Trivial question in the grand scheme of upgrades, but the best I can tell from searching, the R56 JCW carbon fiber shift **** (with the JCW logo on it), will fit on an R53 without issue?

 

Can you get to see one on the flesh? If the R53 is same as R50 it is a pull off; push on fit. You may be able to compare fitting area.

 

Sorry to say you will need an insert adapter.

 

Ha, now you have me curious...

 

They have lengthened the distance from the top of the lever to the locking groove, which means a pre-07 **** will not fit an 07 car properly, and vice-versa.

 

If the lever is too long from the locking grove to the lever top it could always be buffed down with a file or petrol driven angle grinder.

 

Here is what I know about it. Braminator is right, the distance from the clip to the fork in the shifter on the First and second Gen Mini models is different. The distances are roughly;

R53=35mm
R56=46mm

I am not sure how you could grind it down while retaining the clips at the bottom of the shifter.

Now, I am just trying to help so I hesitate end this like a salesman, but I have the adapters that Braminator is talking about. The catch is that they only fit our Adjustable Shifters. I can get a shifter set up for you that will fit your R53 whilst having the shift **** set up for the R56 JCW **** you are looking for. I know this adds to the cost and complexity a bit, but what you want to do can be done.

 

I bought the R56 JCW carbon shift **** for my R53. Whalen fabricated an adapter for me for $5 plus shipping. I have not put it on yet but am getting ready to. If any one knows how to make an adapter I am sure it is Whalen!

 

Looking forward to hearing back on how it fits

 

Okay, I just tried installing the adapter and shift ****. It did not snap into place like it should. The collar on the shifter shaft is blocking the **** from going down far enough. I don't want to modify the shaft or the **** so I'm going to contact Whalen and see what he can come up with to remedy the issue. The adapter fit perfect on the top of the shaft. I will keep you up dated.

 

Bad news, Doug Whalen was not able to help me with another adapter. My R53 to R56 conversion is a bust. Needless to say my JCW shift **** is going up for sale. Good luck with yours tmscaf.