Before and After (///M sport shift knob)

txusa03 · 02-15-2006, 12:02 PM

I realized there are post of this already. However, I have not seen anyone do a before and after image of the stock vs ///M sprt shift. So here it is and it is my way of giving back to this forum. I also included other photos for the photos addicts on here.

I went and bought a ///M sprt shift Tuesday 1/31/2006. Dealer told me it is a special order so I had to pay in advance. Dealer told me to check back on 2/2/2006 to see if product gets in. So I called that day and they told me it was on back order (so now it could take another week or longer). This Monday, I called and was surprise to hear they got the shift in. So I picked it up after work. I could not wait to install it and the anticipation was killing me. So at 8:30 that night I setup the camera and took a before image and install the new shift and took another image (camera and car was in the same position on both images).

I only had 100 miles on this new shift compare to 14,500 miles on the stock shift so it is not fair to compare. But from a first impression, it feels solid and the shift is a little shorter. If I remember correctly, I think everyone who have changed to the ///M sprt shift have had a positive feedback on it. At last a before and after. On one of the image, I drew reference lines to show how close I line up up both images side by side. Enjoy.

bimmer4me · 02-15-2006, 12:08 PM

Great post!

ben1364 · 02-15-2006, 12:10 PM

Did you install an ///M linkage or just a knob?

txusa03 · 02-15-2006, 12:15 PM

Just the knob and the boot is attached to the ///M knob.

E90 Enthusiast · 02-15-2006, 12:22 PM

That looks really nice - I've always thought the standard shifter looked too tall. Other posters have also commented on the higher quality of the leather 'pouch' that comes with the 'M' shifter. Do you agree?

noflash · 02-15-2006, 12:23 PM

So you can't buy the knob without the boot? (that is a weird question!)

txusa03 · 02-15-2006, 12:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by E90 Enthusiast

That looks really nice - I've always thought the standard shifter looked too tall. Other posters have also commented on the higher quality of the leather 'pouch' that comes with the 'M' shifter. Do you agree?

Agreed, it was worth every pennies.

Quote:

Originally Posted by noflash

So you can't buy the knob without the boot? (that is a weird question!)

I do not think so, it comes attached with the pouch/boot.

docbolo · 02-15-2006, 12:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by txusa03

But from a first impression, it feels solid and the shift is a little shorter.

What a wonderful post, thank you so much txusa03!!

I want to install one now too. Just curious, if you didn't install the M linkage then why does it feel like a different shift? And why did you not install the linkage? thanks

longtran · 02-15-2006, 12:50 PM

very nice. now this was what i was looking for.

txusa03 · 02-15-2006, 12:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by docbolo

What a wonderful post, thank you so much txusa03!!

I want to install one now too. Just curious, if you didn't install the M linkage then why does it feel like a different shift? And why did you not install the linkage? thanks

There might be some confusion here. What linkage are you all refering too? I just ordered the knob. It was a simple installation that requires sheer hand power (no tools). You can see it is shorter in the photo.

One more photo, I forgot to post this one...

docbolo · 02-15-2006, 12:55 PM

oh sorry. I thought that you could also change the actual linkage so that the throw was shorter. This just makes the knob shorter, correct?

and how much was it?

E90hawaii · 02-15-2006, 01:13 PM

[QUOTE=docbolo]What a wonderful post, thank you so much txusa03!!

I want to install one now too. Just curious, if you didn't install the M linkage then why does it feel like a different shift? And why did you not install the linkage? thanks

[/QUO

It feels different when shifting simply because the M sport knob is weighted, giving it a crisper feel when shifting. For example, the knob snaps back quicker from 3rd gear to neutral.

docbolo · 02-15-2006, 01:19 PM

thank you!

vladinecko · 02-15-2006, 01:20 PM

very nice post! thanks!

is the knob still designed to be held from the side with your palm facing to the left or is it more comfortable to hold it from the top with your palm facing down than on the original one? not sure if this question even makes sense to some people...

ItalyBMW325 · 02-15-2006, 01:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by docbolo

oh sorry. I thought that you could also change the actual linkage so that the throw was shorter. This just makes the knob shorter, correct?

and how much was it?

