Playing with Knobs (The Ultimate 6MT Knob Thread)

spacedogg · 09-11-2006, 10:30 PM

"I know you're a knob...but what am I?"

"Playing with your knob can cause you to go blind."

I did some research into shift knobs for the past few days so I decided that I would share what I have gleaned from the various threads written on this topic. Please let me know if anything is incorrect or if I should add anything to this post. I also had to lift photos from other threads and pages...apologizes in advance for that. Please PM me if you have clearer photos or more popular knobs to add or info to add (i.e. weight).

BMW SHIFT KNOBS:

1. E90 Stock/OEM Shift Knob(for US/Canada)

This is the regular one that comes with the car. It matches the interior but is not that great. Main complaints is that is too long and is not weighted. In some markets it comes plain without the silver accents. You can also order optionally wood coloured accents instead. I believe this is the same on the E92...but it comes with chrome accents instead of silver.

BMW Part #: 25117547083 (as shown with silver accent)
(Comes with knob only. The stock boot is part #: 25117530223)
Price: $78 (approx)
Weight: 3 oz.

2. E90 Short Shift Knob

Same as #1 but it is shorter so more comfortable to shift. You can tell it is this model because it has rim of silver on the bottom of the knob.

BMW Part #: 25110404454
(Comes with knob only)
Price: $100 (approx)
Weight: ?
Threads discussing this knob:
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=16768
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=23481

3. E90 M-Sport Shift Knob

Perforated leather to match M-Sport steering wheel. Some dislike the perforated leather look but other say it feels great.

BMW Part #: 25118036628
(Comes knob and boot attached together)
Price: $100 - $150 (approx)
Weight: ?

Threads discussing this knob:
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=22148
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=13027
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=20596

4. "Old" E46 M-Sport Shift Knob (aka E46 ZHP Knob)

This knob is very popular because it is shorter than stock and is weighted. Originally used in the E46's but you can order it and use it on the E90. It is the one I purchased and I love it.

Reportedly it is hard to find.

BMW Part #: 25117896886
(Comes with knob only)
Price: $100 (approx)
Weight: 6 oz.
Threads discussing this knob:
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=14000
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showpo...6&postcount=19

5. "New" E46 M-Sport Shift Knob

Weighted as above but longer than #4. Not as favourable to those who like shorter knobs.

BMW Part #: 25117896884
(Comes with knob only)
Price: $100 (approx)
Weight: 6 oz.
Threads discussing this knob:
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=14000

Photo comparing size of #1, #5, #4:

SELECTED POPULAR THIRD PARTY KNOBS:

6. The Whalen Shift Machine

Whalen is popular amongst MINI drivers. The knob is incredibly heavy (six times heavier than stock) but is also well made and has a unique locking mechanism.

(Comes with knob only)
Price: $130 (approx)
Weight: 18 oz.

7. UUC Motorwerks Rob Knob 2

Another popular manufactuer of short heavy knobs that are popular with MINI drivers. UUC Motorwerks makes knobs even heavier than the Whalen!

(Comes with knob only)
Price: $75 / $125
Weight: 7.1 oz. / 20.4 oz
http://www.shortshifter.com/RK2.htm

8. UUC Motorwerks Rob Knob Magnum

Same as above but bigger. #7 is on the left and the Magnum is on the right.

(Comes with knob only)
Price: $95 / $125 / $155
Weight: 9.4 oz. / 27.6 oz
http://www.shortshifter.com/RK2MAG.htm

9. UUC Motorwerks Rob Knob 5

(Comes with knob only)
Price: $139
Weight: 24.2 oz
http://www.uucmotorwerks.com/RK5/

10. UUC Motorwerks Rob Knob 6

Adjustable height knob. Also available wrapped in leather.

