Drivetrain B&M Short Shifter
Just got in the new B&M Shortshifter for both the Mini Cooper 5 speed and Mini Cooper S 6 speed. I'm test fitting in an hour and can give a review then. (Trying to cool the exhaust on the "Beast"
Unit is set to allow for reinstallation of the stock shift **** as well as a Billet aluminum **** they sent along with it.
Also requires removal of the exhast directly after the cat. (FUN!)

Unit is set to allow for reinstallation of the stock shift **** as well as a Billet aluminum **** they sent along with it.
Also requires removal of the exhast directly after the cat. (FUN!)

Keep us informed. I trust B&M's qaulity should be great. Do you have to use there shift **** or can you get other ***** that scew on. I am not a fant of ***** that are held in place with set screws.
I am VERY interested. Does it change the actual height of the shifter? Keep us updated, I would like to keep my Whalen ****.
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I also am very interested to hear more on this solution. I think many of us have been waiting for such a complete solution (not just an extension) that would allow for us to keep our stock or Whalen *****...
Thanks in advance for your time to share with us!
Thanks in advance for your time to share with us!
I'm amazed that this is the same part for both cars considering the different transmissions. I did some poking. This is B&M model 45129 and I was quoted $224.99cdn from a local performance shop which converts to $160us, so the previous guess of $150 wasn't far off.
Can't wait to hear what it's like. I assume this has the same draw back as others in that you must remove the dust cover and can't fit it back?
Paul
Update; (4 hours later)
Ok, there are some issues with the installation. We're working them out with B&M. Mainly mistakes and typos in the instructions which led to bad results for the gorrilla mechanic (me).
Shifting is about 30% shorter. Very nice and tight before my mistakes showed up.
Installation will require a lift.
Current design will allow for various screw on and press on *****. They are considering changing it to work with the stock **** only and I 've requested that they not. Variety being the key to success.
Prices, while not firm yet from my sponsor, he is guaranteeing a competitive price to those selling it elswhere. "We're focusing on getting the product to work first then we'll start selling it"
Soooo. till tomorrow when I start getting repair parts for the stuff "I" broke, we wait for the road test.
Ok, there are some issues with the installation. We're working them out with B&M. Mainly mistakes and typos in the instructions which led to bad results for the gorrilla mechanic (me).
Shifting is about 30% shorter. Very nice and tight before my mistakes showed up.
Installation will require a lift.
Current design will allow for various screw on and press on *****. They are considering changing it to work with the stock **** only and I 've requested that they not. Variety being the key to success.
Prices, while not firm yet from my sponsor, he is guaranteeing a competitive price to those selling it elswhere. "We're focusing on getting the product to work first then we'll start selling it"
Soooo. till tomorrow when I start getting repair parts for the stuff "I" broke, we wait for the road test.
I just spoke with Ron at B&M:
He confirmed that it works with the stock **** - and with that the Whalen!!!
Recommended list price is $162. There you go.
Oh, he said that the stick is maybe about 1/4" lower...
Minibeast, can't wait to hear how the install went!
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2003 IB MCS
He confirmed that it works with the stock **** - and with that the Whalen!!!
Recommended list price is $162. There you go.
Oh, he said that the stick is maybe about 1/4" lower...
Minibeast, can't wait to hear how the install went!
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2003 IB MCS
Ok, can confirm the height as being shorter. Not much, but just a little. Pricing sounds like where my sponsor is headed and he'll certainly match it. All in the name of competition of course!
Will get some pictures when I get in tomorrow. Just have the pictures of the kit so far. Check the Gallery section for a high resolution version.
If you are desperate to order immediately feel free to contact my sponsor at the link below and they'll match or beat any advertized price on this shifter though they prefer that you wait until it's fully tested both in installation and workings.
Tony- So far the install has been a nightmare. Not because it's neccesarily hard but because of the mix up's in directions. In detail, The main problems lie in the removal of the shifter retention ring, (located on top of the shifter ball) the reinstallation of same said ring, and the removal of the shifter cables.
The retention ring requires the removal of the shifter cables (before) the ring is removed. This allows enough play in the shifter to allow the ring to be removed and reinstalled without damage.
The removal of the shifter cables from the shifter housing requires a pair of pliers as opposed to the use of a screwdriver. (I ended up damaging the cable trying figure ourt how to use a screwdriver to remove the clip holding the cables in.) A pair of pliers pulling down on the clip will remove it without damage.
