Official Short Shift Kit Thread

[BSM 135i]

Okay, searched and just came up with threads about one certain kit so i thought i'd put one together where we could discuss our options, prices, preference, functionality, comments, pictures, etc. for the ones looking to buy a SSK.

To my knowledge there are 5 kits available right now, correct me if i'm wrong. (got prices from manufacturers site)
1. BMW Performance SSK $576
2. UUC SSK $355
3. Rogue OCTANE SSK $345
4. Active Autowerke SSK $315
5. Dinan SSK $219

Discuss...

[FazerBoy]

Well, I've got the UUC SSK utilising the standard boot and knob and I love it.

The shifts are a bit notchier but they're much shorter and crisper and somehow it makes the car feel more 'sporty'. The first to second shift is much improved.

Jack

[arrutled]

or you could be a lame-o like me and just get the performance shift knob for looks! looks and feels nice though!

[Mark M]

I recall reading on here that someone recently got a kit (not the bmw perf kit) and it resulted in neutral being closer to 5th gear. They had pics on their write up to illustrate.

While I can't comment on the functionality, I can say that I would not like that side affect.

[creepy coupe]

The BMW kit must be cheaper than $576, I only paid £161 which converts to $225.00 and as we all know you boys and girls over the pond, don't get ripped off like us limeys

Unless that's a supply and fit price.

Since fitting mine, I can't stop smiling, it's a great mod and worth ever $£ IMO

[bluecarbon]

dinan has a kit http://www.dinancars.com/store/produ...cat=791&page=1

[BlackjackMulligan]

Originally Posted by creepy coupe

The BMW kit must be cheaper than $576, I only paid £161 which converts to $225.00 and as we all know you boys and girls over the pond, don't get ripped off like us limeys

Unless that's a supply and fit price.

Sinse fitting mine, I can't stop smiling, it's a great mod and worth ever $£ IMO

Good thread.

I think he quoted the 135i price, which seems to be the most of all 1ers but I believe it can be had for the $475 range. With that being said.....

I like the look of the UUC piece. It doesn't require removal of the exhaust, it's cheaper than the BMW piece and it has pretty good reviews from members here.

[akak1997]

Originally Posted by BlackjackMulligan

Good thread.

I think he quoted the 135i price, which seems to be the most of all 1ers but I believe it can be had for the $475 range. With that being said.....

I like the look of the UUC piece. It doesn't require removal of the exhaust, it's cheaper than the BMW piece and it has pretty good reviews from members here.

Unless you've the hands of a small kid, you've to drop the exhaust to gain access to the carrier. It actually makes the install easier if you drop the exhaust and take the carrier out because of those 6 screws you've to put in to secure the shifter to the carrier.
I think the installer might have reversed the orientation of the shifter, I'm gonna go back this week to have them take a look at it again. But even tho the shifter is pointing towards the passenger side, the shift is still WAY better than stock. It just looks a little weird and take some time to get use to.
I really like the way the UUC shifter feels. It's notchier, but I guess any SSK will feel that way. Also, the shifter's height is adjustable, I have it in Stock Height and the shift is still uber short. According to UUC, you can lower it another inch or so to make the shift 40% shorter than stock.
I also got the shifter while UUC is giving away a free shift knob. So it makes it a super good deal ($355 + shipping). I chose their Rob Knob Magnum SS, which weights over 1lb :P But the knob I choose is still in backorder, ETA 2weeks

All in all, I highly recommend the UUC SSK

[BlackjackMulligan]

Originally Posted by akak1997

Unless you've the hands of a small kid, you've to drop the exhaust to gain access to the carrier. It actually makes the install easier if you drop the exhaust and take the carrier out because of those 6 screws you've to put in to secure the shifter to the carrier.
I think the installer might have reversed the orientation of the shifter, I'm gonna go back this week to have them take a look at it again. But even tho the shifter is pointing towards the passenger side, the shift is still WAY better than stock. It just looks a little weird and take some time to get use to.
I really like the way the UUC shifter feels. It's notchier, but I guess any SSK will feel that way. Also, the shifter's height is adjustable, I have it in Stock Height and the shift is still uber short. According to UUC, you can lower it another inch or so to make the shift 40% shorter than stock.
I also got the shifter while UUC is giving away a free shift knob. So it makes it a super good deal ($355 + shipping). I chose their Rob Knob Magnum SS, which weights over 1lb :P But the knob I choose is still in backorder, ETA 2weeks

All in all, I highly recommend the UUC SSK

Really, even the UUC requires the exhaust to be dropped? All of the DIY's I've seen don't say that. Then again, the DIYs are for the 335i, maybe they're different?

[BlackjackMulligan]

Originally Posted by bluecarbon

dinan has a kit http://www.dinancars.com/store/produ...cat=791&page=1

haha love this quote from the Dinan site:

"Other manufacturer's shifters employ metal components which tend to be noisier and induce a notchy feel"

Uhhh, yeah the whole idea behind replacing the shifter is to get rid of the crappy plastic that wear out and replace it with metal!

[creepy coupe]

Originally Posted by BlackjackMulligan

Really, even the UUC requires the exhaust to be dropped? All of the DIY's I've seen don't say that. Then again, the DIYs are for the 335i, maybe they're different?

I don't believe the BMW kit requires the exhaust to be dropped, my dealer only quoted .75 of an hour to fit mine.

[BlackjackMulligan]

Originally Posted by creepy coupe

I don't believe the BMW kit requires the exhaust to be dropped, my dealer only quoted .75 of an hour to fit mine.

For the 135i it definitely does from what everyone has said.

[creepy coupe]

Originally Posted by BlackjackMulligan

For the 135i it definitely does from what everyone has said.

Sounds like I had a result then.

[Addict...Nah Im A Junkie!]

Subscribed, I'd like to know the merits for each of these shifters. Maybe I'll throw one in in the summer. One question though:

How many of you guys did the CDV delete along with your SSK?

[creepy coupe]

Originally Posted by Addict...Nah Im A Junkie!

One question though:

How many of you guys did the CDV delete along with your SSK?

Not me.

[FazerBoy]

I did the CDV removal as well as the SSK (but then again I'm in England and we know how to drive a manual shift over here)

[akak1997]

CDV Deleted LONG before the SSK was in.

[S54dan]

The 135i requires you to drop the exhaust unless (as said above) you have small hands. The N52 motor and transmission doesn't require such a install, which is why it's cheaper to replace

[Addict...Nah Im A Junkie!]

so was $576 for the BMW SSK with installation or without?

[akak1997]

^^ $587 is the MSRP for the BMW SSK, Dan has it for cheaper.

[BlackjackMulligan]

Originally Posted by Addict...Nah Im A Junkie!

Subscribed, I'd like to know the merits for each of these shifters. Maybe I'll throw one in in the summer. One question though:

How many of you guys did the CDV delete along with your SSK?

I'm going to delete the CDV

[S54dan]

Originally Posted by Addict...Nah Im A Junkie!

so was $576 for the BMW SSK with installation or without?

Originally Posted by akak1997

^^ $587 is the MSRP for the BMW SSK, Dan has it for cheaper.

+1