Articles on CDV removal:
http://www.bmw325i.net/cdv_removal.shtml
http://www.uucmotorwerks.com/html_techtip/techtips/check_valve.htm
CDV removal is easy but if you have to bleed your clutch after it is more difficult. Have some brake fluid on hand incase you have to bleed it.
Short shifter info:
http://www.understeer.com/shiftlever.shtml
http://www.understeer.com/onlinestore-shifters.shtml
http://www.unofficialbmw.com/ronstygar.html
There is a ton on short shifter info out there but Ron Stygar has some of the best raw info. Understeer has several good price options. I like UCC products and have heard good things about their shifter.
My Notes on CDV:
CDV Valve Removal
The check valve on my 97 M3 was on the last bracket before the clutch slave cylinder.
You will need 11mm, 14mm and 17mm open end wrenches. Also a drain pan, a hose clamp or hose clamp substitute and possibly clutch bleeding equipment.
First, use the 14 and 17 to loosen the rubber hose from the CDV, don’t actually try to unscrew it just break it loose. Put the hose clamp on the rubber hose. Take the 11mm and remove the hard line nut on the slave side of the bracket. This nut actually is threaded onto the CDV which sticks through the bracket and acts as a stay. Once the nut is off the CDV will separate from the hard line and you can use the 14 and 17mm to finish removing the CDV from the rubber hose. Then stick the male fitting of the rubber hose through the bracket and attach the hard line going to the slave with the 11mm nut. Work quickly to reduce the chance of needing to bleed the clutch.
It’s a little messy because fluid will be leaking from the slave on the hard line side. Hopefully, afterward you will not have to bleed the clutch but be prepared just in case. Bleeding the clutch may require the removal of the slave and hand actuation of the slave piston.