift cables don't pop off as easily as the instructions would have you believe, but anyway.
I'm generally pretty handy with cars, and have done quite a few mods to the few I own, but haven't had any of them frustrate me the way this one has (seemingly so simple to do). I tried to snap the ball retainer back over the new shift ****, in reverse of how I took it out (starting the ball arm side first and working the rest around, but that didn't work. I even made a tool out of some similar diameter pipe that slips down over the shifter handle to allow me to evenly push down on the ball retainer, but to no avail.
Basically I need two things:
1) Where would you purchase a new Shift ball retainer?
2) Any tricks you could help me with on how to get the shift ball retainer to snap down over the new B&M stick.
Is it possible that there are different sizes of shifter ***** on the earlier MINIs? I'll try and measure and compare the two (stock vs B&M) and see if there appears to be any discernable difference.
Thanks for your help,
Cheers!
MinMax
MinMax - Shift ball retainer will have to come from Mini Parts. Don't know of anywhere else to get it. As far as install, it just takes some patience. I found mine finally went in after I moved the shifter as far as possible to the passenger side, then let it come back up to center as the retainer goes in. I really don't have any other ideas as far as getting it to go in other than patience. Maybe take a beer break just before that part of the install so your nice and relaxed. (I know I was pretty stressed by the time I got to that portion of the install)
Good Luck and let us know how it goes.
Good Luck and let us know how it goes.
5th Gear
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 799
Likes: 0
From: East
>>Glad I'm not the only one who broke the Shift ball retainer<<
I was very worried about it as well but managed to screw around with it for a while until it just slipped in.
There must be a side letter with BMW somewhere that allows the use of the words MINI and COOPER if you promise never to supply the customer with well illustrated and easy to understand instructions. I have yet to find one set (except Randy's How-To's).
I was very worried about it as well but managed to screw around with it for a while until it just slipped in.
There must be a side letter with BMW somewhere that allows the use of the words MINI and COOPER if you promise never to supply the customer with well illustrated and easy to understand instructions. I have yet to find one set (except Randy's How-To's).
4th Gear
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 507
Likes: 0
>>Glad I'm not the only one who broke the Shift ball retainer.... 
After sleeping on this last night I reailized how I got the dam retainer off and I should have put it back on the same way instead of following the instructions. The problem with the B&M shifter installation is some things you have to use alot of force to the point where you think you are going to break something and other things you don't. But they don't indicate in the instructions accurately when to excessive force and when not to.
For instance, the instructions tell you that it may require excessive force to remove the shift ****, I pulled up on that and almost hit myself in the forehead it came off easier than expected, kinda like picking up a milk jug you expect to be full but it's empty. Also, they don't tell you that you do need excessive force to remove the arm from the side of the stick and also you have to force the arm back on when installing the new stick, I was sure I was going to break something removing that.
As far as the Shift Ball retainer, it will not come off by pulling straight up, it actually wraps around the ball and it cannot expand out around the ball because the retainer is still in the housing you have to wiggle it out with alittle force by rotating it to the left as you also rotate the stick to the right. That's how it should be removed and it also should be reintalled repeating the process in reverse. My mistake was that I tried to force it back on by pressing straight down on it (which is what the instruction show). I hope the dealer has a new retainer in stock and it doesn't cost me $100.
After sleeping on this last night I reailized how I got the dam retainer off and I should have put it back on the same way instead of following the instructions. The problem with the B&M shifter installation is some things you have to use alot of force to the point where you think you are going to break something and other things you don't. But they don't indicate in the instructions accurately when to excessive force and when not to.
For instance, the instructions tell you that it may require excessive force to remove the shift ****, I pulled up on that and almost hit myself in the forehead it came off easier than expected, kinda like picking up a milk jug you expect to be full but it's empty. Also, they don't tell you that you do need excessive force to remove the arm from the side of the stick and also you have to force the arm back on when installing the new stick, I was sure I was going to break something removing that.
As far as the Shift Ball retainer, it will not come off by pulling straight up, it actually wraps around the ball and it cannot expand out around the ball because the retainer is still in the housing you have to wiggle it out with alittle force by rotating it to the left as you also rotate the stick to the right. That's how it should be removed and it also should be reintalled repeating the process in reverse. My mistake was that I tried to force it back on by pressing straight down on it (which is what the instruction show). I hope the dealer has a new retainer in stock and it doesn't cost me $100.
4th Gear
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 507
Likes: 0
Ok, I need some help. I don't see how even if I get a new Shift ball retainer that I can get the retainer snapped on without breaking it. I spent the last half an hour trying to snap in the 3/4 of a retainer tha I have left. According to the instructions you install the shift ball retainer after you have connected the cables to the stick and have the stick installed in the car. The retainer has to expand in order to snap around the ball. It can't expand around the bal because the ball is already in the housing. I even tried pulling up on the stick which moves the lever on the side up as far as it will go but it's not enought to get the ball above the housing. I know if I can't even snap the broken retainer on I sure won't be able to snap a new one on. Anyone have anymore suggestions?
Super Mini, go back and disconnect the cables. It will definitely not go in with the cables attached.
I'm checking now to see if we can outsource these retaining rings.
I'm checking now to see if we can outsource these retaining rings.
4th Gear
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 507
Likes: 0
>>Super Mini, go back and disconnect the cables. It will definitely not go in with the cables attached.
>>I'm checking now to see if we can outsource these retaining rings.
That's nice, I at least assumed that the instructions were correct as far as what order to do things. Is there a phone number for B&M that I can call? As you can see I'm very pissed off right now. I'm the one who helps all my friends and family work on their cars.. (I used to be an Aircraft Mechanic) and I'm in the process of building a Cobra kit car, have rebuilt engines ect.... I've never broken anything before! And now I have to jack the car up, disconnect the exhaust, heat shield and remove the cable again.. but oh, I guess I'll have to wait until Monday to do all that because the Dealer doesn't have that part in stock! Ahhhhhhhh.
>>I'm checking now to see if we can outsource these retaining rings.
That's nice, I at least assumed that the instructions were correct as far as what order to do things. Is there a phone number for B&M that I can call? As you can see I'm very pissed off right now. I'm the one who helps all my friends and family work on their cars.. (I used to be an Aircraft Mechanic) and I'm in the process of building a Cobra kit car, have rebuilt engines ect.... I've never broken anything before! And now I have to jack the car up, disconnect the exhaust, heat shield and remove the cable again.. but oh, I guess I'll have to wait until Monday to do all that because the Dealer doesn't have that part in stock! Ahhhhhhhh.