Illuminated shift knob

[mr hish]

So today while cruising in my zhp, i found a similar parked ZHP near the beach with the owner inside enjoying a cigarette. I parked mine near it and went to take a look at it. The thing that puzzled me was that i found that he had the illuminated shift knob. Is that an original option on zhps?

[Crestwood1001]

Sorry but what? lol

[danewilson77]

What is this lighting stick you speak of?

[Marcus-SanDiego]

He is talking about the illuminated shift knob (top, where it has the M and the various gear indicators).

I have edited the thread title to make it more clear.

Let's always remember that our members hail from other parts of the world (we're not all from the US). Some things don't translate well.

Thanks, guys.

[Sockethead]

Turner Motorsport and Bavarian Autosport has them among others... Here's the link to the one at Turner:

http://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-2141-illuminated-shift-knob-5-speed-e46-323i-323ci-325i-325ci-325xi-328i-328ci-330i-330ci-330xi.aspx

[danewilson77]

He is talking about the illuminated shift knob (top, where it has the M and the various gear indicators).

I have edited the thread title to make it more clear.

Let's always remember that our members hail from other parts of the world (we're not all from the US). Some things don't translate well.

Thanks, guys.

Copy Boss.

Droid + Tapatalk = FTW!

[az3579]

Did the shift knob look like this?

http://www.m3post.com/goodiesforyou/m3wall/P0035794.JPG



If so, that's the shift knob from an E46 M3.

[Crestwood1001]

I ment no disrespect, just had no clue what he ment lol :kumbaya

[Marcus-SanDiego]

No worries. Just want all of us to remember that English isn't always our first language.

[Stu]

The concept seems cool, but from what I can tell from pictures, it isn't very evenly illuminated, which takes away a lot from the coolness and adds a "cheap" factor.

[Crestwood1001]

Back to the topic on had, where would this guy have gotten an illuminated shift knob?

[Marcus-SanDiego]

The knobs that come in M cars are illuminated, right? Also, I know that my buddy said that he could wire up the shift knob in the ZHP so that it lights up.

[Stu]

Back to the topic on had, where would this guy have gotten an illuminated shift knob?

It's a Genuine BMW part that you can buy for all E46 manuals.

[danewilson77]

It's a Genuine BMW part that you can buy for all E46 manuals.

Link please.

Droid + Tapatalk = FTW!

[Sockethead]

Turner Motorsport and Bavarian Autosport has them among others... Here's the link to the one at Turner:

http://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-2141-illuminated-shift-knob-5-speed-e46-323i-323ci-325i-325ci-325xi-328i-328ci-330i-330ci-330xi.aspx
I already linked... or you can just google "BMW illuminated shift knob"

Here's the link for Tischer BMW: http://www.trademotion.com/partlocator/index.cfm?action=MorePartInfo&PartID=517679&siteid=214672&catalogid=4462

[danewilson77]

I already linked... or you can just google "BMW illuminated shift knob"

Not for 6 speed though?

Droid + Tapatalk = FTW!

[Stu]

Link please.

Droid + Tapatalk = FTW!
Here's the one for the 5-speed, but the 6-speed is out there somewhere.

http://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-3208-illuminated-shift-knob-5-speed-e36-318i-318is-318ti-323is-325i-325is-328i-328is-m3.aspx

Found (one) site that sells it, slightly modified:

http://leatherz.com/Merchant5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=01&Product_Code=IllumZHPShiftKnob&Category_Code=Knobs

[danewilson77]

Ok

Droid + Tapatalk = FTW!

[Sockethead]

Not for 6 speed though?

Droid + Tapatalk = FTW!
yea I noticed that too i think Bav auto may have it for the 6 speed?

i'll never get one tho... the knob is too tall for my taste

[Sockethead]

tischer does have the 6 sp option but it's $100 more... WTF?

[danewilson77]

Discrimination against 6 spd ballers. ;o(

Droid + Tapatalk = FTW!

[Johnmadd]

No worries. Just want all of us to remember that English isn't always our first language.

