ZHP Knob OEM Install

[schwin]

Since the OEM M3 6 speed shift knob is illuminated, is it okay to install the non illuminated ZHP one?

https://www.ecstuning.com/Search/Zhp/ES47397/

Will I get any fault codes?

Thanks,
Andy

[Fizik]

Yep you'll be just fine. Was one of the first things I did to my car as soon as I got it. No issues here.

[Prince_of_Persia]

If I were you, I would install the M5 shift knob instead.

[BimmFiniti]

Originally Posted by Prince_of_Persia

If I were you, I would install the M5 shift knob instead.

Totally agree. That's what I did and it's awesome. Having the illuminated M shift knob and a low-profile, hefty shifter is the way to go.

Here's mine, along with a tri-color shift boot from redlinegoods.com.

[MattM3SVT]

Spend the extra money and get the F10 M5 shift knob. One of my favorite upgrades. Here is a picture of mine installed.

[encodereer]

I would install the M5 shift knob instead.

[anom3]

Ditto on the M5 knob.

Have mine, and love it.

[pbonsalb]

If the M5 knob is not weighted like the ZHP, I would install the ZHP.

[BimmerRookie]

I did the swap to the F10 knob and can confirm that it is indeed illuminated, weighted, and the leather on the knob and boot is different than the E9X's leather. The difference in leather is negligible when compared to the difference in feel of the knob. So I'd say go for the F10.

[jkwillia]

Where did you guys get the M5 shift knob from? And is it just the knob or the boot too?

[nobodyhere]

I did the ZHP install and retrofit for illuminated insert myself. Followed a DIY and made a mistake knicking a corner of the leather while dremelling . Had to order another one, start again, but eventually everything worked out great second time around. Did take time and patience with Dremel and drilling.

Seems like F10 shift knob is the much easier route. leatherZ has a comparison of ZHP vs M5 shift knob and the weights are quite similar with identical dimensions. Others you would order the F10 M5 knob from you would have to remove the boot yourself to put the M3 on, or just remove the base, but have to fiddle around with making the e92 base work on it.

Http://leatherz.com/Merchant5/mercha...egory_Code=NEW

I ended up cutting my original shift boot and connecting to the ZHP knob I using the oem base with perfect fit.

Good luck.

[BimmerRookie]

Originally Posted by jkwillia

Where did you guys get the M5 shift knob from? And is it just the knob or the boot too?

Here's the link:

http://www.getbmwparts.com/partlocat...catalogid=4462

It comes attached to the boot, but to the F10 ring (which is of a different shape). Thus, I cut the original boot and used the zip-tie method.

[schwin]

Originally Posted by BimmerRookie

Here's the link:

http://www.getbmwparts.com/partlocat...catalogid=4462

It comes attached to the boot, but to the F10 ring (which is of a different shape). Thus, I cut the original boot and used the zip-tie method.

Thanks for the feedback all. How long is the install for the F10 plus boot and is it easy to fit it in?

[Iyzmi]

Originally Posted by tallskinnymatt

Spend the extra money and get the F10 M5 shift knob. One of my favorite upgrades. Here is a picture of mine installed.

That looks perfect. If anybody is debating using the F10 shift boot vs the E92 shift boot, I recommend leaving the F10 boot that comes with the knob on there. You will not get the area under the silver ring looking as clean as the pic above if you choose to cut off the F10 boot and zip tie the knob to the E92 boot.

[BimmerRookie]

Originally Posted by schwin

Thanks for the feedback all. How long is the install for the F10 plus boot and is it easy to fit it in?

Look for the DIY in the DIY section of the forum. There are two main ways that people have come up with, each with their own respective time to do.

1) Cut the F10 knob from its boot and affix onto the E9X's stock boot and ring (Zip-Tie)

2) Cut the F10 knob + boot combo from it's pentagonal shaped ring, cut E9X knob + boot from it's ring, swap the F10 assembly onto the E9X's ring and replace. (some glue the F10 knob + boot to the E9X ring, and others cut holes for the base ring to attach properly....your choice.)

[schwin]

Originally Posted by BimmerRookie

Look for the DIY in the DIY section of the forum. There are two main ways that people have come up with, each with their own respective time to do.

1) Cut the F10 knob from its boot and affix onto the E9X's stock boot and ring (Zip-Tie)

2) Cut the F10 knob + boot combo from it's pentagonal shaped ring, cut E9X knob + boot from it's ring, swap the F10 assembly onto the E9X's ring and replace. (some glue the F10 knob + boot to the E9X ring, and others cut holes for the base ring to attach properly....your choice.)

I see! I am hesitant on the DIY, but judging from the feedback it's the best way to go. I don't mind the zhp without illumination though.

[pbonsalb]

I think the lighted knob looks cool, but I agree it is necessary only for those who do not know where the gears are. If multiple drive your car and some are used to 5 speeds, they might not even know there is a 6th gear at night unless the 6 is lit up.

[Prince_of_Persia]

Originally Posted by schwin

Thanks for the feedback all. How long is the install for the F10 plus boot and is it easy to fit it in?

Took me 30-45 mins max.

[AriuSen]

I dont remember when was the last time I saw that my knob was illuminated lol

[schwin]

Originally Posted by m3SennA

I dont remember when was the last time I saw that my knob was illuminated lol

Lol

[Denk]

I loved the M5 knob, felt much nicer than the stock broom handle. The illuminated knob looks classy at night...purely eye candy though.

[wheatpaste]

Personally I think the illuminated shift knob is completely pointless and just adds to all the orange light pollution inside the cabin. Happy to now have a non-illuminated knob with the ZHP, plus the height and weight of the shifter are much more comfortable than OEM. The only real benefit the F10 M5 knob has is the built in illumination.