Short shift kits-feedback?

bbbuzzy · 10-17-2011, 08:19 PM

Hi,

I'm looking for opinions on SSK's and I posted in an old thread but didn't get much info (excuse me if you've already read this). Here's a cut and paste from the other thread:

I'm considering the BMW Performance kit, Rogue, and UUc short shift kits to replace the stock unit on my aging '06 330i. I've read many threads here and on other forums and have determined that a lot of the differences come down to preferences.

Does anyone here have any experience comparing any of these kits to the stock shifter? What are the real differences? I've read many times "XXX" is so much better than stock, but I want to know why. I'd like to reduce the throw distance, lower the height of the shifter and not increase the throw effort. Also, using the stock shifter and boot are OK with me. I'm not crazy about the Alcantra stuff on the OEM performance shift kit.

Thanks for reading.

PKL · 10-17-2011, 08:35 PM

If BMW makes the part, go with that. If they don't, go with aftermarket. I would always go with "BMW Performance" if it's an option. Well, 90% of the time.

USC2000 · 10-17-2011, 09:11 PM

Just go with a ZHP shift knob. It reduces the height of the shifter, which reduces the throw a bit. Its also weighted which really improves the shifting. It's also an easy install!

tibra1 · 10-17-2011, 09:50 PM

I have the UUC+DSSR..shifts are nice and crisp..very mechanical..removed all the OEM shifter slop...not tremendously shorter tho..expect for maybe the N-1-2..

I am curious about the Rogue to see if it throws much shorter...

nukezero · 10-17-2011, 10:55 PM

BMW OEM SSK here. Works very well. It comes with the lower link bracket arm which needs to be replaced. The UUC doesn't have that.

But many have swore by UUC being more crisper and tighter. That may be true. But for the sake of warranty, I wanted to make sure I was still using a BMW part.

anerbe · 10-18-2011, 08:24 AM

the stock 6mt shifter is long, but takes the least effort to shift into the gears.

in general, the shorter the shifter height, you reduce the moment arm, causing the shift to require more effort. some people combat this by adding an even heavier shift knob, but this can cause issues with trans wear while in gear (like resting the hand on the shift knob).

jrobbins · 10-18-2011, 09:16 AM

Thanks for the info guys I want thinking about doing the short shifter too.

JoosyJoos · 10-18-2011, 12:36 PM

UUC has a pretty bad rep on a lot of the forums. I have their DSSR SSK on my E36 M3 and its pretty awesome but I've heard of people breaking the linkage over time. I have the Active Autowerke SSK on my 335i and have been pleased with it for the past 3 years--- overall I'd say it increased my enjoyment in the car.

Someone above mentioned the ZHP knob... which I use on my E36. To me it's not the greatest knob but certainly looks great. My beef with it is that because its lever height is so low it takes a good bit more effort to quickly change gears.

Hope this helps you decide...

bbbuzzy · 10-24-2011, 08:40 AM

Bump...

Just fishing for more opinions on the SSK's.

tunachris · 10-24-2011, 09:26 AM

Went from a 2008 328 to a 2010 335 with M-sport. Both had 6MT. Best thing about the M-sport was the short shifter! Anything to reduce the throw is a plus in my book.

pimp4cheddar · 10-24-2011, 10:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nukezero

BMW OEM SSK here. Works very well. It comes with the lower link bracket arm which needs to be replaced. The UUC doesn't have that.

But many have swore by UUC being more crisper and tighter. That may be true. But for the sake of warranty, I wanted to make sure I was still using a BMW part.

How much was the entire setup?

I'd like to buy one.

MCOChuck · 10-24-2011, 11:45 AM

OP, I’ve had the OEM SSK in my car for about 10 months. No experience with the others. Installation is very straightforward. I find the height to be a little short, but not too bad. The length of the throws and resistance is good. Really disliked the knob that came with the kit though. It’s too small to get proper leverage on. Replaced it with this and I like it MUCH better: http://www.trademotion.com/partlocat...catalogid=4462
The boot that comes with the kit was a little tight so I didn’t end up using it. If I had to do it again I would just purchase the shift lever (double check but I think the PN 25117542200) and not the kit. Maybe a new circlip and shift lever bearing.

Here’s a good DIY thread about it: http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...&highlight=SSK IIRC, he has you putting the shift lever in backwards that isn’t corrected until a few pages into the thread so be careful. If you end up hitting your fingers on the consol in 1st, 3rd and 6th you have it in backwards.

TSM330i · 10-25-2011, 01:06 PM

I have the Rogue shifter for 4-1/2 years with no issues ever.
The throw is a little shorter than stock, but the gate feel is much better. It feels like more positive also.
I love it and highly recommend the Rogue.

superduty · 10-25-2011, 10:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by anerbe

some people combat this by adding an even heavier shift knob, but this can cause issues with trans wear while in gear (like resting the hand on the shift knob).

