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M535i Shifter

E28 technical advice asked and given! Troubleshooting, modifications and more.
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Lieberino
Posts: 1
Joined: Feb 20, 2025 8:12 PM
Location: Tulsa, Oklahoma

M535i Shifter

Post by Lieberino »

  Image

Hello fellow E28 owners. I just purchased a really nice Euro ‘86 M535i but the shifter (dogleg) seems very rubbery. I’ve been told this is just how they are but can anyone shed some light on this?

Thanks!
Shawn D.
Beamter
Beamter
Posts: 22160
Joined: Feb 12, 2006 12:00 PM
Location: Alpharetta, GA
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Re: M535i Shifter

Post by Shawn D. »

I see this is your first post -- welcome! That's a pretty sweet ride!

Please read and heed the Forum and Tech FAQ sections. The subject of shifters has significant coverage in the "E28 Shifter FAQ" discussion, so please review that and then ask for clarification if needed.

Pay particular attention to the wear items and replace them, because we have no way of knowing whether regular wear is causing the "rubbery" feel.
4DSC
Posts: 182
Joined: Sep 21, 2012 1:53 PM
Location: Atlanta, GA

Re: M535i Shifter

Post by 4DSC »

Not exactly sure what you mean by "rubbery" and I don't have the dogleg but if it feels loose, there are several bushings that could be worn that are shown here. Part #7 is a big rubber boot that covers the lever that absolutely will disintegrate over time. Perhaps pieces of it are lodged in your shift lever assembly. Easy to check, just pop the leather cover. The bushings are cheap, but annoying to reach. The rubber boot is easy to replace from the top, and helps with heat insulation from the components under the car (if that area gets hotter than normal, that's a telltale sign).
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