In the long run these are minor setbacks and I look forward to seeing the shifter in full action. I will also note that you need to use copious amounts of grease on the shifter to help smooth the transistion. Shifter was very stiff before the cables gave loose.
Will get some pictures when I get in tomorrow. Just have the pictures of the kit so far. Check the Gallery section for a high resolution version.
If you are desperate to order immediately feel free to contact my sponsor at the link below and they'll match or beat any advertized price on this shifter though they prefer that you wait until it's fully tested both in installation and workings.
Tony- So far the install has been a nightmare. Not because it's neccesarily hard but because of the mix up's in directions. In detail, The main problems lie in the removal of the shifter retention ring, (located on top of the shifter ball) the reinstallation of same said ring, and the removal of the shifter cables.
The retention ring requires the removal of the shifter cables (before) the ring is removed. This allows enough play in the shifter to allow the ring to be removed and reinstalled without damage.
The removal of the shifter cables from the shifter housing requires a pair of pliers as opposed to the use of a screwdriver. (I ended up damaging the cable trying figure ourt how to use a screwdriver to remove the clip holding the cables in.) A pair of pliers pulling down on the clip will remove it without damage.
In the long run these are minor setbacks and I look forward to seeing the shifter in full action. I will also note that you need to use copious amounts of grease on the shifter to help smooth the transistion. Shifter was very stiff before the cables gave loose.
Minibeast, thanks for the scoop! When one paves the way with a new mod, well, those types of issues are sort of expected. Doesn't scare me off one bit
I will wait a week or so, then order through your sponsor. That's cool that that they will match the price!
Do share on the dust cover also...
Thanks.
Tony
I will wait a week or so, then order through your sponsor. That's cool that that they will match the price!
Do share on the dust cover also...
Thanks.
Tony
Well, that is the clincher for me.
I'd order one today, but it seems that a few more things can probably be ironed-out though before these go into mass distribution. Heck, I've waited this long...
Thanks for the follow-up!
Hey, before I forget, now that you have had both units in your hand (
), did you notice any weight differences?
Couldn't avoid one more question... For us DIYs, can this be done on wheel ramps??? Curious to know about the minimum vertical space needed under that area...
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2003 IB MCS
I'd order one today, but it seems that a few more things can probably be ironed-out though before these go into mass distribution. Heck, I've waited this long...
Thanks for the follow-up!
Hey, before I forget, now that you have had both units in your hand (
), did you notice any weight differences?Couldn't avoid one more question... For us DIYs, can this be done on wheel ramps??? Curious to know about the minimum vertical space needed under that area...
_________________
2003 IB MCS
When the kinks in the installation instructions get hammered out, what do you expect installation time to run for a first-timer? Technical difficulty? One or two person job? Any special tool required, including ramps and whatnot? Exactly how much shorter is the height? 1/4" or less? Can they make it even shorter? Seems that's what a lot have been asking for. An inch shorter would be nice. :smile:
Thanks
Thanks
And when someone does verify the height delta, I would be important to note if this is with the **** included, stock, Whalen, etc... On the stock stick for example, the Whalen actually sits just a tad higher...
And yes, will wheel ramps suffice for room to do this? Would love to see a photo of one installed (hint, hint).
And yes, will wheel ramps suffice for room to do this? Would love to see a photo of one installed (hint, hint).
>>No change to dust cover. Do try to remember to put it back on. (I forgot the second time)
How are B&M managing to get the dust cover back on when all the others require the dust cover removal. Anyone?
I'm very tempted to get this but I think the H-Sport springs are next.
Paul
How are B&M managing to get the dust cover back on when all the others require the dust cover removal. Anyone?
I'm very tempted to get this but I think the H-Sport springs are next.
Paul
>>>>No change to dust cover. Do try to remember to put it back on. (I forgot the second time)
>>
>>How are B&M managing to get the dust cover back on when all the others require the dust cover removal. Anyone?
I would get the B&M SS kit if a supplier/manufacturer can verify this. Anyone from proMINI or B&M out there?
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>>
>>How are B&M managing to get the dust cover back on when all the others require the dust cover removal. Anyone?
I would get the B&M SS kit if a supplier/manufacturer can verify this. Anyone from proMINI or B&M out there?
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