How many international members do we have? I think that's so cool. Mr hish, thank you for being here, if you need any help with translation/interpretation then send me a private message, but it seems as though you get it. I like telling people I talked to a person in a foreign country.

[Marcus-SanDiego]

I think we have about 15-20 members who reside in countries outside of the U.S.

[Johnmadd]

I think we have about 15-20 members who reside in countries outside of the U.S.

Thanks for the info.

[Marcus-SanDiego]

Thanks for the info.

We get a lot of visitors from outside of the US, though. Maybe 5-10% of all visitors. That's about 50,000-100,000 page views a month from international.

[mr hish]

Am sorry for the wrong translation , thank u boss for ur understanding yes it looked just like one in the above picture but my question is do zhps have those from the factory the illuminated shift knob or people install the one of the m3?

[mr hish]

Thanks johnmad if I needed any help I won't hesitate :d

[kayger12]

Am sorry for the wrong translation , thank u boss for ur understanding yes it looked just like one in the above picture but my question is do zhps have those from the factory the illuminated shift knob or people install the one of the m3?

I don't think they were ever available as a factory option for the ZHP.

Droid X. Tapatalk. Use it.

[Marcus-SanDiego]

Am sorry for the wrong translation , thank u boss for ur understanding yes it looked just like one in the above picture but my question is do zhps have those from the factory the illuminated shift knob or people install the one of the m3?

Not available as a factory option, Hish, for the ZHP.

[mr hish]

aha, so do u guys know a store that sells the illuminated shift knob? but i want it to look the same as the factory zhp one

[Marcus-SanDiego]

You'll likely have to find someone who can do it for you, Hish. I don't know anyone who sells illuminated ZHP knobs. Someone will have to wire something up for you, Hish.

[Crestwood1001]

175$ for a 5 speed lit knob plus 115$ just to add the 6 speed insert is madness.

[mr hish]

i think ill keep the original one i dont like changing factory parts . how much does a zhp shift knob cost ? i need a new one . thank you all for ur support

[danewilson77]

i think ill keep the original one i dont like changing factory parts . how much does a zhp shift knob cost ? i need a new one . thank you all for ur support

http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/25117896886/ES47397/

[cakM3]

175$ for a 5 speed lit knob plus 115$ just to add the 6 speed insert is madness.

This pricing is from the LeatherZ website. I was lucky to get this before the price got jacked up so much...got mine for under $120 iirc...:thumbsup

Anyway, here is the link to the website: http://leatherz.com/Merchant5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=01&Product_Code=IllumZHPShiftKnob&Category_Code=Knobs

[az3579]

FYI, M3 shift knobs are available, lighted, as a cheaper option.

Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk

[Sockethead]

FYI, M3 shift knobs are available, lighted, as a cheaper option.

Tischer show it at $218.... http://www.trademotion.com/partlocator/index.cfm?action=MorePartInfo&PartID=517679&siteid=214672&catalogid=4462

[Marcus-SanDiego]

Tischer show it at $218.... http://www.trademotion.com/partlocator/index.cfm?action=MorePartInfo&PartID=517679&siteid=214672&catalogid=4462

I see $118. At least the link sent me to a page that said $118.

[Sockethead]

I see $118. At least the link sent me to a page that said $118.
that's for the 5 sp... if you hit the options, you see the option for the 6 sp for $100 more..:jawdrop

[Marcus-SanDiego]

that's for the 5 sp... if you hit the options, you see the option for the 6 sp for $100 more..:jawdrop

Damn. Thanks for the clarification. For an extra 6 and a line it's $100 more! Hehe. So worth it. NOT.

[az3579]

Tischer show it at $218.... http://www.trademotion.com/partlocator/index.cfm?action=MorePartInfo&PartID=517679&siteid=214672&catalogid=4462

This is why you don't buy from a dealer. I get annoyed every time I see a dealer purchase that could've been had for MUCH less $$.



BAM, here is a ZHP-style 6-speed illuminated knob from someone in Germany.
http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?ff3=4&pub=5574947307&toolid=10001&campid=5336776893&customid=&mpre=http%3A%2F%2Fcgi.ebay.com%2Febaymotors%2FBMW-M-Leather-Short-Shift-Knob-6-speed-illuminated-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem27b9df5ea9QQitemZ17062 2148265QQptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccesso ries

I have never seen this before, but all it takes is a little bit of looking to avoid stealership pricing.

