[AllBlackBimmer]

Looking into possibly replacing my OEM 6MT shift knob...

...I've read the arguments for/against that weighted shift knobs can possibly speed up wear on a manual transmission...

I've looked into the ZHP knob, but then also came across the M Perforated knob...
http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E82-135i-N55_3.0L/ES47533/

Does anyone know how the M Perforated Knob compares to OEM? in terms of weight and height? Any experience on how it "feels"?

Does the ZHP knob really weigh 5lbs?!?
http://www.amazon.com/BMW-25-11-896-886/dp/B0068XM1B4

What does OEM shift knob weigh?

I think I may go with whatever one is closer in weight to OEM...

Thanks

EDIT: M Perforated ECS Link is for 1 series cars, but I am about 99% sure they make one to fit E90s

[sossidge]

This doesn't answer your question, but have you checked out the BMW perfromance shift knob?

http://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-17...d-pattern.aspx

[cpie168]

The ZHP knob is the best. It comes as stock with the F80/82 and there's a reason for that. You won't regret it. I love mine!

[AllBlackBimmer]

Originally Posted by sossidge

This doesn't answer your question, but have you checked out the BMW perfromance shift knob?

http://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-17...d-pattern.aspx

Yea I've looked at it... Doesn't look as "comfortable" and the silver doesn't match my interior... Just like my oem doesn't really match.

I have black leather with dark wood trim.... If I had the brushed sluminum trim I'd consider this one.

ZHP gets a lot of love, but i am mildly worried about the weight...
Not the many people don't use it and love it... But I have 87k on my car (4 years ownership) and plan on keeping it much longer and don't want it screwing with my trans... Which I know, is debatable...

[cpie168]

Don't worry about the weight. I honestly couldn't' felt the difference in weight between the stock knob and the ZHP knob. The leather and the shape just feels so right in the hand. Think about it, it's the one thing that you will come into contact within the car the second most after the steering wheel so it's a good investment.

[VTECaddict]

I have the ZHP knob. It's definitely not 5lbs. I don't think it's even 1lb.

[cmitchel]

I plan on upgrading to the ZHP knob soon too. I don't trust the Amazon weight either. See here on ECS it says 5.4 oz (0.3375 lbs).
http://www.ecstuning.com/ES47397/

I don't see how the weight could affect the transmission. The only thing it might affect is the shift rod to the transmission, but they sell upgrades to those as well.
http://burgertuning.com/short_shifte...5_335_535.html

[supergoat]

A weighted knob is always a good idea.

[Chris_Rav]

Go for the ZHP knob, I added the ZHP knob and a clutch stop and it completely changed the way the car felt. Honestly one of the best mods you can do for cheap, and I agree the leather and the shape of it feels great. It sits slightly shorter than oem and makes shifting much smoother. It does not weigh anywhere near 5 lbs, it honestly isn't much heavier than the oem knob, if you were holding both in your hand you most likely wouldn't be able to tell which one was heavier but it does make a difference everytime you shift a gear.

Also - check out the F80/82 forums to see if you can find a used one on there, I got mine from a F82 that was basically brand new and it was much cheaper than buying elsewhere. The boot will fit with some small modifications or you can just cut off the boot and replace it with yours.

[beetle6986]

I got the M perforated knob (I preferred the looks of that one). Feels much better then stock. I think it was around 3/4 of an inch shorter than the stock shifter. The weight of the knob isn't going to cause any issues with the transmission.

[AllBlackBimmer]

Originally Posted by beetle6986

I got the M perforated knob (I preferred the looks of that one). Feels much better then stock. I think it was around 3/4 of an inch shorter than the stock shifter. The weight of the knob isn't going to cause any issues with the transmission.

where did you get yours? all the ones I see listed are for the 1-series cars... but I can't imagine they are any different than any other manual BMW? Did you have to modify the shift boot at all or just reuse the OEM one?

[AllBlackBimmer]

Originally Posted by Chris_Rav

Go for the ZHP knob, I added the ZHP knob and a clutch stop and it completely changed the way the car felt. Honestly one of the best mods you can do for cheap, and I agree the leather and the shape of it feels great. It sits slightly shorter than oem and makes shifting much smoother. It does not weigh anywhere near 5 lbs, it honestly isn't much heavier than the oem knob, if you were holding both in your hand you most likely wouldn't be able to tell which one was heavier but it does make a difference everytime you shift a gear.

