I've seen alot of posts for the b5 short shifter but none for our b6... i was wondering how this would be..?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/SHORT...mZ230290083472

 

I dunno how b5 s4 shifter would fit a b6 a4 Sorry, cant help on this one.

 

If it fits the 2002-2003 A4 why wouldn't it fit the 2003-2005.0?

 

I'd get the JHMotorsports Solid Short Throw. Its all 100% steel, replaces the plastic bushing and has a 5 or 25 % reduction in throw, and is available in shortened or regular length shaft. It's expensive but it beats out all those other sloppy loose shifters that reuse the stock plastic bushings, have steel/aluminum mixed parts, etc etc.

$240 or $260 depending on gearbox:
http://www.speedlifemotorsport.com/drivetrain5.html

I had my 5 speed installed in 3 hours with a basic toolbox and beer breaks. Hardest part is waiting until your sober to drive, but it is highly advised that you do so... lol

As for that ebay shifter, it uses the same stock plastic bushing around that big ball, so your going to have a LOT of slop there, it looks to be an aluminum bottom piece, so your "high strength steel" (most likely hollow) shifter is going to eat through that aluminum piece like there is no tomorrow.

I think when they say 2002-2003, he just wants to be sure no one buys it for a 6 speed (6 speed wasn't available those two years). Also the install on the 6 speed is almost the same except for the reverse (spring maybe?) and the 6 is more finicky than the 5 speed.

Good luck, in the end any shortie throw will get the job done, its just how well it will do so. If you want nice tight shifts, that ebay shifter won't do it, granted your still going to have some slop no matter what you do unless you start changing mounts and stuff.