BMW part number 23221224096 is a internal manual transmission shim or spacer (measuring 44mm x 36.5mm x 2.2mm). This shim is placed directly on the output shaft or drive countershaft assembly inside the manual gearbox. Its primary job is to establish precise mechanical clearances (end-play tolerance) between internal rotating gears, needle bearings, and lock rings. Proper shimming prevents excess axial movement of the gear sets, ensuring that the manual transmission shifts smoothly, stays securely in gear, and avoids premature synchro or tooth wear under load. (9h)
Because this part belongs to classic manual gearboxes—specifically the iconic Getrag 240 and Getrag 260 5-speed manual units—it spans multiple vintage BMW chassis from 1981 to roughly 1993. It is most prominently found in the following models:
BMW 3 Series (E21 Generation): 1981–1983 (Late 320i models built after 09/1982)
BMW 3 Series (E30 Generation): 1984–1991 (Fits 318i, 318is, 320i, 325e, 325es, 325i, and 325is models equipped with standard manual boxes)
BMW 5 Series (E28 Generation): 1982–1988 (Fits 528e, 525e, and manual 5-series variants)
BMW 5 Series (E34 Generation): 1989–1993 (Fits early 518i and 520i models featuring Getrag units)
BMW 7 Series (E23 & E32 Generations): Early 1980s manual setups (such as the rare manual transmission 728i, 733i, and 735iL)