Also - check out the F80/82 forums to see if you can find a used one on there, I got mine from a F82 that was basically brand new and it was much cheaper than buying elsewhere. The boot will fit with some small modifications or you can just cut off the boot and replace it with yours.

Did you modify your OEM boot or did you use the one that came with the ZHP Knob?

I'd really not have to deal with modifying my boot.. but understand there may be more excess if I re-use my OEM one as both the M perforated and ZHP are shorter than OEM, thus making more excessive material for the boot...

Still up in the air about these, I don't think the added "weight" would harm the transmissions, but it's one of those "debates" out there, much like if flushing an automatic transmission fluid is good or not. arguments for both a weighted knob being fine, and some say will cause slight excess wear... since the knob may not weigh THAT much more, but at the end of a lever... the weigh changes exponentially

[Chris_Rav]

Originally Posted by AllBlackBimmer

Did you modify your OEM boot or did you use the one that came with the ZHP Knob?

I'd really not have to deal with modifying my boot.. but understand there may be more excess if I re-use my OEM one as both the M perforated and ZHP are shorter than OEM, thus making more excessive material for the boot...

Still up in the air about these, I don't think the added "weight" would harm the transmissions, but it's one of those "debates" out there, much like if flushing an automatic transmission fluid is good or not. arguments for both a weighted knob being fine, and some say will cause slight excess wear... since the knob may not weigh THAT much more, but at the end of a lever... the weigh changes exponentially

Well I personally took the F82 boot and fitted it to my e92 since the leather matched the knob and my e92 boot leather was a bit different. If it is slightly shorter you can trim a little off the top and zip tie it back to the knob (from the inside).

[beetle6986]

Originally Posted by AllBlackBimmer

where did you get yours? all the ones I see listed are for the 1-series cars... but I can't imagine they are any different than any other manual BMW? Did you have to modify the shift boot at all or just reuse the OEM one?

It came with the boot and it was a perfect fit. I dont recall where i got mine, but you can find them all over the place. It's the most popular shift knob for the 3 series. Here is just one link. http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E90-335i-N54_3.0L/ES11097/.

Here is a good thread for you on other choices.
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...hlight=Shifter

[beetle6986]

Originally Posted by AllBlackBimmer

some say will cause slight excess wear... since the knob may not weigh THAT much more, but at the end of a lever... the weigh changes exponentially

Until you start hearing about transmissions wearing out... I say BS! What is wearing out.. Synchros? Gears? You don't even hear about weight being discussed much when you buy shifters for other cars.
Imagine how many transmissions should be worn out by now from people resting their hand on the shifter while driving.

[Dan Bilzerian]

If anyone is interested in a BMW short shift knob I have one for sale.

[AllBlackBimmer]

Originally Posted by Seattle(206)

If anyone is interested in a BMW short shift knob I have one for sale.

which one is it?

PM me... and pics if you have them...

[max_k20]

I've been thru a lot of knob and if you want to stay in more OEM the M-sport perforated one was my favorite over ZHP as I liked the shape of it more. If you want to go aftermarket I tried jaffster like and also the Bimmerworld little nicky and the little nicky is really the cream of the crop for me. A bit longer than stock but took away the notchiness from my transmission ! Not too expensive neither !

[AllBlackBimmer]

I think I prefer the looks and the shape of the M Perforated shift knob...

I may try to go to the dealership to see if they have any in stock or on a car that I could "test out" for feel...

Does anyone know if I get this knob, can I reuse my OEM boot or do I need a new boot? I realize I may have excess material since the Perforated knob is a little shorter.

Thanks.

[Dan Bilzerian]

Originally Posted by AllBlackBimmer

which one is it?

PM me... and pics if you have them...

Pm'd

[beetle6986]

Originally Posted by AllBlackBimmer

I think I prefer the looks and the shape of the M Perforated shift knob...

I may try to go to the dealership to see if they have any in stock or on a car that I could "test out" for feel...

Does anyone know if I get this knob, can I reuse my OEM boot or do I need a new boot? I realize I may have excess material since the Perforated knob is a little shorter.

Thanks.

The m shift knob comes with the boot (I don't think you can get it without the boot). It snaps right in place. Takes about 60 seconds to install. Where do you live in PA?

[AllBlackBimmer]

Originally Posted by beetle6986

The m shift knob comes with the boot (I don't think you can get it without the boot). It snaps right in place. Takes about 60 seconds to install. Where do you live in PA?

I'm just south of harrisburg... What about you?