More re: Inner shift boot/ air through firewall (archive)

Ron,
Thank you for the information...worth a try I think. I found that a rubber boot had slipped off from the firewall around where the clutch assembly passes throught the firewall. Also, it looks like something is missing (a rubber boot) where the steering column passes through the firewall...not sure. I'll check Bentley...if others have ideas or observations...please pass along. Much appreciated.

Tim
87 535is 153k

On my '86 535i w/ standard transmission, I finally got around to replacing the inner shift boot. I see no reason why it would be incompatible with a short shift kit.

It comes with a handy plastic ring which is supposed to help you install it. From within the cabin, you shove the whole thing through the hole, then pull on the plastic ring. The ring comes off and leaves the boot properly installed around the hole. The bottom of the boot is supposed to fit over a ring in the shift lever mount, but I never got it to fit. It's just resting on top of the mount now, which I expect is fine. It's a lot better than the original, which had completely disintegrated.

When I had the clutch master cylinder replaced, the shop used some sort of black goop to seal the gap at the firewall. The seal wasn't very good, and when I went through really deep puddles, I'd get about a quart of water in the driver's footwell. I poked at the goop to fix the seal, and haven't dah a problem since.

Hi Brett and Ben,
I too experience this "problem". I have a short shift kit installed which may contribute to the problem. Ben, do you know if the replacement "inner shift boot" is compatible with short shift kits? There is a foam ring around there the shift ball mounts into a nylon ring that is disentigrating thus allowing heat to come through more so than would be usual. Does anyone have the part # for this foam ring handy? I don't have a parts CD yet...

In addition to this source of engine/exhaust heat entering the cabin, now that it is summer and I am wearing my trusty teva sandles again, I have started to feel engine heat blowing in through the firewall. I know this is a common problem, can someone remind me what the source is and the fix.

Best regards and thanks,
Tim
87 535is 153k

Brett
Heat from the exhaust is most likely coming up through the hole around the shift lever. Try replacing the inner shift boot.It is easily accessable from above, as it is right under the leather boot. Cost on the part is about $15.00 from the dealer, and part # is 25-11-1-220-912-6 for 88 E-28 w/5 manual trans.(I replaced mine 2 weeks ago.) It will also reduce the noise in the cabin considerably,if the boot is seriously cracked. Good Luck!

Everytime I drive for maybe an hour or ride thru town the center console where the switches and gear shift is, gets really warm. The ash tray where I keep my change, gets hot and I can feel heat come from the vents where the A/C is.

Is this normal or is there something I should do to fix the problem!

Thanks
Brett A.

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