Autosolutions SSK Options

[ruff1017]

Originally Posted by Drifter2090

Yeah, I know it will never feel as good as that but I want to be close haha

What I don't like about the stock shifter is the notchiness when going into gear, it needs extra effort to slide into a gear. From that video it seems pretty notchy still, like it doesn't slide into gear easily. What reduction do you have?

That is it,
People needs to understand that Autosoloutions ssk requires/ (feel) more effort/ (notchy) to shift but it feels very precise.

Here is my set up
Stock height
15% reduction

Here is the Q and A session I had with Ronald (owner of Autosolutions )
Does more reduction ratio ( 35% or more) make the shifting feel more positive?

"The positive shift feel will be there and will be the same regardless of
shifter height and reduction ratio. on a properly designed shifter that
takes care of all the excessive clearance, the lack of rigidity of the
various parts and the geometry of the linkage the feel will be the same
with a 0% and with a 35%."


What is the best set up to have a positive shifting feel or for example
like Honda S2000?

"What you are trading is less travel for more effort. Now the Honda has a
transmission the size of an apple and the BMW one that is like a
pumpkin. So at a given travel the BMW will be harder to shift . That is
because you are moving a lot larger gears."

Whatis the best set up?

"I would say that the additional effort compared to stock is close to
zero up to 15%, very little up to 20% a little more at 25% and quite
noticeable beyond that. Most people get 17-20% shifters.

I can build as low as 11% and will not build beyond 35%. I can also
build at 7% but there is no effective difference between the 7 and the
11. I can also build a true 0% but the cost would be higher and the shifter would
be a traditional build and would not feel as positive as the 11 or even 15%.
My recommendation is to go with an 11 to 15% shifter at stock height for what it is worth.
The 15% seems to be a sweet spot for a combination of precision
and ease of shifting."


Autosoloutions ssk won't make m3 to shift like s2000 or buttery smooth.
But it will make more fun and engaging to drive.
Maybe this can clarify some questions and to make the right choice.

[Drifter2090]

Originally Posted by ruff1017

That is it,
People needs to understand that Autosoloutions ssk requires/ (feel) more effort/ (notchy) to shift but it feels very precise.

Here is my set up
Stock height
15% reduction

Here is the Q and A session I had with Ronald (owner of Autosolutions )
Does more reduction ratio ( 35% or more) make the shifting feel more positive?

"The positive shift feel will be there and will be the same regardless of
shifter height and reduction ratio. on a properly designed shifter that
takes care of all the excessive clearance, the lack of rigidity of the
various parts and the geometry of the linkage the feel will be the same
with a 0% and with a 35%."


What is the best set up to have a positive shifting feel or for example
like Honda S2000?

"What you are trading is less travel for more effort. Now the Honda has a
transmission the size of an apple and the BMW one that is like a
pumpkin. So at a given travel the BMW will be harder to shift . That is
because you are moving a lot larger gears."

Whatis the best set up?

"I would say that the additional effort compared to stock is close to
zero up to 15%, very little up to 20% a little more at 25% and quite
noticeable beyond that. Most people get 17-20% shifters.

I can build as low as 11% and will not build beyond 35%. I can also
build at 7% but there is no effective difference between the 7 and the
11. I can also build a true 0% but the cost would be higher and the shifter would
be a traditional build and would not feel as positive as the 11 or even 15%.
My recommendation is to go with an 11 to 15% shifter at stock height for what it is worth.
The 15% seems to be a sweet spot for a combination of precision
and ease of shifting."


Autosoloutions ssk won't make m3 to shift like s2000 or buttery smooth.
But it will make more fun and engaging to drive.
Maybe this can clarify some questions and to make the right choice.

Thanks so much for the info!!

That helps a lot, I think the 15% stock height is what I am gonna go with then.

I might also try the Dinan SSK first to see if I like it. If I don't then I'll definitely get in touch with Ronald!

[BlackM3Comp]

What is his lead time after placing an order? Someone said he was 70 shifters behind?

[M3SCUZZI]

17 day turn around for me but cannot speak for current turn around/backlog. Ronald is the man, agree with all the positive reviews. My setup is 20% reduction / 6MM height Increase / 80A Bushings, weekend car. If I had to do it again I may have even increased the reduction by 5-10%.

[Turbmando]

What are people getting these days? Ronald suggested 25% reduction and intermediate bushings for my weekend street/back road driving M3.

[Vuu]

Originally Posted by Turbmando

What are people getting these days? Ronald suggested 25% reduction and intermediate bushings for my weekend street/back road driving M3.

I actually don't know many who get 20%+

I'm currently at 20% and would go for 25% if I ever did it again. This time around though, I'm selling my set up and going with a different shifter.

[Vybz]

28% reduction here, with weighted ZHP shift knob and polyurethane shifter bushings.

[DRLane]

Originally Posted by Vuu

I actually don't know many who get 20%+

I'm currently at 20% and would go for 25% if I ever did it again. This time around though, I'm selling my set up and going with a different shifter.

