[Autobot]

I was going to put in my SSK that I have been waiting on to be delivered for like 3 weeks today. However when I went to go install it I noticed that the SSK lever is actually LONGER than my OEM (on top) lever. Thoughts? Help?

Thanks

[jbimmer3]

ok first off. It is not named short shift lever pertaining to the hight of the lever. It shortens the throws by placing the plastic ball at a different place on the lever. Second, when installed in will sit a little bit shorter. third, when combined with the bmw SSK knob it will sit much shorter. The knob shortens it half way, the lever shortens half way!

[Autobot]

As you notice when the balls are even the base is still longer so it will Not sit lower and the length below the ball is also longer. To me that ust doesn't make much sense thats all

[jbimmer3]

Sorry i ment the lever shortens the throw. The knob shortens the height alot. my mistake

[mack82097]

Originally Posted by jhondas2

Sorry i ment the lever shortens the throw. The knob shortens the height alot. my mistake

The knob may lower the height a little, but the SSK lever is a lot longer overall. This makes it sit higher than the stock lever, trust me.

[mack82097]

Originally Posted by Autobot

As you notice when the balls are even the base is still longer so it will Not sit lower and the length below the ball is also longer. To me that ust doesn't make much sense thats all

I had installed the 328 specific SSK and I ran into the same exact issue. In fact, when I opened the package I said WTF, did I get the wrong part?

That SS lever will shorten the shift distance, but the lever itself is taller than stock even with the ///M sport knob installed.

I took the 328 SS lever out and put in the 330 SS lever. Same short throws, but the lever sits much lower than stock.

Now I have an extra lever that I don't need and can't return.

[jadeddjay]

for a given movement of the lever above the ball, there is more movement below in the new ssk. its not really important how long each one is. it is more important to think of the relative lengths both above AND below.

[Gesler]

autobot,

idk if the lever in 328i is different from 335i, but the bottom lever in your first photo appears like the stock lever in my 335i. and when i changed mine, the ssk was definitely shorter than the stock lever in overall length. there is minimal kink/bend in the rod between the cylinder part and the ball in the SSK. here is a photo from the DIY thread: the gold/brownish one is stock, and the white/silver one is the SSK. verify that you got the right part number.

[jbimmer3]

^^^^ yeah mine looked like that.

[Autobot]

I double checked with Evan and Jason before I ordered from Tischer, I guess I will just wait until they get in the office on Monday to find out. Thanks

[jadeddjay]

so basically the new ssk has the same (or slightly geater) length but a shorter throw. this is good because while the throw is shorter overall, you still have more leverage so the shift effort is not effected as much


let us know how you like it when you get it installed. i am sure you have the right part. i would get an e46 zhp knob for it and it would be perfect

[Gesler]

Originally Posted by jadeddjay

so basically the new ssk has the same (or slightly geater) length but a shorter throw. .....

New? unless this is something that came out in the last month or so. the one i installed in my e90 (335i) in March was shorter than stock, and the throws were definitely shorter and better 'gated'.

[jadeddjay]

sorry i meant new as in non-oem shifter

plus they are talking about the one for the 328

[triton.]

My SSK Valve looks like Geslers in propotions. Looks like you have the new one specific to the 328 maybe? I nsee it has a more pronounce kink that mine doesn't have.

[Dubbedoutbimmer]

my 335xi coupe SSK looked a tit bit longer but oh isnt it soo much shorter and nicer its ok trust!!!

[TurboFan]

op - you have to look at the distance between the nylon ball and the connection to the selector rod. The kit you have will drastically shorten the shift throw.

[Autobot]

Yes this is the 328 specific SSK.

[Gesler]

If the throws are shorter and more definite with the new shifter, that is all you need in the end. enjoy!

[Autobot]

But if it sits higher than stock, to me its no good

[mack82097]

Originally Posted by Autobot

But if it sits higher than stock, to me its no good

I'm with you. That's why I bit the bullet and took the 328 short shift lever out 3 days after installing it, and replaced it with the 330 short shift lever. Sits much lower and the shifts are a lot more direct, but notchier as well. That's to be expected considering the lever is much shorter from the ball up. IMO is much better this way.

[wuufer001]

mines the BMW Performance SSK and this is how it looks after. really much shorter than OEM

[e90pilot]

Originally Posted by Autobot

But if it sits higher than stock, to me its no good

A little late on this reply but I'd kinda like to know why you'd say this. If your going for "sporty" factor, most race cars have the shift lever moved higher so that it's closer to the wheel. Look at an M3 GTR race car, the lever is pretty tall. If you're going for looks factor, that's a different story. Like people have been saying, the one that you bought will give you a shorter throw just from looking at the photos you posted.