(Comes with knob only)
Price: $115
Weight: ?
http://www.uucmotorwerks.com/RK6A/
http://www.uucmotorwerks.com/RK6AL/

11. UUC Motorwerks Rob Knob Shadow

(Comes with knob only)
Price: $125
Weight: ?
http://www.uucmotorwerks.com/html_pr...s/RKSHADOW.htm

12. Turner Motorsport Shift Knob

(Comes with knob only)
Price: $100
Weight: ?
http://www.turnermotorsport.com/html..._ID=TIN9970000

13. AC Schnitzer Shift Knob

(Comes with knob only)
Price: $335 (Bavarian Autosport)
Weight: ?
http://www.bavauto.com/

14. Hamann Shift Knob

(Comes with knob only)
Price: $180 (Bavarian Autosport)
Weight: ?
http://www.bavauto.com/

15. Hamann "Ergonomic" Shift Knob

(Comes with knob only)
Price: $130 (Bavarian Autosport)
Weight: ?
http://www.bavauto.com/

16. Hartge Shift Knob

(Comes with knob only)
Price: $140 (approx)
Weight: ?

Other Forum Links:

Removing Knobs:
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showpo...7&postcount=39
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3700

Discussion regarding Heavy Knobs:
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showpo...4&postcount=13

gohawks23 · 09-11-2006, 10:37 PM

Which one of these is in the E92 335? When I drove it I was surprised that it didn't seem as 'long' as I thought it would be...

spacedogg · 09-11-2006, 10:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by greginaz1

Which one of these is in the E92 335? When I drove it I was surprised that it didn't seem as 'long' as I thought it would be...

From what I remember...it is like #1 but with chrome instead of silver accents.

Nikki · 09-11-2006, 10:58 PM

Short shifter! Those ones are my pics!

spacedogg · 09-11-2006, 11:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nikki

Short shifter! Those ones are my pics!

Well your photos were the best out there!

Nikki · 09-11-2006, 11:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spacedogg

Well your photos were the best out there!

Thanks! Just trying to showcase such a great product.

gohawks23 · 09-11-2006, 11:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nikki

Short shifter! Those ones are my pics!

I'm just thankful you took that rat pic off your sig...

Nikki · 09-11-2006, 11:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by greginaz1

I'm just thankful you took that rat pic off your sig...

dude it was a lemur! my dream is to have one some day.

gohawks23 · 09-11-2006, 11:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nikki

dude it was a lemur! my dream is to have one some day.

'lemur' has to be some fancy shmancy name for 'rat' in my book...you should be able to get one of those for free...

Chesmu · 09-11-2006, 11:07 PM

i said m sport, but after looking at your pics, which are great, i'd change to the e0 short shifter. when I showed the m-sport knob to my wife, she remarked, "But you don't have an M". Good Point.

gohawks23 · 09-11-2006, 11:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spacedogg

From what I remember...it is like #1 but with chrome instead of silver accents.

It didn't seem as tall as that for some reason...

gohawks23 · 09-11-2006, 11:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chesmu

i said m sport, but after looking at your pics, which are great, i'd change to the e0 short shifter. when I showed the m-sport knob to my wife, she remarked, "But you don't have an M". Good Point.

My ZHP is not an M but it came with an M short shifter in it...plus an M steering wheel and M wheels...

If you like it get it...just don't put an M badge on the rear...

ksfrogman · 09-11-2006, 11:14 PM

Don't the metal ones get hot when the car is parked outside?

ZuerstBMW · 09-11-2006, 11:16 PM

Ill have to with the E90 M-Sport Shift Knob, since its the one I have.

spacedogg · 09-11-2006, 11:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ksfrogman

Don't the metal ones get hot when the car is parked outside?

Yeah...and cold during the winter. But those Whalen and UUC fans seem to be pretty devoted to their big chunks of metal. I might just have to buy one to check it out...

ScBlacksunshine · 09-11-2006, 11:56 PM

I like my Momo Combat evo air metal knob, not the shortest nor the heaviest, but the grip is amazing (Ergo-contour) and leather is of high quality. Also, just so you know, the shorter the knob is, the more effort it is require for shifting, however, you do get a reduce throw compare to longer knob.

