Illuminated ZHP Shift Knob Install

[Dave2]

I just installed mine using the instructions above; although I must admit I ordered the unlit version. I had the knob installed, mess cleaned up, and tools put away within 30 minutes of UPS dropping the package at my door.

I took the car for a ride and found I really like the shorter knob height and shorter throws. The added weight does overcome some of the notchiness of the shifts. This was one of my best $60 purchases.

[Superfly_M3]

LeatherZ charges $115 extra for the original E90 M3 plate that covers the LEDs wtf is that?

[roadmax]

Did anyone try to add extra leds to make the ZHP knob brighter?

[JCtx]

Originally Posted by roadmax

Did anyone try to add extra leds to make the ZHP knob brighter?

Do you want it brighter than it already is? Unless you didn't do the job right, it's borderline too bright IMO. If you need more light to change gears, you need an automatic car, a better optometrist, or both .

[roadmax]

I asked if anyone did try extra LEDs as there are some here complaining that LZ version is not as bright as stock version.

[S65V8]

Leatherz version. Seen it, it's uneven lighting and I think they took too much off the inside of the knob, dropping its weighted feel. $300 for that! No way.

[THE TECH]

Originally Posted by SROC5

Leatherz version. Seen it, it's uneven lighting and I think they took too much off the inside of the knob, dropping its weighted feel. $300 for that! No way.

Even if it was perfect, $300 seems like way too much.

[marksae]

In the stock knob, the LED's sit about 3/4" below the shift pattern. The light distribution gets better if you mound the LED's lower. So there's a tradeoff between light distribution and knob weight.

I opted to keep more weight in the knob. The LED's in my knob sits directly underneath my shift pattern. The light distribution is not perfect on my knob, but it's 90% of what the stock one was, which is acceptable to me.

[AlteredBe4st]

Originally Posted by elp_jc

Do you want it brighter than it already is? Unless you didn't do the job right, it's borderline too bright IMO. If you need more light to change gears, you need an automatic car, a better optometrist, or both .

+1, I don't even look at the shifter light just did it to maintain the factory look, If I had to give up the light for a better shifter feel then I would have done so but 90% light distribution I can live with that. In my opinion anyone that relies on the shifter patern to know what gear they are in should NOT be driving a manual and should buy an automatic.

[piloto]

This one from ebay (made by a guy in Germany) is just fine and cheap ($120 delivered). It lights up very evenly. The photos always make it seemas though they light up unevenly, but to the naked eye, it looks evenly lit.

[S65V8]

Originally Posted by THE TECH

Even if it was perfect, $300 seems like way too much.

Amen brotha. Plus the satisfaction of $60 mod and DIY aha moment is somewhat priceless...

[M3sicko]

Originally Posted by Dave IV

I just installed mine using the instructions above; although I must admit I ordered the unlit version. I had the knob installed, mess cleaned up, and tools put away within 30 minutes of UPS dropping the package at my door.

I took the car for a ride and found I really like the shorter knob height and shorter throws. The added weight does overcome some of the notchiness of the shifts. This was one of my best $60 purchases.

1+ got mine today! $60 was the cheapest mod i have to done to my car but it's far one of the best purchase no doubt!!

[M3sicko]

Originally Posted by Superfly_M3

LeatherZ charges $115 extra for the original E90 M3 plate that covers the LEDs wtf is that?

haha thats why i backed out and went ahead and got the $60 nonlit one!

[tibra1]

Reading this thread Im thinking to just go with straight non lit ZHP knob for $65...and carve up the stocker

To be able to get an exact late M3 speced one from leather Z would run $615

$175 ZHP Illuminated Knob
$115 M 6speed Insert
$15 2001+ wiring
$285 Boot cover + Ring base
$25 M tri color stitching

[AlteredBe4st]

Originally Posted by tibra1

Reading this thread Im thinking to just go with straight non lit ZHP knob for $65...and carve up the stocker

To be able to get an exact late M3 speced one from leather Z would run $615

$175 ZHP Illuminated Knob
$115 M 6speed Insert
$15 2001+ wiring
$285 Boot cover + Ring base
$25 M tri color stitching
$15 2001+ Wiring

Yea Leather Z is outrageously overpriced, can't see anyone paying that much.

[THE TECH]

Originally Posted by piloto

This one from ebay (made by a guy in Germany) is just fine and cheap ($120 delivered). It lights up very evenly. The photos always make it seemas though they light up unevenly, but to the naked eye, it looks evenly lit.

I kinda wanna try it just to see.

[Dave2]

I am a little pissed off at you f*#ks. I swore I was not dropping money into modding this car. Then you lure me in with a cheap little shift knob for $60.00. Nice knob. I really like it.

Then what do I find myself doing...last night I find myself on the internet putting my CC number into Dinan's web site for a suspension kit. F*#k you!!!!!

[THE TECH]

Originally Posted by Dave IV

I am a little pissed off at you f*#ks. I swore I was not dropping money into modding this car. Then you lure me in with a cheap little shift knob for $60.00. Nice knob. I really like it.

Then what do I find myself doing...last night I find myself on the internet putting my CC number into Dinan's web site for a suspension kit. F*#k you!!!!!

At least you found something worth the money...The Dinan stuff is another subject.

[Raptor251]

Originally Posted by THE TECH

At least you found something worth the money...The Dinan stuff is another subject.

Actually the Dinan stuff is amazing but you wouldnt know because you have never had any of it!! The Dinan susp is an amazing mod that you wont regret!

[piloto]

Originally Posted by THE TECH

I kinda wanna try it just to see.

You're welcome to take a look at mine and see if it's worthwhile, if you care to do so.

[AlteredBe4st]

Originally Posted by Dave IV

I am a little pissed off at you f*#ks. I swore I was not dropping money into modding this car. Then you lure me in with a cheap little shift knob for $60.00. Nice knob. I really like it.

Then what do I find myself doing...last night I find myself on the internet putting my CC number into Dinan's web site for a suspension kit. F*#k you!!!!!

you got the bug dude, there is no going back.

[GregW / Oregon]

Originally Posted by THE TECH

At least you found something worth the money...The Dinan stuff is another subject.

Dinan Stage 1 springs are very good, although maybe as overpriced as LeatherZ. I'd buy them again, though.