Smooth shifters - do they exist?

[Doctor Zaius]

I've test driven a 325i, 530i and a 540i (all 1994-5 vintage) and I must say the shifting is just a tad bothersome in the manual cars; more noticable on the 530 and 540.

I was unable to find words to describe what I'm objecting to but from reading the site archives I see y'all refer to what I may be experiencing as "notchiness" and a long throw.

Is it possible to obtain a SMOOTHER shift experience via a mod?

I must say back in my day I had a '70 Mustang with a Hurst shifter, and I could shift that beast with one finger. Amazingly smooth.

Also, it sounds like short shift kits provide MORE notchiness.

I realize it's something I'd get used to, but still...

Is my quest for a SMOOTH, SHORT throw mod in vain?

 

[Big Daddy]

UUC and Bavarian Autosport both make great short shifters. I have to say that my old Hurst shifter was loose and sloppy comapred to my roadsters shifter! I have a short shifter and use Redline Synthetics in my transmission and maybe that makes the difference.

 

[MrElussive]

Smooth and short are exact opposites for shifting. When you get a short shift kit, it just increases shifting effort and increases notchiness. BMW's typically have very long shift throws but offer easy shifting effort.

 

[Big Daddy]

There is nothing "notchy" about my short shifter, it is smoother and quiter than the original. I have experienced notchy and mine ain't! Must be the oils!!!