I got mine for 91 Euro approx $110

climkt · 02-15-2006, 01:38 PM

the m sport shift looks ergonomically designed and looks musch shorter in your pics. the pics however look as if the nos are illuminated. is it illuminated? maybe it may be worth waiting for the illuminated version, like the sort seen for the e46 and e36 cars.

txusa03 · 02-15-2006, 01:59 PM

I paid $140 through my dealer. The way the knob is designed (different than stock), it is very grippy. I usually hold the knob with my palm facing down. No illumination, just the way the photo turns out.

climkt · 02-15-2006, 02:19 PM

i guess the m shifter being all black does not look as executive or upmarket as the chrome leather stock knob. Driving pleasure does take precedence over looks! I have been toying with the idea of getting one since i first knew of its existence. i miss my old e36 illuminated m all leather gear knob, will probably hold out and wait for its arrival for the e90.

ben1364 · 02-15-2006, 04:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by txusa03

I paid $140 through my dealer. The way the knob is designed (different than stock), it is very grippy. I usually hold the knob with my palm facing down. No illumination, just the way the photo turns out.

A real short shift kit shouldn't cost much more than the BMW sourced knob and it would shorten the throw. Of course the installation involves some work best accomplished with a lift.

mykcheng · 02-15-2006, 07:36 PM

I was just wondering if anyone purchased or installed a short shift kit into their E90 yet. Is it possible to do w/o a lift? Which short shift kit is recommended?

roburado · 02-15-2006, 09:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by climkt

i guess the m shifter being all black does not look as executive or upmarket as the chrome leather stock knob. Driving pleasure does take precedence over looks! I have been toying with the idea of getting one since i first knew of its existence. i miss my old e36 illuminated m all leather gear knob, will probably hold out and wait for its arrival for the e90.

I don't agree. I think the M shifter looks more upmarket, because there's more leather and less of that chrome-colored plastic.

ImUrGoDaK · 02-15-2006, 10:14 PM

i put mine in today... 120 after shipping and tax... broke some sweat when i was pullin the stock one off tho... but it was worth the effort

one thing tho, how do i know if the new one is in all the way? i pushed it pretty hard but i don't want it to fall off one day when i am moving...

02-15-2006, 12:02 PM	#1
txusa03 Major General 548 Rep 6,563 Posts Drives: TS330iPPSP6MT Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Planet Earth iTrader: (3)	Before and After (///M sport shift knob) I realized there are post of this already. However, I have not seen anyone do a before and after image of the stock vs ///M sprt shift. So here it is and it is my way of giving back to this forum. I also included other photos for the photos addicts on here. I went and bought a ///M sprt shift Tuesday 1/31/2006. Dealer told me it is a special order so I had to pay in advance. Dealer told me to check back on 2/2/2006 to see if product gets in. So I called that day and they told me it was on back order (so now it could take another week or longer). This Monday, I called and was surprise to hear they got the shift in. So I picked it up after work. I could not wait to install it and the anticipation was killing me. So at 8:30 that night I setup the camera and took a before image and install the new shift and took another image (camera and car was in the same position on both images). I only had 100 miles on this new shift compare to 14,500 miles on the stock shift so it is not fair to compare. But from a first impression, it feels solid and the shift is a little shorter. If I remember correctly, I think everyone who have changed to the ///M sprt shift have had a positive feedback on it. At last a before and after. On one of the image, I drew reference lines to show how close I line up up both images side by side. Enjoy. Attached Images
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