HRC · 09-12-2006, 02:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spacedogg

3. E90 M-Sport Shift Knob

Perforated leather to match M-Sport steering wheel. Some dislike the perforated leather look but other say it feels great...

This knob is also shorter than stock and is weighted. You may already know that, but just in case others were wondering...Also, I like it because the boot that it comes with has 4 seams in it, unlike the stock one with only 2 in the front!

Danny

inTgr8r · 09-12-2006, 07:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HRC

This knob is also shorter than stock and is weighted. You may already know that, but just in case others were wondering...Also, I like it because the boot that it comes with has 4 seams in it, unlike the stock one with only 2 in the front!

Danny

I also like this one with the perf leather.
I find that the metal ones get too damn hot sometimes.

Mr. BMW · 09-12-2006, 08:40 AM

I’m waiting to see what shift knob the new M3 will have. I really want an illuminated knob. My dealer could have installed one for about $300 - parts and labor but I thought that was too much to spend on a knob.

NFS · 09-12-2006, 08:59 AM

That certainly is a lot of knobs.

I have the m-sport one and am very pleased with it.

MPoWeRMAN · 09-12-2006, 09:03 AM

I have a Momo "shot", similar in size and shape to the Whalen knob, feels great

stressdoc · 09-12-2006, 09:10 AM

Other people may think that we BMW owners are knobbish, but we know better.

Here is my problem: my 335 has a beige interior. I want the M-sport knob, but I can't see putting grey leather into a beige interior. Ideally I would get a short knob in poplar to match the trim. Does such a knob exist?

