New Shift Knob

[Dathaeus]

So yes lo and behold the last cheapie I got, 1 year later, the thin leather is becoming a problem and its just annoying....

I know the purists will tell me to go spend $100 for the real deal, but JUST in case, what do you think about this one?

https://www.etsy.com/listing/869283417/m-sport-6-speed-gear-shift-knob-for-bmw

[fredo]

Well, this is a personal preference. It seems to be good quality. But if it was me, I would grab the real deal.

[BMWCurves]

New ones go for $85 on ECS/Turner, $75 on BMWMiniPartStore.com (https://www.thebmwminipartstore.com/oem-parts/bmw-gearshift-knob-leather-m-6spd-25117896886)

[cakM3]

Well, this is a personal preference. It seems to be good quality. But if it was me, I would grab the real deal.

or get a lit F10 M5 shift knob [emoji57]

[az3579]

I know the purists will tell me to go spend $100 for the real deal, but JUST in case, what do you think about this one?


A few of us have already chimed in on the subject. Personally I don't think anything less than the real deal is an acceptable option. I doubt anything that is "cheap" in the aftermarket is going to have the quality, the weight, and the feel of the proper shift knob, which does not cost much more. The weight makes a huge difference in the experience, and not having it means you're missing out. There's a reason that practically everyone and their mother who has a manual BMW, E46 or not, buys a ZHP shift knob for their car.

You get what you pay for.



But, to answer your question about that particular shift knob, I think it looks cheap, and will most likely feel cheap, and you're not going to be happy with it.

[BADCLOWN]

Personally: I don’t like that style shift knob you linked. It has an “older bmw” vibe to it. Other than that it appears to be nice quality. It’s all about personal preference. If you like the aesthetics and think it will suit your needs: pull the trigger!

[cakM3]

I know the purists will tell me to go spend $100 for the real deal...

It's not just the "purists" who will tell you... pretty much anyone who have tried going "the cheap route" to replace their worn ZHP shift knob then realized the new "cheaper" shift knob was the wrong choice for many reasons...

At the end of the day it's your car and yours to do with what you want. Go ahead, as long as you're happy with your choice :thumbsup
Do you really care what everyone else is going to say regarding the choice of shift knob you're going to use? I replaced my ZHP shift knob for something different...

[Vas]

https://www.thebmwminipartstore.com/oem-parts/bmw-gearshift-knob-leather-m-6spd-25117896886

$75 and free shipping. But add the coupon code Roundel and it's even cheaper. Get the real deal.

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[Dathaeus]

New ones go for $85 on ECS/Turner, $75 on BMWMiniPartStore.com (https://www.thebmwminipartstore.com/oem-parts/bmw-gearshift-knob-leather-m-6spd-25117896886)Beautiful, cheapest price I've seen if free shipping, I'll just get this, thanks!

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[Dathaeus]

https://www.thebmwminipartstore.com/oem-parts/bmw-gearshift-knob-leather-m-6spd-25117896886

$75 and free shipping. But add the coupon code Roundel and it's even cheaper. Get the real deal.

Sent from my Pixel 4 XL using TapatalkPerfect thanks!!!

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[Vas]

Perfect thanks!!!

Sent from my ONEPLUS A6013 using TapatalkNo problem. They are great to deal with.

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[sna77]

or get a lit F10 M5 shift knob [emoji57]

What he said!

https://www.leatherz.com/products/illuminated-zhp-short-shift-knob

[Dathaeus]

What he said!

https://www.leatherz.com/products/illuminated-zhp-short-shift-knobWhere does that plugin? Do you have to remove the whole sleeve assembly?

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[cakM3]

Where does that plugin? Do you have to remove the whole sleeve assembly?

http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/showthread.php?3287-BMW-330-ZHP-Illuminated-Shift-Knob-Install-doityourself

Read thru this DIY. It will answer all your questions... this is not hard to do...

[Dathaeus]

http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/showthread.php?3287-BMW-330-ZHP-Illuminated-Shift-Knob-Install-doityourself

Read thru this DIY. It will answer all your questions... this is not hard to do...Oh my, before YouTube... Holy cow he did some work...

Besides the installation is there any downside to the lit knob over standard? It does look nice

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[Vas]

Oh my, before YouTube... Holy cow he did some work...

Besides the installation is there any downside to the lit knob over standard? It does look nice

Sent from my ONEPLUS A6013 using TapatalkThe cost.

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[cakM3]

The cost.

+1

It comes down to what you want. My M3 has a lit shift knob so I was given a lit F10 M5 shift knob brand new by Tony to install into my M3 which I did. I loved this shift knob compared to the OE lit broom stick shift knob that was there. A big improvement in my opinion...