02-15-2006, 12:08 PM	#2
bimmer4me Captain 52 Rep 996 Posts Drives: 2006 330i Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Northern Virginia iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 330i [0.00]	Great post! __________________ 2006 330i Monaco Blue \| Grey \| Walnut ...Manual \| Sports \| Premium \| Cold \| Nav \| Comfort Access \| PDC \| Sirius \| Sunshade ...M-Tec Steering Wheel \| M-Tec Shifter \| TLC ...Performance Center Delivery \| Oct 14, 2005
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-15-2006, 12:10 PM	#3
ben1364 Captain 14 Rep 940 Posts Drives: E90 330iA Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Georgetown, TX iTrader: (0)	Did you install an ///M linkage or just a knob?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-15-2006, 12:15 PM	#4
txusa03 Major General 548 Rep 6,563 Posts Drives: TS330iPPSP6MT Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Planet Earth iTrader: (3)	Just the knob and the boot is attached to the ///M knob.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-15-2006, 12:22 PM	#5
E90 Enthusiast Second Lieutenant 2 Rep 225 Posts Drives: 2011 335d Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Missouri iTrader: (0)	That looks really nice - I've always thought the standard shifter looked too tall. Other posters have also commented on the higher quality of the leather 'pouch' that comes with the 'M' shifter. Do you agree? __________________ 9/13/05 ED - 325i SG / Terra / Burl / PP / SP / CWP / iDrive / Step / Logic7 / 35% Tint / Blacklines
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-15-2006, 12:23 PM	#6
noflash Captain Caveman 148 Rep 1,715 Posts Drives: '06 325eyeyiyi Join Date: May 2005 Location: midwest iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 325i [0.00]	So you can't buy the knob without the boot? (that is a weird question!) __________________ E90 325i Monaco Blue, Black Leatherette, Sport, Cold Weather, Xenon, Sat Prep, 18" BBS RGR Mods: Polorized Film for Business CD, added lumbar, rock chip on hood
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-15-2006, 12:50 PM	#9
longtran Lieutenant General 1431 Rep 16,628 Posts Drives: E90 M3 Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: CA iTrader: (105) Garage List 2006 325i [0.00]	very nice. now this was what i was looking for.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-15-2006, 12:55 PM	#11
docbolo BMW worshiper 23 Rep 258 Posts Drives: M3/alpine/manual/prem/19" Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: San Diego, CA, USA iTrader: (1)	oh sorry. I thought that you could also change the actual linkage so that the throw was shorter. This just makes the knob shorter, correct? and how much was it?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-15-2006, 01:13 PM	#12
E90hawaii New Member 1 Rep 28 Posts Drives: E90 sprk graphite Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Temecula, CA iTrader: (0)	[QUOTE=docbolo]What a wonderful post, thank you so much txusa03!! I want to install one now too. Just curious, if you didn't install the M linkage then why does it feel like a different shift? And why did you not install the linkage? thanks [/QUO It feels different when shifting simply because the M sport knob is weighted, giving it a crisper feel when shifting. For example, the knob snaps back quicker from 3rd gear to neutral.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-15-2006, 01:19 PM	#13
docbolo BMW worshiper 23 Rep 258 Posts Drives: M3/alpine/manual/prem/19" Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: San Diego, CA, USA iTrader: (1)	thank you!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-15-2006, 01:20 PM	#14
vladinecko Brigadier General 277 Rep 3,924 Posts Drives: '11 E92 M3 Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Bay Area, CA iTrader: (1) Garage List 2011 BMW M3 [9.00] 2008 BMW 335i [0.00] 2006 BMW 330i [0.00] 1994 BMW 325i [0.00]	very nice post! thanks! is the knob still designed to be held from the side with your palm facing to the left or is it more comfortable to hold it from the top with your palm facing down than on the original one? not sure if this question even makes sense to some people... __________________ 2011 E92 M3 - IB/Beige/Sycamore Wood/6MT/EDC/ZPP2/Nav/PDC/Heated Seats/iPod-USB/Enh. Audio 2008 E92 335i - Montego Blue/Black/Gray Poplar/6MT/ZPP/ZSP/Nav/PDC/Heated Seats/HDRadio/iPod-USB - *Sold* 2006 E90 330i - Mystic Blue/Black/Aluminum/6MT/ZPP/iDrive/PDC/Heated Seats/Sat. Prep - *Sold* 1994 E36 325i - Boston Green/Beige/Automatic/ZPP/Heated Seats/Premium Sound - *Sold*
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-15-2006, 01:38 PM	#16
climkt Bimmer Manual all the way 66 Rep 1,811 Posts Drives: e90 320i manual Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: singapore iTrader: (0)	m sport shift the m sport shift looks ergonomically designed and looks musch shorter in your pics. the pics however look as if the nos are illuminated. is it illuminated? maybe it may be worth waiting for the illuminated version, like the sort seen for the e46 and e36 cars.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-15-2006, 01:59 PM	#17
txusa03 Major General 548 Rep 6,563 Posts Drives: TS330iPPSP6MT Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Planet Earth iTrader: (3)	I paid $140 through my dealer. The way the knob is designed (different than stock), it is very grippy. I usually hold the knob with my palm facing down. No illumination, just the way the photo turns out.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-15-2006, 02:19 PM	#18
climkt Bimmer Manual all the way 66 Rep 1,811 Posts Drives: e90 320i manual Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: singapore iTrader: (0)	i guess the m shifter being all black does not look as executive or upmarket as the chrome leather stock knob. Driving pleasure does take precedence over looks! I have been toying with the idea of getting one since i first knew of its existence. i miss my old e36 illuminated m all leather gear knob, will probably hold out and wait for its arrival for the e90.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-15-2006, 07:36 PM	#20
mykcheng Enlisted Member 4 Rep 39 Posts Drives: 2010 E90 M3 6MT Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Camarillo, CA iTrader: (0)	I was just wondering if anyone purchased or installed a short shift kit into their E90 yet. Is it possible to do w/o a lift? Which short shift kit is recommended?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-15-2006, 10:14 PM	#22
ImUrGoDaK Private 12 Rep 63 Posts Drives: 05 325i to 08 335xi :) Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: SF iTrader: (1)	i put mine in today... 120 after shipping and tax... broke some sweat when i was pullin the stock one off tho... but it was worth the effort one thing tho, how do i know if the new one is in all the way? i pushed it pretty hard but i don't want it to fall off one day when i am moving...
	Appreciate 0 Quote