QuestionI have taken the boot off of the shifter and can see that the linkage is broken directly below the shifter. is there a special tool to remove the shifter bushing? 318i sedan M42 engine
AnswerMark,
How on earth did you break the shifter linkage? Are you sure it's broken, or just came loose? Anyhow, as you can see, there is a bushing on the bottom of the shifter, and a rod that goes through this bushing and connects to the bushing on the transmission. When you say "I broke the shift linkage", I'm taking it that you broke the rod that runs between the shifter, and the transmission. If this rod is broke, it's actually not a bad fix. where the rod runs through the bushing on the bottom of the shifter, there is a clip that keeps it from coming out of the bushing. slide this clip off, and the rod will come free from the shifter. The same is true for the opposite end. On the tranny, there is a "knuckle" that looks identical to the bottom of the shifter, and there is another clip that holds this rod into this bushing.
Grab another shift rod from a junk yard, or Ebay, and re install it. You will have to do this from underneath the car, as there is not enought room to get to it from inside the car.
To remove the shifter, there is a plastic bowl-shaped clip that holds the shifter in, pop the tabs on this plastic bowl in, and it should pop right out.
With the car off the ground (on jack stands) I can slide underneath and have this job done in 10 minutes max!
If you broke something else, reply with more specifics on what you broke, and we will try to fix the other parts. I've had these shifter's apart quite often, so I know them like the back of my hand. It's a good idea to replace the bushings, and any wear parts while your in there, as it will tighten shifting greatly.
Good luck,
Josh
