Knob junkie here - BMW Performance shift knob and boot

cstavaru · 09-23-2009, 08:26 AM

So in my quest for the perfect knob, I got the BMW Performance knob and boot.
The boot is perfect. No complaints. Matches perfectly with my alcantara interior.

But the knob...

- Comes off very easily. No hard driving possible. Can put your life in danger, literally. How to fix this ?
EDIT: It does NOT come off after properly pushed down, it does have a retention mechanism.
- Is too small for my hand. I don't have a very big hand.
- Has no grip. No hard driving possible.
- Has no good shape for spirited driving.
- Has not enough weight to be called "weighted".
- Has no retention mechanism. EDIT: It does have one, and it is very good ! You have to push it real hard for the knob
s plastic ring to slide into a location on the lever.

It only looks good. That's all. I hate it. I don't feel sorry about the money, but for the fact that BMW Performance should come out with something better, not this crap.

Before this, I had the stock M-Sport knob (which sucks, really, is too small and has some edges which are outlined once you install the BMW short shift kit). After it, I had the Momo Race Airleather until today (perfect knob, good retention mechanism, good grip, doesn't get hot in the summer but it doesn't look OEM and I hate this, it also did not connect well with the stock boot).

Still looking...next in line (if I can't find something better in the mean time): Whalen Shift Machine customized to look OEM (maybe wrapped in alcantara by JPM Coachworks).

My conclusion until now is that the perfect knob for hard driving must be spherical.

Pics below...

OM3G@ · 09-23-2009, 08:48 AM

Let us know your findings, I had planned on getting the bmw perf ssk and knob in the next 30 days or so.
Also, what type of grip do you use when ripping through gears, or everyday casual driving for that matter? I've always heard that it's best to grip from the top (palm facing straight down to the floor) vs the side grip (palm faces your body). I know that for me the top grip feels more natural and seems to prevent mis-shifts but the shape of the stock (non msport) shifter seems to encourage the side grip, like a joystick.

cstavaru · 09-23-2009, 08:54 AM

Indeed, I grip from the top. And for this kind of grip you must have a large, round knob. The BMW Performance knob is awful for this kind of grip. Or any other kind of grip, honestly.

benton0311 · 09-23-2009, 09:03 AM

I've been looking for the perfect shift knob too. I've only run the stocker and a momo spherical.

One of your issues may be that you're running the BMW shift kit which is nothing but a shorter lever and does nothing to improve the shift mechanism. Basically the stock shifter cut down by an inch. You're trying to grab a cylindrical or anatomical knob more from the top when they were designed to be grabbed somewhat from the side. Grabbing from the top I think would favor a spherical design.

I've using the B&M shift lever which maintains stock height but changes the pivot point for a quicker ratio (along with delrin bushings, different pivot ball, no rubber isolator, etc). I didn't really like the spherical knob because I was grabbing it somewhat from the side but the weight was nice. I'm thinking if I could find something similar to the M-Sport knob but weighted.

cstavaru · 09-23-2009, 09:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by benton0311

One of your issues may be that you're running the BMW shift kit which is nothing but a shorter lever and does nothing to improve the shift mechanism. Basically the stock shifter cut down by an inch.

Sorry but this is not true. The BMW SSK sits TALLER than the stock shifter (in my signature you will find a link to my review with pictures and movies). Also, the SSK has a new shifting arm besides the shifting lever. Its very well tought out, I can't fault it, its really perfect for me. The only problem is the knob.

benton0311 · 09-23-2009, 09:06 AM

I've been looking for the perfect shift knob, too. I've only run the stocker and a momo spherical.

One of your issues may be that you're running the BMW shift kit which is nothing but a shorter lever and does nothing to improve the shift mechanism. Basically the stock shifter cut down by an inch. You're trying to grab a cylindrical or anatomical knob more from the top when they were designed to be grabbed somewhat from the side.

I've using the B&M shift lever which maintains stock height but changes the pivot point for a quicker ratio (along with delrin bushings, different pivot ball, no rubber isolator, etc). I didn't really like the spherical knob because I was grabbing it somewhat from the side but the weight was nice. I'm thinking if I could find something similar to the M-Sport knob but weighted

CubanJJ09 · 09-23-2009, 09:12 AM

Knob junky

. pretty cool looking shifters tho

enrita · 09-23-2009, 09:15 AM

wrong place to post this.

DJKhan85 · 09-23-2009, 09:17 AM

I was going to try the performance shift knob.....but I'll wait on that one till I can feel it now. I'm a fan of the spherical knobs as I went from the stock 335 to the e46 M weighted knob and love it far more than the stock one. Anyone know how much the SSK costs from BMW? I know ticher has the 328 ssk but not the 335 ssk(I think).

cstavaru · 09-23-2009, 09:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DJKhan85

Anyone know how much the SSK costs from BMW? I know ticher has the 328 ssk but not the 335 ssk(I think).

