[tetsuo111]

Date: 11 Dec 2017

Mileage: 42,898

What: ZHP Shift Knob, BMW part 25117896886

Why: Continuing in the spirit of enhancing the touch points and tactile driving experience on this car, I replaced the M3 shift knob with the weighted (5.4 oz), un-lighted ZHP shift knob. The ZHP knob is ~.75" shorter than the standard M3 knob, and shorter yet than the stock non-M knob.

DIY: This is a 15 minute job, unless you're like me and feel the need to clean and condition the leather boot. There are many DIYs for changing shift knobs, here are two:

ZHP Shiftknob, first mod, done.

Illuminated ZHP Shift Knob Install

Installation notes:

- Non-M knobs are simpler to replace because the boot and knob are separate. M shift knobs will need to be carefully separated from the attached leather boot, using a sharp hobby knife.

- Be advised the Non-M and M boots and boot frame are different shapes and not interchangeable.

- Illumination of the knob isn't important for me. In fact, it's a distraction. Any extraneous light inside the cockpit ought to minimized, IMO. That said, it seems a lighted shift knob is a priority for some. In that case, consider substituting the F10 M5 for the ZHP shift knob. The M5 knob is pre-wired for illumination and uses better quality leather. You will need to do minor surgery to substitute boot frames.

Results: Combined with the AutoSolutions 30% SSK, the lower height, shorter throw, and heavier weight of the ZHP knob move the shifting ergonomics in the right direction. Shifts are a bit quicker and snappier. No, it doesn't shift like an S2000, Miata, or Cayman, but throws are noticeably more positive. The leather knob has superior "feel" compared with both the non-M plastic knob and un-weighted M leather knob.

The sole downside is that weighted knobs amplify the momentum of your throws. In other words, both proficient and poor shifting technique will be amplified.

This is an easy mod to recommend.