Huh? The shifter is external to the transmission. The weight of the shifter/knob is supported by the pivot/bracket with the lower end of the shifter connected to the transmission via a rod. There is no way the weight of the shift knob is going to cause any transmission wear. Now if you are worried about wear on the pivot, just don't shift it.

anerbe · 10-26-2011, 10:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by superduty

Huh? The shifter is external to the transmission. The weight of the shifter/knob is supported by the pivot/bracket with the lower end of the shifter connected to the transmission via a rod. There is no way the weight of the shift knob is going to cause any transmission wear. Now if you are worried about wear on the pivot, just don't shift it.

I'm not talking about the weight of the knob in the Y direction / up/down(pivot/bracket).

I'm taking about the force exerted in while gear in the fore/aft/side directions. When you put the shifter from neutral into a gear, the weight of the knob converts from a down force to a down and side force. It's this side force. This force is transmitted through the shifter pivot all the way to the linkages directly in the trans.

This would be the equivalent force of someone who shifts into second, and continues to pull the shifter towards them after the shift is complete (i.e. resting hand/arm weight on shifter while cruising).

I can't tell you exactly what type of wear will be caused by a particular weighted knob, but it's generally recommended not to rest your hand/arm on your manual shifter while in gear.

e90pilot · 10-26-2011, 11:36 AM

I had rogue in my 325. The feel was good and the throw was shorter but the stick centered too far forward and was mush higher than stock. In 3rd gear or reverse the shifter would hit the center console trim. Also, rogue uses a weighted selector rod wich smooths out the shift action but causes extra wear on the syncros.

I now have the BMW performance shifter and it centers properly, retains stock hight and shortens throws without increasing effort too much. It's also the cheapest solution by far if you have a 328/25 and you only get the lever and not the boot and knob.

TSM330i · 10-26-2011, 01:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by e90pilot

I had rogue in my 325. The feel was good and the throw was shorter but the stick centered too far forward and was mush higher than stock. In 3rd gear or reverse the shifter would hit the center console trim. Also, rogue uses a weighted selector rod wich smooths out the shift action but causes extra wear on the syncros.

I now have the BMW performance shifter and it centers properly, retains stock hight and shortens throws without increasing effort too much. It's also the cheapest solution by far if you have a 328/25 and you only get the lever and not the boot and knob.

Something must have been wrong with your shifter. Mine doesn't have any of those issues.

t1mmy · 10-26-2011, 03:18 PM

Got the BMW SSK. Throws much shorter but ride height doesn't change much. Ball bearing is higher on the SSK which lets you shift less up top to get the same movement below.

Weighted knob has a great feel, though the assymetric shape (pointing forward) of the M shifter is probably more fun

Tk502 · 01-28-2012, 01:06 PM

I just got another '09 e90 335i (last one was totalled

), and am in the market for an SSK. On the non-oem kits like UUC, Rouge etc.. I noticed they only come with the shifter. I looked on realoem and noticed the shift arm on the performance kit#25110434218 is different from the stock arm#25117524720. If I go with a non-oem ssk, do you all recommend I get the bmw performance shift arm as well? Thanks guys
Chris

RupertPupkin · 01-28-2012, 10:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tk502

I just got another '09 e90 335i (last one was totalled

), and am in the market for an SSK. On the non-oem kits like UUC, Rouge etc.. I noticed they only come with the shifter. I looked on realoem and noticed the shift arm on the performance kit#25110434218 is different from the stock arm#25117524720. If I go with a non-oem ssk, do you all recommend I get the bmw performance shift arm as well? Thanks guys
Chris

Non oem ssk will come with its own lever.

SavvyByNature · 01-29-2012, 09:20 AM

+1 for the BMW SSK.

A bit more resistance in changing gears, but much shorter throws. With the smaller gear shifters, its much easier to get more grip to change gears.

Bomo · 02-06-2012, 10:55 AM

My biggest complaint on my 06 330i is the sloppy shifter (lots of lateral movement even when lever is in gear).

My guess is I need a kit that actually comes with the bushings that I need to replace the ones currently in my car.

