Expert: Josh Fields - 5/12/2006

Question
Josh-
I have a 1987 BMW 325 with 5-speed and 2.5L six. Car is in great shape, save for a few minor problems that we intend to fix. One problem is a very loose shifter handle. I have purchased a new shifter bushing but not sure how to install. After removing the shifter boot, I see the plastic bushing around the "ball" of the shifter where it sits in the housing on top of the trans. Looks like the shifter would have to be disconnected from the linkage, remove the shifter and ball from the trans, and replace the bushing that way? If that's how it has to be done, it will be a job getting under the car and reaching up to get at the linkage.
Is there any way of getting this apart from the top (inside the car) without having to crawl underneath?

Hopefully, I am explaining this correctly.

Thanks for any help you can provide.  

Answer
Bill,
 I know exactly what you are talking about, but unfortunately there is no way of getting to the linkage without going from under the car.

 Also you should replace the knuckle on the back of the transmission, this is what the linkage connects to, and is often worn out.  The bushing that you are replacing will help, but I doubt it will fix  the problem.  The bushing that is worn is the bushing on the bottom of the shifter that the linkage rod connects though.  The same for the knuckle bushing.

 Hope this helps,
 Josh