$460 from Tischer. The 335i SSK is available there for a long time. But I only got the mechanical parts first (arm & lever only, no knob and boot) and it was significantly cheaper (like $150 cheaper). But I got them from the dealer, I am not sure you can get them separated at Tischer.

Sniz · 09-23-2009, 09:45 AM

hey guys,
the best knob I have felt for the 335 is the UUC stainless weighted ball. I have 2 and they made a huge difference for me in getting through the trannies notchy gates especially into 2nd gear. They weigh just over 20 ozs and can be had in just metal or wrapped in leather.

funny thing.....I have 2 that I can sell

$75 for either, sell $115 or more new.

a pic

or

cstavaru · 09-23-2009, 10:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sniz

hey guys,
the best knob I have felt for the 335 is the UUC stainless weighted ball. I have 2 and they made a huge difference for me in getting through the trannies notchy gates especially into 2nd gear. They weigh just over 20 ozs and can be had in just metal or wrapped in leather.

The leather one looks solid though it has some small design issues. For example, the base could be a bit angled like the Momo.

By the way, what attachment mechanism do they have ?

rooster3.0 · 09-23-2009, 10:08 AM

I had the performance knob on my first 335 along with the 328 shift lever ssk. The 328 lever sits lower than the full kit for the 335. I actually loved it. I had well over 60 passes down the 1/4 mile and it never came off once. If I had aluminum interior in my new car, I would have put it in.

Sniz · 09-23-2009, 10:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cstavaru

The leather one looks solid though it has some small design issues. For example, the base could be a bit angled like the Momo.

By the way, what attachment mechanism do they have ?

not sure what you mean by angled? the base is flat.

it uses an allen screw on the base to secure it, it wont go anywhere once tightened. That screw also lets you adjust the height a bit.

cstavaru · 09-24-2009, 03:58 AM

I just found out that the knob DOES have a retention mechanism, and once in place, it won't come off. I'm (half) happy about this ! Sorry if I mislead someone, I have edited the original post.

TurboBimmer · 09-24-2009, 04:08 AM

Don't get an aluminium knob. I had one on a previous car, and I HATED it on cold winter days.

cstavaru · 09-24-2009, 05:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Autobahn335i

Don't get an aluminium knob. I had one on a previous car, and I HATED it on cold winter days.

To be honest, I think that [the BMW Performance knob] on the outside it's just painted plastic

I will find out for sure this winter...but I am almost sure its plastic.

branabolic · 09-24-2009, 10:33 AM

i have the BMW perf knob with a UUC evo3 ssk and i couldnt be happier. i however do prefer to shift joystick "sidewinder" style. i think it is better because it allows you to use wrist and arm together as opposed to from the top shifting where you are using mostly arm. really all personal preferance IMO. oh, and with the UUC evo3 you can adjust the height of the shifter.

bimmerboy · 09-24-2009, 10:47 AM

knob junkie... hope you find the right knob for you

Slidewayz · 09-24-2009, 11:06 AM

I installed the BMW 335i SSK w/shifting arm, & think is ~ 11.3% less crap than stock.

Not recommended.

Shift action is a disappointment on an otherwise lovely machine.

09-23-2009, 08:26 AM	#1
cstavaru Brigadier General 313 Rep 3,262 Posts Drives: 2009 335i M Sport Sedan 6MT Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Bucharest, Romania iTrader: (0)	Knob junkie here - BMW Performance shift knob and boot - disappointment So in my quest for the perfect knob, I got the BMW Performance knob and boot. The boot is perfect. No complaints. Matches perfectly with my alcantara interior. But the knob... - Comes off very easily. No hard driving possible. Can put your life in danger, literally. How to fix this ? EDIT: It does NOT come off after properly pushed down, it does have a retention mechanism. - Is too small for my hand. I don't have a very big hand. - Has no grip. No hard driving possible. - Has no good shape for spirited driving. - Has not enough weight to be called "weighted". - Has no retention mechanism. EDIT: It does have one, and it is very good ! You have to push it real hard for the knob s plastic ring to slide into a location on the lever. It only looks good. That's all. I hate it. I don't feel sorry about the money, but for the fact that BMW Performance should come out with something better, not this crap. Before this, I had the stock M-Sport knob (which sucks, really, is too small and has some edges which are outlined once you install the BMW short shift kit). After it, I had the Momo Race Airleather until today (perfect knob, good retention mechanism, good grip, doesn't get hot in the summer but it doesn't look OEM and I hate this, it also did not connect well with the stock boot). Still looking...next in line (if I can't find something better in the mean time): Whalen Shift Machine customized to look OEM (maybe wrapped in alcantara by JPM Coachworks). My conclusion until now is that the perfect knob for hard driving must be spherical. Pics below... Attached Images __________________ Mods(click): Cobb + RB Turbos \| Aquamist HFS-4 Meth \| Drexler LSD \| Bilstein B12 Pro-Kit \| Custom K&N Apollo Intake \| Wagner Intercooler \| Macht Schnell Downpipes \| BMW Performance Power Kit \| BMW Performance Exhaust \| BMW Performance Short Shifter \| M3 Subframe Bushings \| Last edited by cstavaru; 09-24-2009 at 03:57 AM..
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