Same boat, if I could do it over again I'd go with the max >30% reduction. I'm at 20%, with 95a bushings. Considering replacing with CAE. I have added height plus using Macht Schnell extended knob.

[pbonsalb]

I have a CAE in my highly modded turbo E36M3 but chose the floating street car shifter for my mildly modded E90M3. I am happy with the AS at 20% plus I added some height so it is about 1” taller than stock with the ZHP weighted knob.

[HolyChitMeng]

Originally Posted by Vybz

28% reduction here, with weighted ZHP shift knob and polyurethane shifter bushings.

Originally Posted by Vybz

28% reduction here, with weighted ZHP shift knob and polyurethane shifter bushings.

How is this?
I had 30% on my E46 and it took some effort to shift but was very notchy, loved it.
Is it the same for this?
Do the shifter bushings make any noise?

[Vybz]

Originally Posted by HolyChitMeng

How is this?
I had 30% on my E46 and it took some effort to shift but was very notchy, loved it.
Is it the same for this?
Do the shifter bushings make any noise?

Phenomenal. Still notchy (which I enjoy as well) and shifts have a rifle bolt precision that is night and day compared to stock. I think 28% was right on the money for me regarding percentage of reduction. Anything less and I don't think I would been satisfied.

I highly doubt the bushings make any noise that would be significantly audible. I can't really answer that for certain though, since my car is gutted and has a catless exhaust.

Maybe I'll record a video of it when the quarter is done just so you can visually see the reduction, and hear the noise (if any) of the shifts.

[Scharbag]

Originally Posted by HolyChitMeng

How is this?
I had 30% on my E46 and it took some effort to shift but was very notchy, loved it.
Is it the same for this?
Do the shifter bushings make any noise?

Yes, the stiffer bushings allow some gear noise into the cabbin area. Notice it when running with the windows up at higher RPM. Not terrible, but it is there.

Cheers,

[Siajoon]

So I spoke with Ronald and he recommended I go with a 23-25% reduction ( I am staying with stock shifter height).

My question is, if I use my car for spirited canyon runs or cruises but also daily drive it from time to time is 25% reduction to much? Should I stick with a 15-20% reduction? He also recommends the 80a bushings which I will probably get as well!

Thanks

[ha9981]

Any recommendations on height?

I'm going with M5/performance knob which is shorter than stock knob. So it's a bit low on the stock shifter right now.

With the AS shifter should I target OE height or slightly lower?

I was advised to go with 20% reduction. But reading this thread I may ask for 23%, seems everyone with 20% ended up wanting more.

[Siajoon]

Originally Posted by ha9981

Any recommendations on height?

I'm going with M5/performance knob which is shorter than stock knob. So it's a bit low on the stock shifter right now.

With the AS shifter should I target OE height or slightly lower?

I was advised to go with 20% reduction. But reading this thread I may ask for 23%, seems everyone with 20% ended up wanting more.

That's kind of the consensus I've been seeing as well.. kind of hard when you can't actually feel the difference in real time. But I might just end up going with a 23% reduction as well

[wootloops]

I emailed Ronald yesterday and placed an order for a 23% reduction at stock height with 80A poly bushings.

I know he tends to recommend 20% or below. However, based on the feedback from others who have ordered it, I see way more people who say "I wish I had gotten a little more" than those who say "I went too far." It seems Ronald likes to be a little conservative with his recommendations for throw reduction. Either way, I'm really looking forward to it.

The only bummer is that they are super backed up with orders right now. I think he said mine might not ship until June. But that's ok, I'm sure it's worth the wait.

['ringmeister]

if you don't feel like waiting i've got an BNIB 18% reduction, stock height with upgraded bushings i'm about to post in the classifieds.

Originally Posted by wootloops

I emailed Ronald yesterday and placed an order for a 23% reduction at stock height with 80A poly bushings.

I know he tends to recommend 20% or below. However, based on the feedback from others who have ordered it, I see way more people who say "I wish I had gotten a little more" than those who say "I went too far." It seems Ronald likes to be a little conservative with his recommendations for throw reduction. Either way, I'm really looking forward to it.

The only bummer is that they are super backed up with orders right now. I think he said mine might not ship until June. But that's ok, I'm sure it's worth the wait.

[ha9981]

Anyone else had really notchy shifting on 1st and 2nd gear with OE shifter? Mine almost refuses to go into first without shove. I am hoping the SSK fixes it.

[derbo]

I ended up ordering 13mm height extension for the ZHP knob with a 22.5% reduction. This means its a 22.5% reduction with the ZHP knob, not the OEM shifter knob. Can't wait to install it.

[Addicted2Torque]

For some of you who have posted in 2021 above can you share your feedback since getting the shifter installed? Descriptive feedback based on the elements you chose is very valuable to hear by all of those who are contemplating this mod. I'd also like to hear how challenging the install was if you DIY it on your E92/93

Thanks! Jim