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      08-13-2019, 10:43 AM   #1
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Auto Solutions & UCP Review

Gang,

My 2020 Alpine White M2 arrived July 2nd. I had a bunch of aftermarket parts installed before I drove it off the lot.

After driving several N55 M2's and one 2019 M2C I wanted to clean up the shifter and clutch feel and throws.

I've been performance driving and instructing for 30 years now, and have modded all my cars as well.

I've had both Rogue and UUC kits in previous 335's (wife's on #4) and my 2 early M3's.

Not even in the same conversation as this kit. Combined with the Ultimate Clutch Pedal it brings a smile to my face everytime I shift.

I have the UCP clutch spring in its middle position to firm it up some. It grabs just off the floor and is linear and a shorter travel distance. Perfect feel and an added bonus is the pedal now sits even with the brake pedal.

As for the shifter I went with a 25% reduction and OEM shifter height. I also had him add the New Urethane Bronze bushings for more solid precision and less NVH. Last, I added a Raceseng 2 lb shift knob in Blue to complete the mod.

The shifts are butter smooth, with perfect feedback. I can shift with one finger if I wanted to. There is ZERO slop now. If you money shifted this kit there is something really wrong with you!

I believe I was his first M2C kit and we had to adjust the rod specs to get it to sit right.

His customer service is wonderful. Here are some of the posts he sent me when I was working on buying his kit:

"Steve

Two variables reduction ratio and shifter height.

Reduction ratio first. Basically you have 3 options. Low reduction, Mid reduction and high reduction. There is no difference in precision or repeatability of the pattern regardless of the reduction level. The only trade off is reduced travel for additional shifting effort. If you want to shore up the feel in your shifter and get a gated feel with extreme precision and no slop and want as little additional effort as possible then choose low reduction. Mid reduction adds a little effort and reduces the throw. High reduction takes it a step further in that direction.

Even our high reduction will not be objectionable effort wise and our low reduction very very close to stock effort. that is because the mechanism is much more efficient at transmitting force than the stock setup. I personally use a 22.5% in one car and 25% in the other. I personally do not like the high reduction shifter because I like to be able to shift with a couple of fingers and I get flustered when driving fast so I like to have a relatively open pattern.If I were cool and composed on the track and did not have to deal with stop and go traffic I would probably go to a 30-35 percent shifter. Conversely, If i was stuck in traffic all the time I would probably go to a 10 or 15% shifter. And around 20% is a good all around compromise.


Height of the shifter lever is another variable and a personal choice and has to do with the angle of your forearm. And folks preference as to height seems to change with the times. 2 years ago 13mm taller was very popular with the idea that it would compensate for the identical drop in height when a ZHP or similar knob is used. Last year folks liked the 6mm taller as it would kinda split the difference between the ZHP and stock knob. For the past 4 months I have been only selling stock height with one exception. A 4mm talller knob. Why 4 and not 6 is beyond me but the custom height was at no cost and I obliged. My preference matters little in this regards and all the above mentioned configurations are rooted in sound logic.
If you are using one of the shorter knobs (ZHP , M5) We can certainly build the shifter 13 mm taller so that the resulting height is stock .However keep in mind that should you ever want to revert to the stock knob then the shifter will present taller than it is right now and getting it back to stock height would require you to send us the shift lever so that we can modify it. Personally unless the stock height is problematic, I would limit the increase in height to what is needed to compensate for the ZHP. Conversely we can build the shifter shorter than stock if you want a lower height and still retain the stock knob.I most cases however, stock height works well so if it is not broke don't fix it.

Hope that helps.

Ronald


To conclude, installing both these mods in your M2 is worth every $.

The UCP: http://www.ultimateclutchpedal.com/

AS SSK: www.autosolutions.net

If anyone else has done either please chime in...

Best,
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Last edited by SEAT TIME RULES; 09-09-2019 at 03:35 PM..
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      08-13-2019, 11:57 AM   #2
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I also did the same SSK + UCP.

https://f87.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1613458

I like it a lot, and agree with your comments!
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      08-13-2019, 11:59 AM   #3
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Thank you for sharing your experience OP
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      08-13-2019, 12:50 PM   #4
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Originally Posted by RocketBoots View Post
I also did the same SSK + UCP.

https://f87.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1613458

I like it a lot, and agree with your comments!
Yeah now I remember your thread...

I think there are only a few of us that have done both....
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      08-13-2019, 04:39 PM   #5
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If I had the MT in my M2C the Autosolutions SSK would've been my first mod. Love it in my E46 M3! Glad to hear your success!
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      08-14-2019, 07:43 AM   #6
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Lol. I'm having my SSK shifter fitted right now, this minute in fact. (In the UK)

Ronald at Auto solutions is the man!

I went for 20% reduction and 10mm shorter plus bushes.

UCP don't do a right hand drive version
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      08-14-2019, 11:25 AM   #7
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Originally Posted by doughboy View Post
Lol. I'm having my SSK shifter fitted right now, this minute in fact. (In the UK)

Ronald at Auto solutions is the man!

I went for 20% reduction and 10mm shorter plus bushes.

UCP don't do a right hand drive version
Doughboy can't wait to hear your feedback...
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      08-14-2019, 12:17 PM   #8
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How difficult is the install? No that I would attempt to install it my self but just curious about the labor cost, mainly for the autosolutions ssk (not sure if I'll do the UCP).
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      08-14-2019, 02:59 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by cntzl View Post
How difficult is the install? No that I would attempt to install it my self but just curious about the labor cost, mainly for the autosolutions ssk (not sure if I'll do the UCP).
UCP is a pretty easy DIY as far as I can see, I looked into it in detail then noticed they don't make a RHD one!