I installed the lit F10 M5 shift knob in my ZHP recently because again, I was given another one as a gift from a good friend of mine to install it in the ZHP so that's what I did. Tapping into the ash tray lighting wires is very easy and only takes a few minutes once you have access to it.

For me cost was not an issue since in both cases it was free... however with that said Vas is correct. Cost is a factor as the F10 M5 shift knob can be had for slightly less than $300 and if you go with the LeatherZ lit ZHP shift knob you will pay considerably more to have that lit shift knob so you have to ask yourself if it is worth the extra cost to have a lit shift knob in your car... based on what you have said already I suspect not.

[sna77]

Here is the F10 backlit shiftknob in all its glory. Love this thing--it's literally the ZHP shift knob, but backlit. Tie it into the little light in the ashtray...

37928


just upload a video of it connected to the dimmer...

https://youtu.be/PkKS80iZt8s

[johnrando]

Confused. If you can get the same thing from leatherz then why go with the F10 lit version at more cost?

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[John in VA]

Illuminated Black Leather Shift Knob - 6 Speed - F10 M5, Genuine BMW part # 25112284205.

Turner wants $226 for it. Product Details:
This Genuine BMW leather shift knob and boot originally was fitted to the F10 M5 but has been a popular mod for E46 M3 owners. The electric connector is the same as the E46 M3. The M5 shift boot will fit on the E46 base frame but may need to be trimmed some because it is 15mm longer or the boot may be completely removed.
https://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-174608-illuminated-black-leather-shift-knob-6-speed-f10-m5/

[BMWCurves]

It's wild that it adds $185 for a six speed. So expensive. I got lucky by picking up an F10 knob already converted to a shift boot from a forum member.

[Vas]

$204.92 from the bmw mini parts store for the f10 version.

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[cakM3]

Confused. If you can get the same thing from leatherz then why go with the F10 lit version at more cost?

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51089774631_89bc1ecd6e_o.png

Because after adding the additional $185 cost to their ZHP shift knob for the 6 speed w/ M logo shift pattern, it is cheaper to get the lit F10 M5 shift knob. That's why and you get the OEM color lighting.

[az3579]

It's wild that it adds $185 for a six speed. So expensive. I got lucky by picking up an F10 knob already converted to a shift boot from a forum member.


The reason for this is stated at the bottom of the page when you select it. They say they have to buy the shift knob with that emblem to transfer it, which is why it's so expensive. I just went with the F10 route, and used the boot too so I got a new shift knob and new leather boot out of it.

[cakM3]

Here is the F10 backlit shiftknob in all its glory. Love this thing--it's literally the ZHP shift knob, but backlit. Tie it into the little light in the ashtray...

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51089963574_57d15be09a_c.jpg


just upload a video of it connected to the dimmer...

https://youtu.be/PkKS80iZt8s

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51076692943_e7bb19e538_b.jpg

[pedro2u]

Spoiled by the ZHP shifter and this great thread, you've inspired me to install the F80 knob in my E93 M3. My research over on M3post says the F10 boot leather is a bit thicker than the stock E93 leather and is difficult to get the ring back in. The F80 knob is reported to be the same thickness as stock. And same short weighted knob like the F10 knob
Parts are going on order today!

[BMWCurves]

I saw that and is understandable. But completely prices it out for me.

[johnrando]

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51089774631_89bc1ecd6e_o.png

Because after adding the additional $185 cost to their ZHP shift knob for the 6 speed w/ M logo shift pattern, it is cheaper to get the lit F10 M5 shift knob. That's why and you get the OEM color lighting.Ah, thanks.

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[Dathaeus]

You know, if not just for the light, imma bite the bullet and get it, one time install, last me the life of the ownership and like &@$$& cool, it's worth it.

Is $172 the cheapest it comes?

And do I need the retro kit

Thanks guys.

[cakM3]

You know, if not just for the light, imma bite the bullet and get it, one time install, last me the life of the ownership and like &@$$& cool, it's worth it.

Is $172 the cheapest it comes?

And do I need the retro kit

Thanks guys.


There are a few ways you can do this. I opted for a more OEMish and permanent approach with my install. It is detailed here in my project thread...

http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/showthread.php?23459-My-Mystic-Adventure&p=605215#post605215

If you look at the following posts from the link above, I have posted pictures of the "finished product" in my ZHP showing the results of my work after doing this wiring modificaiton.

As for the two additional wires I used for this retrofit... I pulled them from this:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Genuine-BMW-E39-E46-X5-Wiring-Harness-For-Start-Lock-Module/302109127027

As for the OEM plug, this is what I used:
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-universal-pin-terminal-repair-kit-genuine-bmw-61132360043

I had shrink tubing, solder and a soldering station so this was, for me, the best route to make it all look professional and permanent. It is not hard to retrofit this into the ash tray wiring which is where you should be tapping the shift knob lighting wiring to.