Which kits should address this issue? I think just replacing the arm won't do much to solve the problem

10-17-2011, 08:19 PM	#1
bbbuzzy Lieutenant 18 Rep 481 Posts Drives: '13 335is convertible (manual) Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: north of Boston iTrader: (0)	Short shift kits-feedback? Hi, I'm looking for opinions on SSK's and I posted in an old thread but didn't get much info (excuse me if you've already read this). Here's a cut and paste from the other thread: I'm considering the BMW Performance kit, Rogue, and UUc short shift kits to replace the stock unit on my aging '06 330i. I've read many threads here and on other forums and have determined that a lot of the differences come down to preferences. Does anyone here have any experience comparing any of these kits to the stock shifter? What are the real differences? I've read many times "XXX" is so much better than stock, but I want to know why. I'd like to reduce the throw distance, lower the height of the shifter and not increase the throw effort. Also, using the stock shifter and boot are OK with me. I'm not crazy about the Alcantra stuff on the OEM performance shift kit. Thanks for reading. __________________ '13 335is convertible (manual) '11 X3 xdrive35i '15 Sienna Limited AWD (road tripper) '06 330i MT, sport,premium (retired)
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

10-17-2011, 08:35 PM	#2
PKL Brigadier General 848 Rep 3,274 Posts Drives: 2020 M4, 2022 X6 Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: San Fernando Valley iTrader: (1)	If BMW makes the part, go with that. If they don't, go with aftermarket. I would always go with "BMW Performance" if it's an option. Well, 90% of the time. __________________
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-17-2011, 09:11 PM	#3
USC2000 Lieutenant Colonel 127 Rep 1,604 Posts Drives: F30 328i M Sport Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: El Paso, TX iTrader: (10)	Just go with a ZHP shift knob. It reduces the height of the shifter, which reduces the throw a bit. Its also weighted which really improves the shifting. It's also an easy install! __________________ 2014 Alpine White 328i M Sport \| M Performance Exhaust \| M Performance Front Splitter \| M Performance Carbon Fiber Spoiler \| M Performance Grills \| M Performance Pedals[/SIZE] ______________________ Last edited by USC2000; 10-19-2011 at 03:53 PM..
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-17-2011, 09:50 PM	#4
tibra1 Banned 127 Rep 6,773 Posts Drives: 2011 ZCP M3 - 2007 335i crashd Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: NYC iTrader: (4)	I have the UUC+DSSR..shifts are nice and crisp..very mechanical..removed all the OEM shifter slop...not tremendously shorter tho..expect for maybe the N-1-2.. I am curious about the Rogue to see if it throws much shorter...
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-17-2011, 10:55 PM	#5
nukezero Major 343 Rep 1,465 Posts Drives: BMW 3 series Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Irvine iTrader: (8)	BMW OEM SSK here. Works very well. It comes with the lower link bracket arm which needs to be replaced. The UUC doesn't have that. But many have swore by UUC being more crisper and tighter. That may be true. But for the sake of warranty, I wanted to make sure I was still using a BMW part.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-18-2011, 08:24 AM	#6
anerbe Lieutenant Colonel 121 Rep 1,568 Posts Drives: Red E90M 6MT Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: BH, MI iTrader: (2)	the stock 6mt shifter is long, but takes the least effort to shift into the gears. in general, the shorter the shifter height, you reduce the moment arm, causing the shift to require more effort. some people combat this by adding an even heavier shift knob, but this can cause issues with trans wear while in gear (like resting the hand on the shift knob).
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-18-2011, 09:16 AM	#7
jrobbins New Member 0 Rep 29 Posts Drives: '06 bmw 330i Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: DFW, Texas iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 BMW 330i [0.00]	Thanks for the info guys I want thinking about doing the short shifter too.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-18-2011, 12:36 PM	#8
JoosyJoos Major 113 Rep 1,347 Posts Drives: 2011 335d Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Atlanta, GA iTrader: (1) Garage List 2008 BMW 335i [0.00]	UUC has a pretty bad rep on a lot of the forums. I have their DSSR SSK on my E36 M3 and its pretty awesome but I've heard of people breaking the linkage over time. I have the Active Autowerke SSK on my 335i and have been pleased with it for the past 3 years--- overall I'd say it increased my enjoyment in the car. Someone above mentioned the ZHP knob... which I use on my E36. To me it's not the greatest knob but certainly looks great. My beef with it is that because its lever height is so low it takes a good bit more effort to quickly change gears. Hope this helps you decide... __________________ 1997 M3 Coupe - BMWCCA I-Prepared #22 2006 M Roadster - 23,000 miles and slowly counting
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-24-2011, 08:40 AM	#9
bbbuzzy Lieutenant 18 Rep 481 Posts Drives: '13 335is convertible (manual) Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: north of Boston iTrader: (0)	Bump... Just fishing for more opinions on the SSK's. __________________ '13 335is convertible (manual) '11 X3 xdrive35i '15 Sienna Limited AWD (road tripper) '06 330i MT, sport,premium (retired)