[postitpad]

Awesome, I have been lazily lurking this thread all week so see if something like that would pop up, I wasn't expecting an illuminated ZHP knob to actually exist, so I splurged and bought one. I will post pics in a few weeks after I install it.

[Marcus-SanDiego]

Definitely want to see pictures when you get it installed. If the quality is good, I will grab one from the eBay seller, too.

http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?ff3=4&pub=5574947307&toolid=10001&campid=5336776893&customid=&mpre=http%3A%2F%2Fcgi.ebay.com%2Febaymotors%2FBMW-M-Leather-Short-Shift-Knob-6-speed-illuminated-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem27b9df5ea9QQitemZ17062 2148265QQptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccesso ries

Nice find, BP.

Even without the light, that knob is still a good price. Better than any dealer.

[mr hish]

that is the exact one that i want to install, ill see if the bmw dealer ship in lebanon has one if not am going to order one

[Sockethead]

This is why you don't buy from a dealer. I get annoyed every time I see a dealer purchase that could've been had for MUCH less $$.



BAM, here is a ZHP-style 6-speed illuminated knob from someone in Germany.
http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?ff3=4&pub=5574947307&toolid=10001&campid=5336776893&customid=&mpre=http%3A%2F%2Fcgi.ebay.com%2Febaymotors%2FBMW-M-Leather-Short-Shift-Knob-6-speed-illuminated-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem27b9df5ea9QQitemZ17062 2148265QQptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccesso ries

I have never seen this before, but all it takes is a little bit of looking to avoid stealership pricing.

Great find. I would of never bought the one from the dealer anyway because it's for an M3 which means it's too tall for a ZHP unless you want a taller shifter knob....

[az3579]

Great find. I would of never bought the one from the dealer anyway because it's for an M3 which means it's too tall for a ZHP unless you want a taller shifter knob....

It fits all the same. From an M3, but not only for the M3. It's the same exact shape and dimensions as a shift knob from a regular E46. I love the cross-compatibility of shift knobs from BMW, otherwise I wouldn't have my awesome M-Sport.



In the past I've been looking for illuminated ZHP shift knobs as well but couldn't find any. It was just when I posted that link that I found it for the first time ever.

[Sockethead]

It fits all the same. From an M3, but not only for the M3. It's the same exact shape and dimensions as a shift knob from a regular E46.

Right, that's what I'm sayin'... It will fit but it's taller, like a regular e46, M3, etc...

[Marcus-SanDiego]

But, BP, the one you found on eBay is actually a ZHP knob, correct? It's the shorter one.

[postitpad]

I hope so, I don't know how I'd feel if I got the taller one...I will report back in a few days when it arrives.

[Marcus-SanDiego]

See the difference in shift knob sizes here: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About the BMW E46 330 ZHP Performance Package Option (http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/showthread.php?1789-Frequently-Asked-Questions-%28FAQ%29-About-the-BMW-E46-330-ZHP-Performance-Package-Option)

The eBay ad does say short shift knob on it.

Comparing the eBay picture to the pictures I have in the FAQ, the eBay knob looks like a ZHP knob.

[Sockethead]

It's definitely the ZHP knob

[MrMaico]

Nice find BP! The problem with most of these custom made lighted ZHP knobs is uneven light output and it looks like that one has the same issue but for the price I think I could live with it. Might have to order one.

If anyone is just looking for a standard ZHP knob they are only $51 here....

http://www.bmwmercedesparts.com/partlocator/index.cfm?siteid=215771

part #25117896886

[az3579]

But, BP, the one you found on eBay is actually a ZHP knob, correct? It's the shorter one.

Correct.


Nice find BP! The problem with most of these custom made lighted ZHP knobs is uneven light output and it looks like that one has the same issue but for the price I think I could live with it. Might have to order one.

Have you seen it in person? Maybe the picture just makes it look like that.

