Performance Shift Knob Update

Endless619 · 01-04-2012, 09:07 PM

My 4th modification for my M3 was getting rid of the awful tractor 18 speed OEM shift knob and upgraded it to the Alcantara/Performance shift knob. I have been running this since it became available on the E46 M3 and carried it over to the E86 M and now E92 M. By far one of the best shift knobs available and I have been through about 100 with my cars...

THE TECH · 01-04-2012, 09:34 PM

Not bad. I like the ZHP one better though.

Endless619 · 01-04-2012, 09:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by THE TECH

Not bad. I like the ZHP one better though.

Thanks.. Not a fan of the ZHP at all. Looks too old fashion for my tastes. Its ok though.

mmm def · 01-04-2012, 09:43 PM

How is that to shift? Almost looks too short in this car.

Endless619 · 01-04-2012, 09:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mmm def

How is that to shift? Almost looks too short in this car.

Very similar to the E86 M/ Z4MC....works great. Its a full inch lower than the OEM one.

chris s · 01-04-2012, 10:23 PM

Def better looking than zhp IMHO, but the lack of illumination sucks

Endless619 · 01-04-2012, 11:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chris s

Def better looking than zhp IMHO, but the lack of illumination sucks

Yeah, thats the only downside but have lived with it for years on numerous M's.

BTW what lip are you running on your M3?

///M_Monster · 01-05-2012, 07:04 PM

Does the Performance shift knob require any alterations to the shift boot like what I've been reading with the ZHP?

If not, than that is a strong selling point...

Endless619 · 01-05-2012, 09:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ///M_Monster

Does the Performance shift knob require any alterations to the shift boot like what I've been reading with the ZHP?

If not, than that is a strong selling point...

Yes you have to make some alterations to the shift boot.

It takes about 3 minutes to cut the top of the leather with a razor. Fold under and zip tie off. Put on car and push down Performance knob, done. Very quick and easy and snug. Won't go anywhere.

mattgold · 01-05-2012, 09:31 PM

I have this along with the performance alcantara boot and performance ebrake/boot. I personally love the feel of the shifter and the shorter throw.

All the silver situated around the iDrive button works visually.

As for not having an illuminated shift knob... wasn't there a thread with a shift knob with the gear you were in displayed? I kinda feel an illuminated shift knob is on par with that. Not really a loss.

Endless619 · 01-06-2012, 01:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mattgold

I have this along with the performance alcantara boot and performance ebrake/boot. I personally love the feel of the shifter and the shorter throw.

All the silver situated around the iDrive button works visually.

As for not having an illuminated shift knob... wasn't there a thread with a shift knob with the gear you were in displayed? I kinda feel an illuminated shift knob is on par with that. Not really a loss.

Looks good. I had the Alcantara boot on my E46 M3 and didn't like it. Got to dirty, to fast, and wore out fast so opted to stay leather in that department. It does look good for awhile..

jonasaurus · 01-06-2012, 01:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mattgold

I have this along with the performance alcantara boot and performance ebrake/boot. I personally love the feel of the shifter and the shorter throw.

All the silver situated around the iDrive button works visually.

Nice setup!

mattgold · 01-07-2012, 12:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EndlessZ4M

Looks good. I had the Alcantara boot on my E46 M3 and didn't like it. Got to dirty, to fast, and wore out fast so opted to stay leather in that department. It does look good for awhile..

I don't get it... you're saying the *boot* you're never touching wears out, but the knob stays fine? Were did the boot show signs of wear?

In any case, the boot is only $45.... if it wears out, it wears out.

Superfly_M3 · 01-07-2012, 02:23 AM

I loved the feel of that knob on the showroom. I asked if they have that upgrade for the E90, and they said no. How much did you guys pay for that knob?

Do you have to change the actual shifter, or does it sit directly in place of the OEM?

BTW, I think the OP's picture of the knob is too low.

Take some horizontal picture

Endless619 · 01-07-2012, 02:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mattgold

I don't get it... you're saying the *boot* you're never touching wears out, but the knob stays fine? Were did the boot show signs of wear?

In any case, the boot is only $45.... if it wears out, it wears out.

My bad.. lol my ex-wife use to eat in the car and while driving so it got soiled and touched. LOL

Endless619 · 01-07-2012, 03:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Superfly_M3

I loved the feel of that knob on the showroom. I asked if they have that upgrade for the E90, and they said no. How much did you guys pay for that knob?

Do you have to change the actual shifter, or does it sit directly in place of the OEM?

BTW, I think the OP's picture of the knob is too low.

Take some horizontal picture

Just goto any BMW dealer and tell them you want the E46 M3 Performance shift knob, not the E90 or E92.

Its just like the E46 M3 in terms of installing.

First, pop off the OEM boot (all corners) and pay attention not to just pull the OEM shifter and boot completely out since its plugged in and thats why its lit. Unplug once all corners are popped off.

Second, pull straight up. Should come off kinda easy. Some say its hard and don't knock yourself out. Just keep your head away and you will be fine.

Third, once its out take a razor and cut at the base of the hard plastic OEM shift knob. Once thats done fold the leather over and zip tie.

Fourth, put OEM boot back into place and snap it in and at the same time guide the new opening over the OEM rod.

Lastly, grab the new shift knob and line it up and push down.

Thats it. Typically takes 10 mins, if that.

Price ranges online are $80-$100
Price ranges at dealers $100-$119

mattgold · 01-07-2012, 07:36 AM

Try getBMWparts.com (Tischer)...