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-24-2011, 09:26 AM	#10
tunachris First Lieutenant 17 Rep 363 Posts Drives: 2010 E92 Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Azusa, CA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2010 E92 [0.00]	Went from a 2008 328 to a 2010 335 with M-sport. Both had 6MT. Best thing about the M-sport was the short shifter! Anything to reduce the throw is a plus in my book. __________________ JB4, BMW Perf. Exhaust, DCI, Strut Brace, KW Series 1, Quaife LSD, Black Kidneys.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-24-2011, 11:45 AM	#12
MCOChuck Second Lieutenant 9 Rep 228 Posts Drives: 2012 E92 328i xDrive M-Sport Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Ottawa, Canada iTrader: (0) Garage List 2012 E92 328i xDriv ... [0.00]	OP, I’ve had the OEM SSK in my car for about 10 months. No experience with the others. Installation is very straightforward. I find the height to be a little short, but not too bad. The length of the throws and resistance is good. Really disliked the knob that came with the kit though. It’s too small to get proper leverage on. Replaced it with this and I like it MUCH better: http://www.trademotion.com/partlocat...catalogid=4462 The boot that comes with the kit was a little tight so I didn’t end up using it. If I had to do it again I would just purchase the shift lever (double check but I think the PN 25117542200) and not the kit. Maybe a new circlip and shift lever bearing. Here’s a good DIY thread about it: http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...&highlight=SSK IIRC, he has you putting the shift lever in backwards that isn’t corrected until a few pages into the thread so be careful. If you end up hitting your fingers on the consol in 1st, 3rd and 6th you have it in backwards.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-25-2011, 01:06 PM	#13
TSM330i 2006 330i, TSM, Black, manual, sport 878 Rep 3,699 Posts Drives: '17 C2, GTI, Z4 3.0si Racecar Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Chester Springs, PA iTrader: (2)	I have the Rogue shifter for 4-1/2 years with no issues ever. The throw is a little shorter than stock, but the gate feel is much better. It feels like more positive also. I love it and highly recommend the Rogue. __________________ 2017 Porsche C2 - manual of course 2015 GTI S 2008 BMW Z4 3.0si Coupe - because racecar
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-26-2011, 11:36 AM	#16
e90pilot Freight Dawg 104 Rep 2,103 Posts Drives: E90 325i Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Oakland, CA iTrader: (3)	I had rogue in my 325. The feel was good and the throw was shorter but the stick centered too far forward and was mush higher than stock. In 3rd gear or reverse the shifter would hit the center console trim. Also, rogue uses a weighted selector rod wich smooths out the shift action but causes extra wear on the syncros. I now have the BMW performance shifter and it centers properly, retains stock hight and shortens throws without increasing effort too much. It's also the cheapest solution by far if you have a 328/25 and you only get the lever and not the boot and knob. __________________ --Marcelo '06 Arctic Metallic 325i \| Sport Package \| 6MT \| Dinan Stage III suspension \| Dinan exhaust \| 330i manifold swap! Click here! \| Active Autowerke tune \| 135i Brake Calipers \| Deiselboost caliper brackets \| E46 M3 front rotors
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-26-2011, 03:18 PM	#18
t1mmy Second Lieutenant 2 Rep 224 Posts Drives: BMW 328i 2008 Sport Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Austin, TX iTrader: (0)	Got the BMW SSK. Throws much shorter but ride height doesn't change much. Ball bearing is higher on the SSK which lets you shift less up top to get the same movement below. Weighted knob has a great feel, though the assymetric shape (pointing forward) of the M shifter is probably more fun __________________ BMW 328i 2008, 6MT, Perf Exh + Perf Int, Continental DWS and BMW Perf SSK
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-28-2012, 01:06 PM	#19
Tk502 Enlisted Member 3 Rep 39 Posts Drives: '09 335i Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Louisville, KY iTrader: (1)	I just got another '09 e90 335i (last one was totalled ), and am in the market for an SSK. On the non-oem kits like UUC, Rouge etc.. I noticed they only come with the shifter. I looked on realoem and noticed the shift arm on the performance kit#25110434218 is different from the stock arm#25117524720. If I go with a non-oem ssk, do you all recommend I get the bmw performance shift arm as well? Thanks guys Chris
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-29-2012, 09:20 AM	#21
SavvyByNature First Lieutenant 21 Rep 270 Posts Drives: 2015 - SO M4 Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Atlanta iTrader: (0)	+1 for the BMW SSK. A bit more resistance in changing gears, but much shorter throws. With the smaller gear shifters, its much easier to get more grip to change gears.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-06-2012, 10:55 AM	#22
Bomo New Member 0 Rep 8 Posts Drives: 06 330i Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Central CT iTrader: (0)	My biggest complaint on my 06 330i is the sloppy shifter (lots of lateral movement even when lever is in gear). My guess is I need a kit that actually comes with the bushings that I need to replace the ones currently in my car. Which kits should address this issue? I think just replacing the arm won't do much to solve the problem
	Appreciate 0 Quote