[Nikki]

Does anyone know what the difference is between the standard shift knob and the one listed on page 15 in the Accessories Brochure as the Pearlescent Chrome Gear Shift Knob? It looks the same as the one that comes standard.

[Jesse Wilson]

It is the same, I guess if you wanted an extra or you scratched yours somehow you could get one.


Jesse

[Nikki]

Oh hmm, thanks.

[ward]

chrome pearlescent sounds like the one standard on my Z4,

it's a plastic rather than metal covering on the rear face of the shifter

the aluminum stocker is nicer

[E90Fleet]

In europe cars like the 320i get a plain black gear lever, they then can upgrade to that one

The 325i and 330i get that one standard

[Broken1]

In south africa we get the matt titanium one standard on our 4 pots ;-)

[E90Fleet]

Originally Posted by Broken1

In south africa we get the matt titanium one standard on our 4 pots ;-)

Its not matt titanium but "Pearlescent Chrome"

There are certain options that add it to the Euriopean 320i aswell ( like adding the sport steering wheel )

[xyz123]

I guess if BMW sells only 10% manual transmissions, shift knobs are not a big concern for them. Nevertheless, I think BMW ought to offer different shapes as options instead of just offering all of their knobs with the same standard shape in different finishes. I personally don't like the standard shape; I much prefer a perfectly spherical knob with a neck thin enough to fit between my fingers. Some aftermarket accessories manufacturers have such designs available but not BMW. It might seem like a minor detail but when you think about it, the shift knob is one of only four things that are a direct connection between the car and the body, the others being the seat, steering wheel and pedals, so I think it has an importance out of proportion to its cost with regard to how the car feels to the driver.

[Oz]

I wonder why I didn't get the walnut shift knob trim when I bought the car, it makes sense.

[E90Fleet]

Originally Posted by xyz123

I guess if BMW sells only 10% manual transmissions, shift knobs are not a big concern for them. Nevertheless, I think BMW ought to offer different shapes as options instead of just offering all of their knobs with the same standard shape in different finishes. I personally don't like the standard shape; I much prefer a perfectly spherical knob with a neck thin enough to fit between my fingers. Some aftermarket accessories manufacturers have such designs available but not BMW. It might seem like a minor detail but when you think about it, the shift knob is one of only four things that are a direct connection between the car and the body, the others being the seat, steering wheel and pedals, so I think it has an importance out of proportion to its cost with regard to how the car feels to the driver.

I cant see why all the E46 shift knobs wont fit

[xyz123]

Originally Posted by E90Fleet

I cant see why all the E46 shift knobs wont fit

Thanks for the suggestion. I was already planning to switch the E90, when I get it, to the shorter than standard BMW accessory chromed knob that I was using on my E46 since I bought the car five years ago. It has a 5 speed shift pattern marked on the insert but that wouldn't bother me. That BMW knob has a similar but rounder shape than the standard E90 knob and I can live with it and the slightly shorter throws are nice. However, I recently installed a Whalen Shift Machine on the E46 and it suits me even better so I will likely put that one on the E90. I don't believe I have ever seen a perfectly round factory BMW knob.

[bookman2]

I'm switching to the walnut very soon. Frankly, that's what should have come on my car (manual) in the first place since I opted for burl. The pearlescent has never looked right. I have no problem with the shape though, It's ergonomically sound.

[xyz123]

Originally Posted by bookman2

It's ergonomically sound.

Maybe it's just me then. It has been a couple of months since my test drive so this is from memory only but the top of the knob had an edge that made me feel (in my imagination) as if I was holding a knife by the blade. The front of the knob was of a different material with a different texture from the rest of the knob. I did not like the feel of that but again it might just be personal preference. The knob felt too long but maybe I have just gotten used to a shorter one. Intuitively, a shorter knob shortens the lever and speeds gear changes slightly. Anyone know what the advantages of a longer travel are? I notice on television shots of the interior of sedan racers and rally cars that to my eye at least, they seem to have fairly long shift levers.

[E90Fleet]

Originally Posted by xyz123

Maybe it's just me then. It has been a couple of months since my test drive so this is from memory only but the top of the knob had an edge that made me feel (in my imagination) as if I was holding a knife by the blade. The front of the knob was of a different material with a different texture from the rest of the knob. I did not like the feel of that but again it might just be personal preference. The knob felt too long but maybe I have just gotten used to a shorter one. Intuitively, a shorter knob shortens the lever and speeds gear changes slightly. Anyone know what the advantages of a longer travel are? I notice on television shots of the interior of sedan racers and rally cars that to my eye at least, they seem to have fairly long shift levers.

The short knob from the E46 Individual and USA E46 ZHP would work great on the E90.

And you can get it with 6 Speed numbering

[xyz123]

Originally Posted by xyz123

Intuitively, a shorter knob shortens the lever and speeds gear changes slightly. Anyone know what the advantages of a longer travel are?

I think I might have figured out the answer to my own question; a longer knob should require less force to move, other things being equal. So, the length would seem to be a design compromise between quickness of gear changes and lightness of touch.

[Jesse Wilson]

I do agree on the color cordinating interior. They should have provided a walnut and poplar shift knob for the matching interiors that were ordered. Thats the first thing I asked the sales guy when I looked at the interior. Of course his answer was "I dont know".


Jesse

[dnh325i]

I would like the Burl knob as well for my Auto, but $160 seems steep just for the shift knob. I am learning to love the pearlescent one that came standard.

[tiga901]

I used the short knob with six speed markings on...it's shorter ans made the car sportier looking. It's an OEM and I paid only $64. Will post pictures this weekend.

Never liked the stock MT knob. It's too tall and ugly in my opinion!!!

Changing was easy, just pull it out and insert the new one. Just make sure you are geeting BMW OEM knob.

[Nikki]

Originally Posted by tiga901

I used the short knob with six speed markings on...it's shorter ans made the car sportier looking. It's an OEM and I paid only $64. Will post pictures this weekend.

Never liked the stock MT knob. It's too tall and ugly in my opinion!!!

Changing was easy, just pull it out and insert the new one. Just make sure you are geeting BMW OEM knob.

where did you get this "short knob" from?

[JamieA]

Originally Posted by Jesse Wilson

I do agree on the color cordinating interior. They should have provided a walnut and poplar shift knob for the matching interiors that were ordered. Thats the first thing I asked the sales guy when I looked at the interior. Of course his answer was "I dont know".


Jesse

In the brochure, BMW say they developed a mew coating technology present on the shifter, door handle releases and speedo rings. It makes sense to me that all of these incidental accessories would have the same finish, leaving the major surfaces to have the trim selection. After all, you can have too much of a "good thing" IMO

[tiga901]

Got it from Ed Mckernan...here is his e-mail bimmerbum@hotmail.com.

I'm pretty happy with the look. It's an OEM and not an imitation.

[JIMD1709]

Originally Posted by bookman2

I'm switching to the walnut very soon. Frankly, that's what should have come on my car (manual) in the first place since I opted for burl. The pearlescent has never looked right. I have no problem with the shape though, It's ergonomically sound.

I agree. The E-46 had a wood knob, manual or auto with wood trim.