09-11-2006, 10:30 PM	#1
spacedogg Colonel 194 Rep 2,816 Posts Drives: Debadged Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Vancouver, BC iTrader: (0)	Playing with Knobs (The Ultimate 6MT Knob Thread) "I know you're a knob...but what am I?" "Playing with your knob can cause you to go blind." I did some research into shift knobs for the past few days so I decided that I would share what I have gleaned from the various threads written on this topic. Please let me know if anything is incorrect or if I should add anything to this post. I also had to lift photos from other threads and pages...apologizes in advance for that. Please PM me if you have clearer photos or more popular knobs to add or info to add (i.e. weight). BMW SHIFT KNOBS: 1. E90 Stock/OEM Shift Knob(for US/Canada) This is the regular one that comes with the car. It matches the interior but is not that great. Main complaints is that is too long and is not weighted. In some markets it comes plain without the silver accents. You can also order optionally wood coloured accents instead. I believe this is the same on the E92...but it comes with chrome accents instead of silver. BMW Part #: 25117547083 (as shown with silver accent) (Comes with knob only. The stock boot is part #: 25117530223) Price: $78 (approx) Weight: 3 oz. 2. E90 Short Shift Knob Same as #1 but it is shorter so more comfortable to shift. You can tell it is this model because it has rim of silver on the bottom of the knob. BMW Part #: 25110404454 (Comes with knob only) Price: $100 (approx) Weight: ? Threads discussing this knob: http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=16768 http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=23481 3. E90 M-Sport Shift Knob Perforated leather to match M-Sport steering wheel. Some dislike the perforated leather look but other say it feels great. BMW Part #: 25118036628 (Comes knob and boot attached together) Price: $100 - $150 (approx) Weight: ? Threads discussing this knob: http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=22148 http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=13027 http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=20596 4. "Old" E46 M-Sport Shift Knob (aka E46 ZHP Knob) This knob is very popular because it is shorter than stock and is weighted. Originally used in the E46's but you can order it and use it on the E90. It is the one I purchased and I love it. Reportedly it is hard to find. BMW Part #: 25117896886 (Comes with knob only) Price: $100 (approx) Weight: 6 oz. Threads discussing this knob: http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=14000 http://www.e90post.com/forums/showpo...6&postcount=19 5. "New" E46 M-Sport Shift Knob Weighted as above but longer than #4. Not as favourable to those who like shorter knobs. BMW Part #: 25117896884 (Comes with knob only) Price: $100 (approx) Weight: 6 oz. Threads discussing this knob: http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=14000 *Photo comparing size of #1, #5, #4:* SELECTED POPULAR THIRD PARTY KNOBS: 6. The Whalen Shift Machine Whalen is popular amongst MINI drivers. The knob is incredibly heavy (six times heavier than stock) but is also well made and has a unique locking mechanism. (Comes with knob only) Price: $130 (approx) Weight: 18 oz. 7. UUC Motorwerks Rob Knob 2 Another popular manufactuer of short heavy knobs that are popular with MINI drivers. UUC Motorwerks makes knobs even heavier than the Whalen! (Comes with knob only) Price: $75 / $125 Weight: 7.1 oz. / 20.4 oz http://www.shortshifter.com/RK2.htm 8. UUC Motorwerks Rob Knob Magnum Same as above but bigger. #7 is on the left and the Magnum is on the right. (Comes with knob only) Price: $95 / $125 / $155 Weight: 9.4 oz. / 27.6 oz http://www.shortshifter.com/RK2MAG.htm 9. UUC Motorwerks Rob Knob 5 (Comes with knob only) Price: $139 Weight: 24.2 oz http://www.uucmotorwerks.com/RK5/ 10. UUC Motorwerks Rob Knob 6 Adjustable height knob. Also available wrapped in leather. (Comes with knob only) Price: $115 Weight: ? http://www.uucmotorwerks.com/RK6A/ http://www.uucmotorwerks.com/RK6AL/ 11. UUC Motorwerks Rob Knob Shadow (Comes with knob only) Price: $125 Weight: ? http://www.uucmotorwerks.com/html_pr...s/RKSHADOW.htm 12. Turner Motorsport Shift Knob (Comes with knob only) Price: $100 Weight: ? http://www.turnermotorsport.com/html..._ID=TIN9970000 13. AC Schnitzer Shift Knob (Comes with knob only) Price: $335 (Bavarian Autosport) Weight: ? http://www.bavauto.com/ 14. Hamann Shift Knob (Comes with knob only) Price: $180 (Bavarian Autosport) Weight: ? http://www.bavauto.com/ 15. Hamann "Ergonomic" Shift Knob (Comes with knob only) Price: $130 (Bavarian Autosport) Weight: ? http://www.bavauto.com/ 16. Hartge Shift Knob (Comes with knob only) Price: $140 (approx) Weight: ? Other Forum Links: Removing Knobs: http://www.e90post.com/forums/showpo...7&postcount=39 http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3700 Discussion regarding Heavy Knobs: http://www.e90post.com/forums/showpo...4&postcount=13
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09-11-2006, 10:37 PM	#2
gohawks23 Major 426 Rep 1,457 Posts Drives: Bauer S29s Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Ice iTrader: (0)	Which one of these is in the E92 335? When I drove it I was surprised that it didn't seem as 'long' as I thought it would be...
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09-11-2006, 10:58 PM	#4
Nikki Major General 985 Rep 6,381 Posts Drives: Sepang Z4MC Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: LA iTrader: (9)	Short shifter! Those ones are my pics! __________________ Nikki
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09-11-2006, 11:07 PM	#10
Chesmu Brigadier General 89 Rep 3,011 Posts Drives: 2013 X6 Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Phoenix,AZ iTrader: (2) Garage List 2006 330i [0.00] 2006 330i [0.00]	i said m sport, but after looking at your pics, which are great, i'd change to the e0 short shifter. when I showed the m-sport knob to my wife, she remarked, "But you don't have an M". Good Point. __________________ "Teach the ignorant. Ignore the stupid."
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09-11-2006, 11:14 PM	#13
ksfrogman Major General 570 Rep 6,750 Posts Drives: E90 330i 6MT Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Torrance, CA iTrader: (12) Garage List 2006 330i [0.00] 2006 330i [0.00]	Don't the metal ones get hot when the car is parked outside? __________________
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View Poll Results: What's your favourite shift knob or do you own?
E90 Stock/OEM	103	11.74%
E90 Short Shift Knob	175	19.95%
E90 M-Sport Shift Knob	307	35.01%
"Old" E46 M-Sport Shift Knob	120	13.68%
"New" E46 M-Sport Shift Knob	41	4.68%
The Whalen Shift Machine	10	1.14%
UUC Motorwerks Rob Knob 2	10	1.14%
UUC Motorwerks Rob Knob Magnum	4	0.46%
UUC Motorwerks Rob Knob 5	1	0.11%
UUC Motorwerks Rob Knob 6	16	1.82%
UUC Motorwerks Rob Knob Shadow	0	0%
Turner Motorsport Shift Knob	5	0.57%
AC Schnitzer Shift Knob	17	1.94%
Hamann Shift Knob	10	1.14%
Hamann "Ergonomic" Shift Knob	13	1.48%
Hartge	11	1.25%
Other	34	3.88%
Voters: 877. You may not vote on this poll