09-23-2009, 08:48 AM	#2
OM3G@ Private 10 Rep 93 Posts Drives: '09 AW 335i sedan Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: O'Fallon, IL iTrader: (0)	Let us know your findings, I had planned on getting the bmw perf ssk and knob in the next 30 days or so. Also, what type of grip do you use when ripping through gears, or everyday casual driving for that matter? I've always heard that it's best to grip from the top (palm facing straight down to the floor) vs the side grip (palm faces your body). I know that for me the top grip feels more natural and seems to prevent mis-shifts but the shape of the stock (non msport) shifter seems to encourage the side grip, like a joystick. __________________ '09 AW e90 335i w/steering wheel, gas pedal, seatbelts, windshield, and much more!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-23-2009, 08:54 AM	#3
cstavaru Brigadier General 313 Rep 3,262 Posts Drives: 2009 335i M Sport Sedan 6MT Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Bucharest, Romania iTrader: (0)	Indeed, I grip from the top. And for this kind of grip you must have a large, round knob. The BMW Performance knob is awful for this kind of grip. Or any other kind of grip, honestly. __________________ Mods(click): Cobb + RB Turbos \| Aquamist HFS-4 Meth \| Drexler LSD \| Bilstein B12 Pro-Kit \| Custom K&N Apollo Intake \| Wagner Intercooler \| Macht Schnell Downpipes \| BMW Performance Power Kit \| BMW Performance Exhaust \| BMW Performance Short Shifter \| M3 Subframe Bushings \| Last edited by cstavaru; 09-23-2009 at 03:31 PM..
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-23-2009, 09:03 AM	#4
benton0311 Lance Corporal 19 Rep 128 Posts Drives: 08 335i, Graphite Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Maryland iTrader: (1)	I've been looking for the perfect shift knob too. I've only run the stocker and a momo spherical. One of your issues may be that you're running the BMW shift kit which is nothing but a shorter lever and does nothing to improve the shift mechanism. Basically the stock shifter cut down by an inch. You're trying to grab a cylindrical or anatomical knob more from the top when they were designed to be grabbed somewhat from the side. Grabbing from the top I think would favor a spherical design. I've using the B&M shift lever which maintains stock height but changes the pivot point for a quicker ratio (along with delrin bushings, different pivot ball, no rubber isolator, etc). I didn't really like the spherical knob because I was grabbing it somewhat from the side but the weight was nice. I'm thinking if I could find something similar to the M-Sport knob but weighted.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-23-2009, 09:06 AM	#6
benton0311 Lance Corporal 19 Rep 128 Posts Drives: 08 335i, Graphite Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Maryland iTrader: (1)	I've been looking for the perfect shift knob, too. I've only run the stocker and a momo spherical. One of your issues may be that you're running the BMW shift kit which is nothing but a shorter lever and does nothing to improve the shift mechanism. Basically the stock shifter cut down by an inch. You're trying to grab a cylindrical or anatomical knob more from the top when they were designed to be grabbed somewhat from the side. I've using the B&M shift lever which maintains stock height but changes the pivot point for a quicker ratio (along with delrin bushings, different pivot ball, no rubber isolator, etc). I didn't really like the spherical knob because I was grabbing it somewhat from the side but the weight was nice. I'm thinking if I could find something similar to the M-Sport knob but weighted
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-23-2009, 09:12 AM	#7
CubanJJ09 Banned 169 Rep 12,680 Posts Drives: like an asshole Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Chicago Burbs iTrader: (2) Garage List 2007 BMW 335i [6.18]	Knob junky . pretty cool looking shifters tho
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-23-2009, 09:15 AM	#8
enrita Major General 161 Rep 7,377 Posts Drives: 335i - Big turbos Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Italian in Sweden iTrader: (0)	wrong place to post this. __________________ 07 335i AT - MOTIV 750 - MHD E85 BMS flash - BMS PI - JB4G5 - Okada Coils - NGK 5992 Plugs - Helix IC - Snow Stg. 3 - Stett CP - Custom midpipes with 100 HJS Cats - Bastuck Quad - PSS10 - QUAIFE LSD - BMS OCC - Forge DVs - AR OC - ALCON BBK - M3 Chassi - Dinan CP - Velocity M rear Toe arms - Advan RZ-DF - LUX H8 - Level 10 AT upgrade
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-23-2009, 09:17 AM	#9
