Installing a short shift kit in a '02 MCS is a PITA! Took me 2 hours to do my M3 SSK and it will wind up taking two DAYS on the MCS. The removal/replacement of the ball & socket shift cable connectors is extremely problematic--had to use channels locks and a 18" breaker bar to get one off (hope I can get it back on today!). I called the dealer for a few tips and the master tech actually chuckled when I told him I was doing a SSK install.

I must give Dan at Pilo Racing many thanks for his willing email support over this holiday weekend.

 

I installed a B&M and the instructions were pretty good. I used a crowbar and londg screwdriver. I used the crowbar as platform for the screwdriver because the shift box is plastic. as I recall the whole thing took me 4 hours. The hardest part was to install the new shift rod in the factory shift assembly.

I think you can download the B&M instructions from their website.

Hope this helps

 

Yes, the cables are that hard to get off, but they snap on quite easiely. Sounds about right. What SSK are you doing?
Your dealer has no clue ..... (chuckling)

 

Getting the ball thingys off isn't too bad if you use the right technique. Grab them with a huge channel lock pliers, and roll them off towards the side of the car.

Have you removed the stock lever from the box? That is the most entertaining part of the job on the 02/03 cars.

 

when you pull off the **** using the max force required and it suddenly releases, don't get smacked in the nose by your own fist!

 

I hate it when that happens..................OH, are we still talking about short shifters?

 

Well, everything went back on in a snap (pun intended). Yeah, I wrestled with the retainer ring on the shift rod ball for about an hour. I finally won but the darn thing was showing some wear and tear, but action is smooth. It's a Pilo Racing SSK and I did use the B&M instructions. Shifts very nicely now, thank you.

 

Skip the channel locks. The shaft near the socket is square, and fitted for a wrench. I forget the size, but you jus put a wrench on it, and rotate it towards the side of the car. It pops off with relatively little force that way.

-Andy

 

I have tried once to get this stupid thing installed. But if i get confident again, i might try it. It was a ***** getting that plastice shield off of the box. The cables ended up coming off very easy for me, but when i got to the point where you need to get the little clips off to slid the cables through the box, i just could not do it! They would not budge. Any tips would be appreciated!

 

If I recall that was fairly easy--think I used large needle nose pliers.

 

I just did my BM SSK yesterday and for the clips that hold the cables on, I used a flat head screw driver as a lever and pryed it as far as I could until i had no more leverage left. There was enough space inside the clips that I was able to get the small screw driver in and twist it and the clips popped right out! Take your time and it will come out. Do not rush the job, as you do not want to damage anything. If you still have trouble with the clips, try to take channel locks and pull them, they are on tight, but the will come off.

Garrett