09-11-2006, 11:16 PM	#14
ZuerstBMW ¡Viva España! 372 Rep 7,803 Posts Drives: 2023 230i Mineral White Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Apollo Beach, FL. iTrader: (68)	Ill have to with the E90 M-Sport Shift Knob, since its the one I have. __________________ 23 G42 230i Mineral White Cognac, Aluminum With Mesh Effect Interior Trim MODS Clear Guard, 15% Ceramic Tint, Floating Caps
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09-11-2006, 11:56 PM	#16
ScBlacksunshine YUGO is my dream car 144 Rep 1,564 Posts Drives: Bayerische Motoren Werke Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: LBC iTrader: (2)	I like my Momo Combat evo air metal knob, not the shortest nor the heaviest, but the grip is amazing (Ergo-contour) and leather is of high quality. Also, just so you know, the shorter the knob is, the more effort it is require for shifting, however, you do get a reduce throw compare to longer knob. __________________
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09-12-2006, 08:40 AM	#19
Mr. BMW Major 261 Rep 1,389 Posts Drives: 2012 E92 M3 Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: MA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2012 M3 [0.00] 2006 330i [0.00] 2018 Jeep Grand Che ... [0.00]	I’m waiting to see what shift knob the new M3 will have. I really want an illuminated knob. My dealer could have installed one for about $300 - parts and labor but I thought that was too much to spend on a knob. __________________ 12 M3 Interlagos Blue/Black 18 Jeep Grand Cherokee (Yeah, it's got a HEMI) 21 X3 Silver/Black(Wife's) 06 330i Monaco Blue/Black (retired) 02 X5 3.0 Topaz Blue/Black (retired)
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09-12-2006, 08:59 AM	#20
NFS Major General 273 Rep 9,218 Posts Drives: M340i Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	That certainly is a lot of knobs. I have the m-sport one and am very pleased with it.
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09-12-2006, 09:03 AM	#21
MPoWeRMAN First Lieutenant 36 Rep 388 Posts Drives: 2007 E91 Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Rancho Mirage, CA iTrader: (9)	I have a Momo "shot", similar in size and shape to the Whalen knob, feels great
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09-12-2006, 09:10 AM	#22
stressdoc Moderator 617 Rep 10,855 Posts Drives: BMW i8; Toy 4runner TRD pro Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Waco TX iTrader: (0)	Other people may think that we BMW owners are knobbish, but we know better. Here is my problem: my 335 has a beige interior. I want the M-sport knob, but I can't see putting grey leather into a beige interior. Ideally I would get a short knob in poplar to match the trim. Does such a knob exist?
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