[MrMaico]

Have you seen it in person? Maybe the picture just makes it look like that.

No, I haven't but his picture sure seems to show bright spots. The guy who wrapped my shift knob made some and he had to use 7 leds to get uniform lighting. Not sure if he is still doing them though.

http://www.m3forum.net/m3forum/showpost.php?p=4961300&postcount=47

[spencers]

Yeah, I don't think deadlysyns is making them anymore :(

[postitpad]

So my shift knob came in, and it looks pretty good (I will post pics if I can figure out how to attach them without making them look huge). I was planning on wiring it parallel to the light in the ash tray (if I break something, thats the light I'm least likely to miss) and I discovered almost by accident that the shift knob requires a 12v source. Does anyone know of a 12v source near the shift knob that's switched with the lights?

[MrMaico]

So my shift knob came in, and it looks pretty good (I will post pics if I can figure out how to attach them without making them look huge). I was planning on wiring it parallel to the light in the ash tray (if I break something, thats the light I'm least likely to miss) and I discovered almost by accident that the shift knob requires a 12v source. Does anyone know of a 12v source near the shift knob that's switched with the lights?

I think most people just tie in to one of the power window switches. How does the lighting look? Any bright spots? Pics plz.

[Sockethead]

Does anyone know of a 12v source near the shift knob that's switched with the lights?

There is also a bluetooth harness towards the back of the console. It's partailly under the carpet. I used a switched power tap from there for my Hella TPMS which I mounted in the unused ashtray. I don't remember what the color was so you have to use a multimeter to find the right wire.

[postitpad]

it turns out you can wire it parallel to the ashtray light, I was mistaken before. I have taken a few pics of the install and will be posting them later (it's past my bedtime now). I think the light distribution is pretty even. It's not perfect, but you really have to study it to tell. I honestly don't think I would even notice except MrMalco had asked about it, more obvious is that it's a bit brighter than the rest of the interior lighting and i guess color match isn't perfect as long as we're picking nits, but overall I really like it, and I think it will get a lot of comments from passengers.

see here:
http://i.imgur.com/wHrPz.jpg

I took a bunch of pics of the install etc. and have a bunch of stuff to say about it but it's waaay past my bedtime already, although I should mention, if you want to do this yourself you might want to thread the wire through the shift boot before you make your splice.....D'Oh

[Marcus-SanDiego]

Looks good. Very bright.

[spencers]

Yeah, looks really bright!
Nice job

[MrMaico]

Thanks for the pic. Ya, it looks plenty bright and it looks better in your pic than the one in his Ebay auction as far as having bright spots. He should really try to get a better pic for his auction.

Barry

[postitpad]

Oddly enough, I took this picture using the macro setting on my camera and it shows the same uneven lighting as on the ebay ad. But it certainly isn't as extreme when you are looking at it.

http://i.imgur.com/JWr1f.jpg

[Marcus-SanDiego]

Interesting. The camera is picking that up; your eyes are not.

Just for giggles, would you mind flipping the knob around, so that the 1,3,5 are on the left side and the 2,4,6 are on the other side? In other words, a 180 degree flip. Then take the picture.

Thanks for posting this up.

[postitpad]

I already have the knob installed, I will see if I can take that pic out in the car a little later.

[Marcus-SanDiego]

Cool. Thanks. Want to see if the camera keeps picking up the hot spots.

[MrMaico]

If you get a chance, take one from the drivers point of view. Curious to see how that looks.

Thanks......Barry

[postitpad]

Marcus, I tried a few things and this was the closest I could come to duplicating the effect I saw in the picture on my kitchen table, hot spot locations are consistant with the previous picture, but I don't think quite as pronounced.

http://i.imgur.com/7yEJW.jpg

Barry, my camera generally does a piss poor job of getting low light pictures, but I was able to get a few using my girlfriends gorillapod thusly:

http://i.imgur.com/BEqDO.jpg

resulting in the following;

interior light on:

http://i.imgur.com/hDfFg.jpg

interior light off:

http://i.imgur.com/KLwFM.jpg

let me know what you guys think, I was honestly half expecting the knob to be crap (I still don't like the fact that the lead wire was a bit short, less than a foot I would guess, and the staggering lack of documentation that came with it) but I have really been pleasantly surprised. Looks and feels OEM, is a touch heavier than the OEM knob so shifting is just a touch smoother, and during the daytime it looks stock.

