Installed B&M Shifter-Review
Ok, so I bit the bullet and purchased the B&M short shifter for my 05 Boxster. The model number is 45135 and I paid just over $240 USD delivered. It wasn't extremely difficult to install, but I would consider myself pretty adept at working on cars and figuring things out, and it still took me about three hours. Of course, if I had to do it again it would have gone faster. The toughest part of the install for me was getting the factory plastic bushings out so that I could remove the factory shifter from the factory shifter assembly. The directions said to use a razor (like the ones used to cut carpet) but I ended up drilling out the tabs. But enough on the installation. My first impression was.......
Is that it? While the shifter feels somewhat tighter and the shift travel shorter, I guess I was expecting more. The shift lever will still wiggle from side to side when in gear, and I had expected the kit to really firm that up. The action is pretty smooth, and I haven't really had any times when I had trouble selecting first when the motor is cold, as has been reported before. It took some time to find neutral again as it seems to be closer to the front of the car. It does make spirited driving more fun. I think that in all honesty the factory shifter is a damn nice piece and the aftermarket can only do so much to improve upon it. Once upon a time, I used to be into Mustangs (don't tell anyone
) and the first mod I would make would be installing a Hurst shifter. Man, what a difference, and I guess I was looking for the same. I think I would enjoy the shifter more if the lever was shorter in the kit. I read somewhere that B & M actually makes the lever longer in order to "put the shifter closer to the steering wheel for easier reach" but I think thats counter productive. Drop the lever a couple of inches and then it would be truly a short throw!
All in all, I'm happy with the purchase at the $240, but just barely. If I had to make a decision on purchasing the factory Porsche sport shifter (which I understand is very similar if not identical) for $400+, I wouldn't see the cost justification. If anyone is going to install one and needs any pointers, please don't hesitate to PM me....
Mike
Is that it? While the shifter feels somewhat tighter and the shift travel shorter, I guess I was expecting more. The shift lever will still wiggle from side to side when in gear, and I had expected the kit to really firm that up. The action is pretty smooth, and I haven't really had any times when I had trouble selecting first when the motor is cold, as has been reported before. It took some time to find neutral again as it seems to be closer to the front of the car. It does make spirited driving more fun. I think that in all honesty the factory shifter is a damn nice piece and the aftermarket can only do so much to improve upon it. Once upon a time, I used to be into Mustangs (don't tell anyone
) and the first mod I would make would be installing a Hurst shifter. Man, what a difference, and I guess I was looking for the same. I think I would enjoy the shifter more if the lever was shorter in the kit. I read somewhere that B & M actually makes the lever longer in order to "put the shifter closer to the steering wheel for easier reach" but I think thats counter productive. Drop the lever a couple of inches and then it would be truly a short throw! All in all, I'm happy with the purchase at the $240, but just barely. If I had to make a decision on purchasing the factory Porsche sport shifter (which I understand is very similar if not identical) for $400+, I wouldn't see the cost justification. If anyone is going to install one and needs any pointers, please don't hesitate to PM me....
Mike
- the factory installed short-shifter is definitely on top of the list of the "performance options" in my car 