DJKhan85 Major 24 Rep 1,190 Posts Drives: 2011 4dr 6mt Golf GTI Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Boston Massachusetts iTrader: (1)	I was going to try the performance shift knob.....but I'll wait on that one till I can feel it now. I'm a fan of the spherical knobs as I went from the stock 335 to the e46 M weighted knob and love it far more than the stock one. Anyone know how much the SSK costs from BMW? I know ticher has the 328 ssk but not the 335 ssk(I think). __________________ 2011 VW GTI 4dr-6mt-Sunroof-Nav-Xenons OLD: 08 335i AW/CR/Poplar 6mt-ZSP-ZPP-ZCW-iPod-iDrive-PDC-Style 230s w/FK 452-Dinan LSD
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-23-2009, 09:45 AM	#11
Sniz Lieutenant General 654 Rep 10,587 Posts Drives: e92 335 - gone // e36 M3 turbo Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Ellicott City, MD iTrader: (1)	hey guys, the best knob I have felt for the 335 is the UUC stainless weighted ball. I have 2 and they made a huge difference for me in getting through the trannies notchy gates especially into 2nd gear. They weigh just over 20 ozs and can be had in just metal or wrapped in leather. funny thing.....I have 2 that I can sell $75 for either, sell $115 or more new. a pic or __________________
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-23-2009, 10:08 AM	#13
rooster3.0 Major 27 Rep 1,306 Posts Drives: E92 335i Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Jersey iTrader: (4)	I had the performance knob on my first 335 along with the 328 shift lever ssk. The 328 lever sits lower than the full kit for the 335. I actually loved it. I had well over 60 passes down the 1/4 mile and it never came off once. If I had aluminum interior in my new car, I would have put it in. __________________ Train with your head; not above it.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-24-2009, 03:58 AM	#15
cstavaru Brigadier General 313 Rep 3,262 Posts Drives: 2009 335i M Sport Sedan 6MT Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Bucharest, Romania iTrader: (0)	I just found out that the knob DOES have a retention mechanism, and once in place, it won't come off. I'm (half) happy about this ! Sorry if I mislead someone, I have edited the original post. __________________ Mods(click): Cobb + RB Turbos \| Aquamist HFS-4 Meth \| Drexler LSD \| Bilstein B12 Pro-Kit \| Custom K&N Apollo Intake \| Wagner Intercooler \| Macht Schnell Downpipes \| BMW Performance Power Kit \| BMW Performance Exhaust \| BMW Performance Short Shifter \| M3 Subframe Bushings \|
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-24-2009, 04:08 AM	#16
TurboBimmer Lieutenant Colonel 79 Rep 1,617 Posts Drives: F82 M4 Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Luxembourg iTrader: (5)	Don't get an aluminium knob. I had one on a previous car, and I HATED it on cold winter days. __________________ Performance Seats, Exhaust, Splitters, Pedals, Steering Wheel / RB Turbos / M3 CF Roof / Brembo GT BBK 355/345 / Rollcage / Forge FMIC / Quaife LSD / Öhlins Road & Track / M3 Suspension Parts / Solid Subframe Bushings / Vorshlag Camberplates / Megan Racing Toe Links / LeatherZ Gauges / Extended M3 DCT Paddles / ER Sports OC / AR OC / Aux Radiator / AR DPs / Alpina TCU / COBB Pro-Tune
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-24-2009, 10:33 AM	#18
branabolic Major 24 Rep 1,037 Posts Drives: e92 335i Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: so. new hampshire iTrader: (5)	i have the BMW perf knob with a UUC evo3 ssk and i couldnt be happier. i however do prefer to shift joystick "sidewinder" style. i think it is better because it allows you to use wrist and arm together as opposed to from the top shifting where you are using mostly arm. really all personal preferance IMO. oh, and with the UUC evo3 you can adjust the height of the shifter. __________________ i'm not addicted to boost, but i sure am more fun when i'm on it.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-24-2009, 10:47 AM	#19
bimmerboy Captain 23 Rep 601 Posts Drives: 135i Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Bay Area iTrader: (0)	knob junkie... hope you find the right knob for you __________________ *--2009 BSM 135i--* -Manual, Sport Package, BMW Assist
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-24-2009, 11:06 AM	#20
Slidewayz Major 33 Rep 1,177 Posts Drives: 2007 335i Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Oakland, CA iTrader: (5)	I installed the BMW 335i SSK w/shifting arm, & think is ~ 11.3% less crap than stock. Not recommended. Shift action is a disappointment on an otherwise lovely machine.
	Appreciate 0 Quote