[electriCK]

As many E9X owners know, the most popular SSK options are the BMW Performance Kit, UUC, or Shifteck. I was surprised to find out that Dinan made a short shift lever for our cars, so i went ahead and pulled the trigger since I already have a bunch of other Dinan parts.

Dinan did not endorse me to review this product.

Part Name: Dinan® Billet Short-Shifter Kit
Part #: D550-1005
Applications:

• E90
• E92
• E82
• E88
• E60

I will say first off the product was pretty expensive considering it's just a shift lever, but if you're considering purchasing the Shifteck + DSSR take another look as the total price is comparable.

I previously also tried this DIY (http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=102808) with just the shift lever. Just purchasing the lever from the BMW SSK makes the neutral position shift toward the passenger side. Then gear 1, 3, and 5 are too close to the trim. After rotating the lever 180 degrees - gears 2, 4, and 6 were too close to the rear of the trim. This really annoyed me and i removed the lever after 24 hours of use.

Dinan kit came in quickly and upon immediate inspection it looks high quality and had an interesting design. The UUC and Shifteck kits requires the use of tiny screws for the lever to be held in the carrier. The Dinan kit allows you to re-use the factory plastic bearing - so this makes installation much easier.

Picture of the new product


Picture installed


After completing the install here are some impressions:
- shift knob remains at the same stock height
- neutral is centered like OEM, but the knob leans back a few degrees towards the rear of the car. this is only noticeable if you're really looking.
- shift knob is slightly rotated by about 5 degrees clockwise - I mention this because those using the ZHP knob might not want a crooked knob. I'm using the performance knob (cylinder/piston design) so it doesn't bother me.
- throws feel significantly reduced. Dinan claims 25% reduction, i'm thinking it's more like 30-35% reduction
- when in gear there is zero slop/play
- a bit notchy like most SSKs, but not to a point where it's annoying or difficult to get it into gear. I would characterize the throw as nice flicks with a solid confident feeling
- nice solid sound/feel when engaging the gear

Overall, I love the part and I would recommend this to others looking for an easy-to-install SSK. Feels great and removed all slop when in gear. high quality item that significantly reduced shift throws. Definitely another option to consider when shopping for a SSK.

I'll post some more pics with the car in every gear later this weekend.


CK

[Nitrousbird]

Does this come with a new shift rod too? If not, why not spend $100 less and get the BMS SSK?

[electriCK]

Originally Posted by Nitrousbird

Does this come with a new shift rod too? If not, why not spend $100 less and get the BMS SSK?

Negative. This does not come with a shift rod. TBH I've never had an aftermarket shift rod installed in my car. When I had the OEM shift lever I attempted to install the BMS shift rod but the bushing on the lever made it difficult for installation. The prongs on the shift rod were too narrow.

With this lever installed it gets rid of the slop that a shift rod would help alleviate.

Also the BMS kit is harder to install due to the small screws necessary to get the lever seated into the carrier.

[electriCK]

Pics of the shift knob positions with the Dinan SSK installed.

Neutral




1st Gear




2nd Gear




3rd Gear




4th Gear




5th Gear




6th Gear

[Tim603]

Very nice review! I am considering getting this.

Deciding whether or not to pair with the UUC DSSR

[Jeff@TopGearSolutions]

Originally Posted by Tim603

Very nice review! I am considering getting this.

Deciding whether or not to pair with the UUC DSSR

DSSR is worth the upgrade

[Ozzie335i]

I went with the weighted and illuminated shift knob. Looks and feels nice. A better match with the steering wheel. Did the bypass mod, clutch stop and fluid change. All is good. The sticky going into first has been minimized, although with the additional weighting it better allows me to feel it in. I have noticed that a little gas makes it slip in when it feels sticky. Bring able to raise the RPMs with MHD will likely eliminate it completely.

[JunkyardDogg]

Originally Posted by dmv-ck

Pics of the shift knob positions with the Dinan SSK installed.

Neutral




1st Gear




2nd Gear




3rd Gear




4th Gear




5th Gear




6th Gear

Did you get any bushings with the kit? I know ECS sells teflon bushing kit

[Jklad]

Originally Posted by JunkyardDogg

Did you get any bushings with the kit? I know ECS sells teflon bushing kit

I replaced shifter bushings with oem bushings when I installed my Dinan shifter install at 130k miles. Feels great, nice and tight, along with the new clutch and flywheel. Would recommend replacing you oem bushings with new at the very least while you're there. They must be purchased separately if that's what you're asking.

[JunkyardDogg]

Cool thanks alot, i think i'll order the shift kit along with the shifter ball bushing from ECS.

[JunkyardDogg]

I ended up getting the kit, should arrive today. How hard is the install? Can I follow the DIY link post above? I called a shop and they would do it for $200. I live in an apartment and space is kinda tight, so I could drive to my parents house and put it up on ramps and do it there. But i'm worried if something goes wrong or I get stuck, i wont be able to drive back home for work lol.

[Ozzie335i]

JD, 200 ain't bad.While they have your car up on the lift have them change the tranny fluid. You can get a kit at ECS for 45 bucks. Also consider the CDV mod. ECS has that also. 20 bucks.

[JunkyardDogg]

Originally Posted by Ozzie335i

JD, 200 ain't bad.While they have your car up on the lift have them change the tranny fluid. You can get a kit at ECS for 45 bucks. Also consider the CDV mod. ECS has that also. 20 bucks.

Is it cheaper to buy the fluid myself than if they supply it? I'm only at 43K miles though. Already got the cdv mod