[Vulcan50]

From what I gather this would likely also work for a manual, but mine is auto.

If this fits better in the DIY section feel free to move it.

I was tired of the ugly shift knob, and while there is an option to use the BMW performance knob for the manual, I wasn't interested in spending that kinda coin on something like that. Plus mine lowers the knob height almost 2.5".

I'm sure I will receive some severe flaming for this, but this mod allows me to use any Honda (or any M10x1.5) thread. The same thing could be done for M10x1.25 as well.



This is how I did it...
(I'll get measurements tomorrow, I have to put some loctite on the car side of the threads, so I'll take it apart.)

Since I used an angle grinder, I pushed it through a box to catch the metal dust.



Then, I cut of the shaft at the groove, and cleaned it up.



I threaded the shaft, I found it best to do in N because you can shift back to P and easily vacuum the shavings. It's threaded about 1.75". Basically with the tap in place once you can no longer shift into park stop. This more or less limits how far the stud can go without interfering.



Now thread the stud, best with loctite.



Reassemble



Add preferred knob





Very happy with the result

I've got a sticker for the top of the knob, it's made to fit the ignition button.

[AWSB328iM]

I will never understand why people replace their automatic shift knobs and think it makes their car more aggressive.

[Vulcan50]

Originally Posted by AWSB328iM

I will never understand why people replace their automatic shift knobs and think it makes their car more aggressive.

I wouldn't say more aggressive, definitely cleaner. I don't see how it would be any different than someone changing out a manual knob. Really not any different than any other cosmetic mod. I just think it looks better.

I didn't care much for the finish that was on it, honestly I planned on going brushed style when I found this one, but wanted to try it out first.


Before:




Now:

[E90joee]

i would of added a alcantara shift boot while I was at it.

[Vulcan50]

Eventually I will, I have an alcantara wrap coming from RedlineGoods. I'm super excited! I'm waiting to see what my tread color ends up (long story).

[Needbmwpartzz]

Originally Posted by AWSB328iM

I will never understand why people replace their automatic shift knobs and think it makes their car more aggressive.

Maybe they use manual mode and like a better feel out of their knob.
And to change looks?!

[whyzee125]

Stock one looks so much better for an auto

[Vulcan50]

Originally Posted by whyzee125

Stock one looks so much better for an auto

I appreciate your input but would like to hear (read) your justification. I can understand that you don't like the knob, but am confused by "for an auto."

To me it is effectively like putting aftermarket wheels on, and saying, "the stock wheels look so much better for an auto."

It would make sense if I had a knob with an H-pattern, but this is plain.

With that said, I really like it and won't be changing it. But I am curious.

(You guys will hate it once I get the sticker on! Haha!)

[Vulcan50]

I did some light machining and added some grooves. which began as a happy accident but I liked the look so I cleaned it up and kept it. I removed about 3/16" from the top (so it's shorter). It is now more "square" at the top.

The final change, flame suit on, the M. I wanted some kind of BMW badge, but I have black/white roundels and the other option of blue and white wouldn't flow. So here we are, it's my car and I like it.

[CanadianTSi]

An Alcantara manual boot would finish it off nicely.

[Vulcan50]

I finally got my custom alcantara boot!

[Emilime75]

I don't mind the knob, or the M badge. The boot is...meh. The worst part is that awful paint job on the surrounding trim.

[Vulcan50]

It's just vinyl. I was trying to decide what color to do. So I just rough cut it. I'll pull it off soon. I like the gloss, but as a touch surface gets gross quick. If it weren't my daily I'd jump on it. I kinda like the flat black like the m3, but it just sort of fades into the background.

I'm open to suggestions. I'm going to do the horizontal trim on the dashboard in carbon, so I think carbon would be too much

[335xituned]

Great thinking i might actually do it to my manual as i hate the lack of choices

[Vulcan50]

Originally Posted by 335xituned

Great thinking i might actually do it to my manual as i hate the lack of choices

If you have all the parts ready, it only takes like 30min. I've never regretted it. And if I ever want to change it, all it takes is couple bucks and 30 seconds

[swankalicious]

hey, man. looking to do this too... could you provide me a link to what you used to thread the shaft? how long was the stud you used? so sick of the butt ugly knob!

[Vulcan50]

Originally Posted by swankalicious

hey, man. looking to do this too... could you provide me a link to what you used to thread the shaft? how long was the stud you used? so sick of the butt ugly knob!

So I used a knob with a m10x1.5 thread. M10 is the main importance, the pitch is based on the knob you want. Then I bought a threaded rod from grainger.

Remove the stock knob and cut off the excess as shown in the pics. Then use a screwdriver or similar to see where the mechanism disengages. Mark the length on the screwdriver. Then see how much of the rod goes into the knob. Add those together, err on the side of short, I'd say 1/8"-1/4".

Use the correct tap. And cut a few turns then back it out to clear it of shavings. I used an excessive amount of the blue locktite on the threads that go into the tapped shaft. And Teflon tape on the end that goes into the knob.

Confirm functionality before the locktite cures

[swankalicious]

thanks for the info, man. so just to be clear, i’d need to get a m10 tap. cut the excess, and stick in a screw driver in the hole and see where it stops? then see how much the stud would go into the shift knob, add those together, and then i’d get the length i’d need? could you clarify on the mechanism i’m checking to disengage? i’m assuming it’s in the hole where i’d screw the stud in?

[matteblue3er]

Would have been easier to just use a threaded adapter like this:https://www.ebay.com/itm/Universal-A...-/112197569400

My shift knob came with an adapter

[swankalicious]

Originally Posted by matteblue3er

Would have been easier to just use a threaded adapter like this:https://www.ebay.com/itm/Universal-A...-/112197569400

My shift knob came with an adapter

how would i go on about installing the adapter? could you show me? might go your route if i could see how to install it.

[Vulcan50]

Originally Posted by swankalicious

thanks for the info, man. so just to be clear, i’d need to get a m10 tap. cut the excess, and stick in a screw driver in the hole and see where it stops? then see how much the stud would go into the shift knob, add those together, and then i’d get the length i’d need? could you clarify on the mechanism i’m checking to disengage? i’m assuming it’s in the hole where i’d screw the stud in?

So in the stock knob there a yellow shaft sticking out. That piece presses down into a locking mechanism that keeps the shifter from moving. When you press the button it lifts away. So after removing the knob, put the screwdriver down the shaft, and lift it a little at a time to see where it you are able to shift. Then mark it and measure it. I'd go about 1/8" shorter and tap it to that depth. That way the you won't accidentally install the rod to far down and lock it in place.

[Vulcan50]

Originally Posted by matteblue3er

Would have been easier to just use a threaded adapter like this:https://www.ebay.com/itm/Universal-A...-/112197569400

My shift knob came with an adapter

Except that's going to sit like 3 inches taller. And I wanted low and clean, not tall like some drifter wannabe.