128i SSK question

[Bimmer-Bob]

So I just had the shift lever from the BMW performance SSK installed and had a few questions.

When I first got the car back, my initial impression was that the throws were shorter but after a few minutes I couldn't really tell the difference. Is my mind playing tricks on me? Did I just get used to the new shifter that quickly? The reason I ask is that when I looked at the stock shift lever that the tech left in the passenger footwell, it looks more or less identical to the replacement part, albeit somewhat worn and w/o the Performance part number sticker. Unfortunately, I didn't do the install myself, so I couldn't compare the two parts side by side. In any case, I don't feel like there is a "night and day" difference in the throws - should there be?

Secondly, the new shifter is notchy as hell. Probably just needs to be broken in, right?

Thanks for any comments.

[Dackelone]

Yes, it is all in your head. I am sure the throws are shorter. You should have measured the throws before and after. Maybe someone else with a 128i 6MT can pos their shifter throws from 1st to 2nd. For instance on a 135i with the N54 the standard shifter throw are 80mm vs 55mm for the Perf SSK. N55's have a 70mm shifter throws. It doesn't sound like much but the Perf SSK for my N54 is really sweet & short!

And yes, when the SSK is new... its quite notchy. Especially when the trans is cold. After a few thousand miles... it will loosen up some. but some notchy(ness) is to be expected. Your fulcrum point has change, so it will be harder to more the shofter arm.

Here are some good side by side pics of an e60 SSK on a e39. What is important is look at where the fulcrum point is(ball pivot) vs the stock shifter.

http://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/e39...r-install.html


Dack

[Chrissspyy]

I did the same upgrade on my 09 128 and I felt that it wasn't that much of a difference either.. but it definitely is. I had the same upgrade on my E92 and felt the same way until I removed it before my lease was up, and after driving it without the SSK I could definitely tell the difference. And yes it feels notchy at first.. it'll break in like you said.

[Bimmer-Bob]

Thanks guys, I figured as much. Always nice to have some confirmation, though!

[KI128]

I've had the SSK in my 128 for awhile now--guessing 15 or 20K miles. Its not a night and day difference, but I found it to be noticable and make the 128 that much more fun to drive. It also loosens up a little after the install.

[Bimmer-Bob]

I think what I really need to do is the CDV. Will that eliminate the hesitation going into 1st and 2nd?

[Dackelone]

Originally Posted by Bimmer-Bob

I think what I really need to do is the CDV. Will that eliminate the hesitation going into 1st and 2nd?

Yes! The CDV delete is really a MUST do mod. I couldn't stand the delay of the factory cdv. The clutch action feels soooo much better now. No delay!

[Riley1524]

Originally Posted by Dackelone

Yes! The CDV delete is really a MUST do mod. I couldn't stand the delay of the factory cdv. The clutch action feels soooo much better now. No delay!

YES!!!!! Please do the CDV delete mod!!!!! I kick myself for waiting as long as I did. Also, the "notchy" feel from the SS is normal as it's a by-product, giving the shifter a more mechanical feel if-you-will. I personally love it!!!

[davidk]

Do the CDV delete - you will be smiling as soon as you drive off. It won't do anything for the notchiness in the SSK, but it is quicker and easier to shift after the CDV delete, plus you feel like you really do know how to drive a stick again.

[Bimmer-Bob]

I don't think it's the notchiness I mind so much, except that the new shifter somehow made me notice the hesitation in the transmission a little more. I would actually like the very precise action of the shifter if I didn't feel like the damn thing was fighting back during quick shifts.

I went ahead and made an appointment at my local indie to have the work done; unfortunately, my schedule is such that I won't be able to get it done until this time next month...

[Evice]

Driving my e36 racecar with an SSK, always makes me appreciate the already-so-damn-short stock shifter throw on my 128i.

I do not know what else people want! It is already so short!

[Riley1524]

Originally Posted by Evice

Driving my e36 racecar with an SSK, always makes me appreciate the already-so-damn-short stock shifter throw on my 128i.

I do not know what else people want! It is already so short!

I respectfully disagree.... While the 128i shifts nice, I would hardley call it short or race inspired. Now, if you want a nice, short, race inspired gear box from a factory shifter, drive an S2000.... Best stock shifter in the biz. Although the S2000 is tourqless, I miss that car so much just for the feeling it gives you when driving it.

[Evice]

Originally Posted by Riley1524

I respectfully disagree.... While the 128i shifts nice, I would hardley call it short or race inspired. Now, if you want a nice, short, race inspired gear box from a factory shifter, drive an S2000.... Best stock shifter in the biz. Although the S2000 is tourqless, I miss that car so much just for the feeling it gives you when driving it.

I compared e36 to 128i... and you disagreed and compare it to an S2000.. or not race inspired? lol... okay.

[jayson]

Originally Posted by Riley1524

I respectfully disagree.... While the 128i shifts nice, I would hardley call it short or race inspired. Now, if you want a nice, short, race inspired gear box from a factory shifter, drive an S2000.... Best stock shifter in the biz. Although the S2000 is tourqless, I miss that car so much just for the feeling it gives you when driving it.

My previous car was an AP1 s2000, and I completely agree with this comment.

S2k gearbox was modeled after the NSX, which in turn was modeled after Hondas indycar gearboxes. S2k is the best gearbox I have experienced this side of Porsche.

[Riley1524]

Originally Posted by jayson

My previous car was an AP1 s2000, and I completely agree with this comment.

S2k gearbox was modeled after the NSX, which in turn was modeled after Hondas indycar gearboxes. S2k is the best gearbox I have experienced this side of Porsche.

Exactly, I've thought about trying to find another one, but between the 128i and my TT'd 370z, I don't have much money to play with.

[Riley1524]

Originally Posted by Evice

I compared e36 to 128i... and you disagreed and compare it to an S2000.. or not race inspired? lol... okay.

I disagreed with your comment about the 128i shifter being "already so damn short" which it isn't at all lol....Even with the SSk in the 128i, it's really not that short in terms of throws between the gears...

I didn't compare the S2000 to any BMW either, don't know where your comments going LOL, but ok....I simply stated that the S2000 has one of the best gearboxes ever made apart from the Italian exotics.