I was looking at getting the Alcantara kit but looking at guys selling theirs used they all looked worn quite a bit. So because it looked like it wears easy I opted to go for the the BMW E90/91/92/93 3 Series 'M' Perforated Leather Shift Knob w/ Boot. It did bring the height of the knob down by maybe 1/2" from stock and it felt nice shifting but not the best. Today I installed the short shift lever and it really brought the height down even further. But i do have to say that it feels better shifting with the short shifter. When shifting before the SS was installed I felt like I had to make an effort to shift fast in order to rev match, but with the SS installed I find it it just happen with my normal shift throw. I don't know if I was lazy in shifting before but it feels better now, but its only been a day so that might change
URLs are to the products I have installed and pictures are of the shifter in different gears
http://www.trademotion.com/partlocat...catalogid=4462
http://www.trademotion.com/partlocat...catalogid=4462