3 hours for the SSK. Exhaust off, heat shields off, prop detached from gearbox and lowered at one end on a stand.

That's gives access to disconnect the shift linkage and remove the assembly (after removing shift knob and weather seals etc in cabin)

Bench time to fit the new parts together is half an hour then put it all back together again.
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      08-14-2019, 03:09 PM   #10
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Well Autosolutions SSK fitted today and boy what a difference, it is absolutely rock solid, no give at all. In gear it might as well be welded on it is so solid and slack free.

Real clickety clack rifle action feel between shift's. I need to recalibrate my shift action to cope with the extra spring force pushing back against you, I was getting the hang of it after an hour today.

It is a little harder to move obviously, but in a mechanical way not in a sticky / friction way and you need to be precise with your movement, but I love it. Nice bit of extra vibration to the hand which adds to the feel. I'm sure as with anything it will loosen up with time.

Centering in Neutral is great, strong crisp pull to the 3-4 centre point.

I went for 20% reduction which is the lower amount Ronald suggested. And 10mm shorter, but I don't even notice that to be honest. Plus the poly bushes.

It's a man's shifter now, at risk of being sexist, my wife will hate it...

Altogether very happy with it

Last edited by doughboy; 08-14-2019 at 03:19 PM..
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      08-14-2019, 09:51 PM   #11
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Nice! I went for 25% reduction and OEM height.

Mine is smooth as silk and not notchy at all.

Its incredibly "precise" to coin a phrase.

I did not get this kit for shorter throws. Any kit can do that.

I got this kit because its the finest one I'm aware of and its shown that to me.

Can't wait to flog it on track this fall.
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      08-14-2019, 09:53 PM   #12
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Originally Posted by cntzl View Post
How difficult is the install? No that I would attempt to install it my self but just curious about the labor cost, mainly for the autosolutions ssk (not sure if I'll do the UCP).
My dealership charged me 2 hrs labor for the SSK and 1 hr for the UCP.
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      08-15-2019, 12:14 AM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SEAT TIME RULES View Post
Nice! I went for 25% reduction and OEM height.

I did not get this kit for shorter throws. Any kit can do that
I agree, the precision and lack of slop is what makes this kit.

The reduction figure is the throw reduction. 25% means 25% less throw and 25% increase in shift force required.

Reducing the height is more a comfort thing, it does reduce the throw a little but only 1.5% in my case for 10mm.

Last edited by doughboy; 08-15-2019 at 12:19 AM..
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      08-16-2019, 06:19 AM   #14
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I have 40% reduction with race bushing from AS in my E46 with a shorter/weighted M5 shift knob and it was one of my favorite mods. Curious if he makes the F8X series that short.
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      08-17-2019, 04:36 AM   #15
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He'll make it to whatever you want...

Loving mine, it's awesome..

Not sure how you embed video here but:

http://vimeo.com/354393543

Last edited by doughboy; 08-18-2019 at 05:32 AM..
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      08-18-2019, 10:40 PM   #16
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Glad to hear it. I have the UCP from TMS ready for install, and the AutoSolutions kit being made now.
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      08-18-2019, 11:31 PM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by doughboy View Post
He'll make it to whatever you want...

Loving mine, it's awesome..

Not sure how you embed video here but:

http://vimeo.com/354393543
Does having the MP shift knob change anything at all? I'm eventually planning to get the same MP shift knob but not sure how it plays a role in the equation (if any at all).
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      08-19-2019, 02:42 AM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by cntzl View Post
Does having the MP shift knob change anything at all? I'm eventually planning to get the same MP shift knob but not sure how it plays a role in the equation (if any at all).
Just comfort and looks.

The OE and that MP shifter are exact same height and weight when compared side by side.

The one in my video is the 240i MP shifter, which only comes with white gaiter stitching.

I removed that gaiter and glued on the orange stitched OE gaiter from my original shifter.

You have to carefully break off the gaiter as its plastic welded / glued on.
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      09-02-2019, 12:53 PM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SEAT TIME RULES View Post
My dealership charged me 2 hrs labor for the SSK and 1 hr for the UCP.
Do you think the shift knob is a little low with the raceseng at OEM height or is it just right? Debating on making it taller or keeping OEM height since I think I felt that the OEM shifter was low.

Edit: Also did you take it to the actual BMW dealership?

Last edited by idle918; 09-02-2019 at 01:21 PM..
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      09-02-2019, 04:21 PM   #20
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Do you think the shift knob is a little low with the raceseng at OEM height or is it just right? Debating on making it taller or keeping OEM height since I think I felt that the OEM shifter was low.

Edit: Also did you take it to the actual BMW dealership?
I had all my aftermarket parts installed at the dealership I work at.

I believe the RACESENG knob is a tad higher than the OEM one.

The AS SSK is stock height with a 25% reduction
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      09-04-2019, 03:38 PM   #21
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OP, do you notice a lot of gear noise transmitted through the AS SSK?

I'm loving the action and feel, but the noise is more than I expected. Especially in 1st and 2nd at lower speeds. You can "feel" rotating shafts via your hand when you hold the shifter.

It's quieter when you don't hold the shifter but I tend to hold it in 1st 2nd and 3rd.
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      09-04-2019, 04:12 PM   #22
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Definitely interested in the Autosolutions SSK based on the reviews in this thread. Just emailed the email address on their contact page (ronald@autosolutions.net) but it bounced back. Will have to try giving them a call.
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