$15 aftermarket shift knob and boot

[s2kvee]

So I managed to stir up something together I had laying around.

I've owned my e90 m3 for 2 months now and the #1 thing that bugs me is the available options for a replacement shift knob. I have a 6speed manual and coming from Subaru, Honda and Acura platforms. I hate how only 1 or 2 companies make a compatible shiftknob for this special shifter shaft.

My shift knob illuminates, along With it being 1 piece design with my shift boot, I had that removed and installed an aftermarket shift knob and shift boot for the total cost of $15

Items required:
1. Stock shift boot ring (remove the original ring from the stock shift boot; it's just glued together; peel it off, try not to damage or rip the boot assuming u want to keep stock parts)
2. Aftermarket shift boot (I went with the Honda type r suede style boot $6 from eBay shipped)
3. Universal shift knob (I went with the Honda type r style shift knob I had left over in the pass)
4. Electrical tape
5. Scissors or blade

Steps: (total time took me 10 minutes)
1. Remove the original shift knob.. Easiest way is to shift to 2nd or 4th gear and pull... Make sure u pop off the boot clips first
2. Remove the plastic ring on the shift boot
3. Measure and trim the aftermarket boot (I had cut about a little over 1 inch from the boot I received)
4. Slip the new boot over the ring and make some holes for the original clips to go through
5. Test fit shift boot, and make adjustments if needed
6. Install the new shift boot on with the ring and push in place
7. Grab some electrical tape and wrap around the stock shifter a few times
8. Twist on your new shift knob, unwrap tape if needed if it's too thick
9. Enjoy your $15-20 set up

Keep in mind. I accidentally cut my boot a little too short so I had to stretch it a bit. I also am using a 5speed shift knob as my titanium knob is on the way..

The shiftknob needed are the universal ones with the interchangable shaft tread inserts.. You don't need to use the inserts provided

[s2kvee]

Type of shift knob needed: (notice the thread inserts) - http://m.ebay.com/itm/Car-SUV-Colorf...950?nav=SEARCH

Link to shift boot - http://m.ebay.com/itm/For-CIVIC-DEL-...472?nav=SEARCH

[Powashiftin]

Looks good

[s2kvee]

New knob arrived.. I also removed the plastic shift boot ring so the knob sits at the lowest position... The throws are slightly shorter, but the overall feeling is what I was aiming for.

[Powashiftin]

I want to get one that is weighted - you think this will work?

http://r.ebay.com/cSxw4d

[s2kvee]

Originally Posted by Powashiftin

I want to get one that is weighted - you think this will work?

http://r.ebay.com/cSxw4d

That won't work.. The threaded hole is too small to fit the stock shaft..

Looks like u need something like this one

http://m.ebay.com/itm/UNIVERSAL-400G...154?nav=SEARCH

[Powashiftin]

Thanks man. I can justify the cost of the F10 Shift Knob or the performance knobs when they're plenty of great quality low cost options out there.

[Cbozz]

hold on, this shift knob has 5 gears on it! and your m3 has 6 gears! lol

[s2kvee]

Originally Posted by Cbozz

hold on, this shift knob has 5 gears on it! and your m3 has 6 gears! lol

Lol... Weight reduction

[isherdholi]

Am I the only one who doesn't like the way this looks??

[e92livin]

looks like crap

[MasterP]

Ok...So the threaded knob is being held on to the lever because the threads are basically biting into the electric tape. So eventually the knob will com flying off in your hands. Nice.

[s2kvee]

this wont be for everyone... there are some who are willing to spend a crazy amount of money for something so simple... there will be some who prefers to do it the right way, and there is me, who feels $200 for a shift knob and shift boot is ridiculous... anyways. unless you are doing some crazy shifting, the shift knob is securely on the shaft.. its held on pretty good, you are building enough flexible adhesive on the shaft where the shiftknob is literally creating threads on the tape...

but hey, if your the type of person who rather spend the money and do it right, by all means... so far I am quite satisfied with this set up....

[eddunn]

You can get the ZCP weighted knob, ~$85 and cut the stock boot, then zip tie or safety wire the boot the shaft. Looks good and it's weighted, shifts super smooth.

[s2kvee]

Originally Posted by eddunn

You can get the ZCP weighted knob, ~$85 and cut the stock boot, then zip tie or safety wire the boot the shaft. Looks good and it's weighted, shifts super smooth.

I was considering that.. however, the zhp knob looks too similar to my stock knob....i was also looking into the Performance knob but the one i want is the CF version... $200+ for just that knob.. i cant justify spending that much for a shift knob.. I could've went and bought the actual aftermarket boot for the e9x series but since i was going for budget, why know fab up my own..

[Cbozz]

Originally Posted by s2kvee

I was considering that.. however, the zhp knob looks too similar to my stock knob....i was also looking into the Performance knob but the one i want is the CF version... $200+ for just that knob.. i cant justify spending that much for a shift knob.. I could've went and bought the actual aftermarket boot for the e9x series but since i was going for budget, why know fab up my own..

but you're driving M3 with extended leather ($$$$$ no?)! Spend that $200 for god sake. I can't even look at that 5 speed shifter!!!

[k3silk]

Originally Posted by Cbozz

but you're driving M3 with extended leather ($$$$$ no?)! Spend that $200 for god sake. I can't even look at that 5 speed shifter!!!

This is what happens after time when a car depreciates in value and the masses can own.....

[isherdholi]

Originally Posted by eddunn

You can get the ZCP weighted knob, ~$85 and cut the stock boot, then zip tie or safety wire the boot the shaft. Looks good and it's weighted, shifts super smooth.

This is what I've done (though I spent a bit more and went for the F10 M5 knob, which is the same as the ZHP one, but it also lights up)

[s2kvee]

Originally Posted by Cbozz

but you're driving M3 with extended leather ($$$$$ no?)! Spend that $200 for god sake. I can't even look at that 5 speed shifter!!!

Lol the 5 speed knob was just a mock up for what I had laying around... I have swapped it for the burnt knob already..

[tony093]

i'm not feeling it at all....sorry

[Powashiftin]

Originally Posted by k3silk

This is what happens after time when a car depreciates in value and the masses can own.....

I've been seeing a lot of rude comments like this... I'm proud to be part of the masses.

[JDM_CL9]

To each their own... thanks OP for showing us how easy it can be to switch shift knobs.

Reminds me of my Civic / TSX days... I just associate this look with the JDM/Import scene (not that it's a bad thing).