Since I'm a n00b, I want to go ahead and clarify one thing: I have searched thoroughly prior to posting this.

After I picked up my 03 MCS a couple weekends ago, I was all pumped about my purchase and couldn't wait to start molesting it, but I was pretty shot down whenever I got home and started trying to twist off my shift **** and couldn't get it to come off. Then I read that I was supposed to "pull" the **** off. Ok, no big deal, but then I realized that I couldn't replace my stock **** with any of my other threaded *****.

So now that I've read all the threads about aftermarket ***** made especially for the "push-on-pull-off" style (Whalen, JCW, etc) and about the one-size-fits-all Momo style (which I hate because it invariably comes loose), I've come to the conclusion that there's not any way I can get past this problem.... unless there's something hiding underneath the plastic thing.

What I'm referring to is the notched plastic post that is over the actual shifter post. I realize that it's either glued or molded to the post, but what's underneath it? Is there a threaded section or just a flat-milled post end? Has anyone ever removed the plastic **** receiver to see what is underneath?

 

some short shift kits, such as the alta (i know because i have it) are threaded at the end, and the black plastic snap on piece simply screws onto the shaft. I have never messed with the stock shifter piece to find out.

 

I looked at the Craven short shifter for that very reason, but it's just tough to spend that $172 and go to all that trouble installing just because I want to use some of my old *****. It would be different if the car didn't already have such a tight gearbox already, but since it does, I'm not sure I want to make that investment.

 

Contacted Whalen today about their adapter, and he said that his adapter will only fit his ***** because of the non-standard thread diameter ( .718"). Looks like the only options are short shifter or BUST.

 

Do any other BMWs use the same size? It can't be impossible to find an appropriate adapter...can it?