I took a few pics of the install (including a few things NOT to do) and can put together a quick guide if there is an intrest...

[Marcus-SanDiego]

All and all, I think it looks pretty good. I thought it would look worse -- given the pictures on eBay.

[spencers]

Looks fantastic!

Yes, a guide is a must

[johnrando]

I like it!

[MrMaico]

All and all, I think it looks pretty good. I thought it would look worse -- given the pictures on eBay.

+1 looks great.......How does it look driving at night? It isn't so bright that it's distracting is it? From looking at the pics it doesn't seem to be.

Thanks for the pics.

[spencers]

Thanks for the write up!

Sucks that BMW stopped pre-wiring for an illuminated shift knob.. In my E36, I think I remember there being a plug. Guess it stopped with the E46.

[cakM3]

Matt,

Thanks for the writeup....looks great! :thumbsup

[danewilson77]

I think it looks 8/10. Very nice job.

[postitpad]

Thanks for the write up!

Sucks that BMW stopped pre-wiring for an illuminated shift knob.. In my E36, I think I remember there being a plug. Guess it stopped with the E46.

Jeez, I hope it's not there. I would look a bit stupid(er).

[postitpad]

+1 looks great.......How does it look driving at night? It isn't so bright that it's distracting is it? From looking at the pics it doesn't seem to be.

Thanks for the pics.

No, it is a bit brighter than the rest of the console, but I don't find it distracting. My only complaint is that the color is a bit more red than the console but I really don't find it that off-putting. In all I am satisfied, I think it's an attractive mod for relatively low cash and trouble. I was most afraid the quality of the knob itself would not match up to OEM but in that regard it feels and looks just fine.

[mr hish]

guys is the illuminated shift knob on ecstuning for the zhp?

[M0nk3y]

guys is the illuminated shift knob on ecstuning for the zhp?

Link?

For anyone that wants to do this. I'm going to be taking off my M3 knob (illuminated) and I can give it to someone to get close to my costs of buying a ZHP knob so you can do a retrofit ;)

[MrMaico]

guys is the illuminated shift knob on ecstuning for the zhp?

http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E46-330Ci-M54_3.0l/Interior/Shifter/ES47605/

That one? That looks to be the M3 style taller knob but it is only a 5 speed pattern and the E46 M3 didn't come with a 5 speed. In the pictures they show 2 different style knobs, the taller one and a ZHP one so it's hard to tell exactly what they are selling. But since it's only a 5 speed pattern I'd have to guess it's not a ZHP knob.

BTW, if anyone is looking for a non-lit ZHP knob I have a brand new one for sale for $45 shipped. Wasn't thinking when I ordered it from Tischer, should have ordered one of these instead.

[MrMaico]

Link?

For anyone that wants to do this. I'm going to be taking off my M3 knob (illuminated) and I can give it to someone to get close to my costs of buying a ZHP knob so you can do a retrofit ;)

If you still haven't bought the ZHP knob see my previous post. Just got it last week then remembered about these. Let me know if you're interested. I'm not interested in an M3 knob though, I want the shorter ZHP one.

Barry

[mr hish]

where can i find a cheap illuminated zhp shift knob besides the one on ebay?

[sum1orotha]

I believe the cheapest non-eBay place that was noted in this thread is here: http://www.trademotion.com/partlocator/index.cfm?action=MorePartInfo&PartID=517679&siteid=214672&catalogid=4462 at $218.

[M0nk3y]

If you still haven't bought the ZHP knob see my previous post. Just got it last week then remembered about these. Let me know if you're interested. I'm not interested in an M3 knob though, I want the shorter ZHP one.

Barry

I bought mine a couple weeks ago. Thanks for the offer.

I was offering my knob is anyone wanted to do a retrofit. Just swap the pattern and wiring essentially.