Knob ($95):
http://www.trademotion.com/partlocat...catalogid=4462

Boot ($45):
http://www.trademotion.com/partlocat...catalogid=4462

eBake/Boot ($110):
http://www.trademotion.com/partlocat...catalogid=4462

slicer · 01-07-2012, 09:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mattgold

Try getBMWparts.com (Tischer)...

Knob ($95):
http://www.trademotion.com/partlocat...catalogid=4462

Boot ($45):
http://www.trademotion.com/partlocat...catalogid=4462

eBake/Boot ($110):
http://www.trademotion.com/partlocat...catalogid=4462

Did you have to modify that boot to fit? My understanding is that the M3 boot / trim ring is a different shape than the regular 3-series.

mkPOTO · 01-07-2012, 10:33 AM

Very nice I think I want one

Endless619 · 09-25-2013, 06:53 PM

Updated... I will be updating to the new Performance shiftknob in a week or so.

meko · 05-14-2017, 10:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Endless619

Updated... I will be updating to the new Performance shiftknob in a week or so.

What is the weight compared to the zhp if you know

01-04-2012, 09:07 PM	#1
Endless619 DHS 210 Rep 4,025 Posts Drives: 2023 M4, 2020 Land Rover Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Disneyland iTrader: (14) Garage List 2014 Range Rover Ev ... [0.00] 2006 Acura TL [0.00]	Performance Shift Knob Update My 4th modification for my M3 was getting rid of the awful tractor 18 speed OEM shift knob and upgraded it to the Alcantara/Performance shift knob. I have been running this since it became available on the E46 M3 and carried it over to the E86 M and now E92 M. By far one of the best shift knobs available and I have been through about 100 with my cars... __________________ 2020 Land Rover Velar Autobiography 2023 BMW M4 2016 X3
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01-04-2012, 09:34 PM	#2
THE TECH BimmerPost Supporting Vendor 307 Rep 13,093 Posts Drives: BPMsport 2012 E92 M3 Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Kansas iTrader: (45) Garage List 2013 Nissan GTR [0.00] 2019 Sierra Denali ... [0.00] 1999 Nissan Silvia [0.00] 1999 Nissan Skyline ... [0.00] 1998 Toyota Supra [0.00]	Not bad. I like the ZHP one better though.
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01-04-2012, 09:43 PM	#4
mmm def Colonel 144 Rep 2,610 Posts Drives: 21 330, 19 ND2 RF, 11 RX350 Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: NJ iTrader: (0)	How is that to shift? Almost looks too short in this car.
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01-04-2012, 10:23 PM	#6
chris s Major General 1251 Rep 6,913 Posts Drives: 2022 Dravit G80 M3 Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: New York iTrader: (12)	Def better looking than zhp IMHO, but the lack of illumination sucks __________________ 2022 Dravit/Fiona M3cx - Dinan midpipe w/VC, NW Carbonhaus CF, AST Springs, FC Spacers...more to come! 2016 Indi F80 M3 - SMB\|Amaro \| Mode Carbon \| ESS \| Akra EVO \| KW HAS...SOLD 2012 MR e92 M3 DCT, ESS SC, Brembo BBK, BBS FI... GONE but not forgotten! 2008 AW e92 M3 6MT, ESS SC, BBS LM's...SOLD!
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01-05-2012, 07:04 PM	#8
///M_Monster Private 11 Rep 55 Posts Drives: 2018 F80 M3 ZCP (on order) Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Tampa, FL iTrader: (0)	Does the Performance shift knob require any alterations to the shift boot like what I've been reading with the ZHP? If not, than that is a strong selling point...
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01-05-2012, 09:31 PM	#10
mattgold First Lieutenant 18 Rep 356 Posts Drives: Vroom Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: USA iTrader: (6)	I have this along with the performance alcantara boot and performance ebrake/boot. I personally love the feel of the shifter and the shorter throw. All the silver situated around the iDrive button works visually. As for not having an illuminated shift knob... wasn't there a thread with a shift knob with the gear you were in displayed? I kinda feel an illuminated shift knob is on par with that. Not really a loss. Attached Images
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01-07-2012, 02:23 AM	#14
Superfly_M3 Captain 72 Rep 959 Posts Drives: 2011 M3 Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Toronto iTrader: (0)	I loved the feel of that knob on the showroom. I asked if they have that upgrade for the E90, and they said no. How much did you guys pay for that knob? Do you have to change the actual shifter, or does it sit directly in place of the OEM? BTW, I think the OP's picture of the knob is too low. Take some horizontal picture
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01-07-2012, 07:36 AM	#17
mattgold First Lieutenant 18 Rep 356 Posts Drives: Vroom Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: USA iTrader: (6)	Try getBMWparts.com (Tischer)... Knob ($95): http://www.trademotion.com/partlocat...catalogid=4462 Boot ($45): http://www.trademotion.com/partlocat...catalogid=4462 eBake/Boot ($110): http://www.trademotion.com/partlocat...catalogid=4462
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01-07-2012, 10:33 AM	#19
mkPOTO Mr. Nice Says Hello 637 Rep 16,662 Posts Drives: BMW M3 \| X5 xdrive 35i MSport Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: USA iTrader: (25) Garage List 2002 Lexus GS300 [0.00] 2008 BMW E92 M3 [5.58]	Very nice I think I want one
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09-25-2013, 06:53 PM	#20
Endless619 DHS 210 Rep 4,025 Posts Drives: 2023 M4, 2020 Land Rover Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Disneyland iTrader: (14) Garage List 2014 Range Rover Ev ... [0.00] 2006 Acura TL [0.00]	Updated... I will be updating to the new Performance shiftknob in a week or so. __________________ 2020 Land Rover Velar Autobiography 2023 BMW M4 2016 X3 Last edited by Endless619; 09-25-2013 at 07:09 PM..
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