Improving Shift Feel

Matticus91 · 10-22-2018, 02:59 PM

Hi All,

Looking to improve the shift feel of my 135i, other than a CDV delete the trans up to the knob is totally stock. Would like to hear what you all have done to improve the feel over stock. I do also have a BMS clutch stop with 2 spacers installed (all of them was too much and was causing lockouts).

Hoping for recommendations on a few categories:

Shift Knobs BMW or otherwise
Short shift kit comparisons
Aftermarket or alternative clutch kits
Trans fluid suggestions

All input appreciated!

Tommm · 10-22-2018, 03:11 PM

i have a ZHP knob on my 128. Had one on my E39 540i (upset my buddy let it go to junkyard with the knob on it. he is pissed he forgot to pull it too), E46 330CiC (buyer insisted it go with car), E36 M3, E36/7 M Roadster (one from M3) and since the M is gone it is in a box and will go on the E46 323Ci when my daughter is a bit more comfortable with shifting. If one would fit the Cayman it would be on it.

Was very easy to swap. a zip tie holds the boot/gator on to the knob.

Matticus91 · 10-22-2018, 03:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tommm

i have a ZHP knob on my 128. Had one on my E39 540i (upset my buddy let it go to junkyard with the knob on it. he is pissed he forgot to pull it too), E46 330CiC (buyer insisted it go with car), E36 M3, E36/7 M Roadster (one from M3) and since the M is gone it is in a box and will go on the E46 323Ci when my daughter is a bit more comfortable with shifting. If one would fit the Cayman it would be on it.

Was very easy to swap. a zip tie holds the boot/gator on to the knob.

I actually had a genuine ZHP knob and sold it, I wasn't a huge fan of the feel. Maybe I'll give it another shot.

Suhb · 10-22-2018, 04:01 PM

Switching the fluid to Redline ATF D4 is the best thing I did to improve shift feel. The weightier ZHP knob is the second best thing I did. I recommend you not do the short shift kit. The shorter distance makes the shifts notchier and require a little more effort. I have it and it's not terrible but I do prefer the regular shifter.

chris_flies · 10-22-2018, 05:00 PM

I've got the BMW Performance short shift kit lever, ECS Teflon shift bushings and a Turner poly shift arm support bushing, Redline MTL fluid, and the stock 128i shift knob (I want to get a much weightier, spherical knob). I really like the feel right now. It's got a nice, solid notchiness, but not in that rubbery BMW way, it's precise, snappy, and wonderfully mechanical. Maybe you should sit in it at the next cruise...

EDIT: I also have E46 M3 transmission mounts.

Matticus91 · 10-22-2018, 05:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chris_flies

I've got the BMW Performance short shift kit lever, ECS Teflon shift bushings and a Turner poly shift arm support bushing, Redline MTL fluid, and the stock 128i shift knob (I want to get a much weightier, spherical knob). I really like the feel right now. It's got a nice, solid notchiness, but not in that rubbery BMW way, it's precise, snappy, and wonderfully mechanical. Maybe you should sit in it at the next cruise...

That'd be great, do our cars have the same trans?

chris_flies · 10-22-2018, 05:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matticus91

That'd be great, do our cars have the same trans?

They don't, but I believe they have the same (or very close to) the same linkage.

Here's the rebuild kit I used:
https://www.ecstuning.com/b-assemble...-kit/sftrbkt2/

duder13 · 10-22-2018, 06:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Suhb

The shorter distance makes the shifts notchier and require a little more effort. I have it and it's not terrible but I do prefer the regular shifter.

Funny you mention it, I had an HPDE instructor who was convinced that my car had a short shift kit, but it's stock. I think the stock shift is short enough.

desertman123 · 10-22-2018, 06:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chris_flies

They don't, but I believe they have the same (or very close to) the same linkage.

Here's the rebuild kit I used:
https://www.ecstuning.com/b-assemble...-kit/sftrbkt2/

I used this too along with my short shifter, clutch stop and ZHP knob. Feels great!

Suprgnat · 10-22-2018, 07:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by duder13

Funny you mention it, I had an HPDE instructor who was convinced that my car had a short shift kit, but it's stock. I think the stock shift is short enough.

The short shifter is actually a little taller than the stock lever, but it's really the length below the pivot point...

rowsdower · 10-22-2018, 10:23 PM

My ZHP knob is better than stock but I still don’t like the shifter on my 128i. A Whalen knob may be in my future soon. There was a guy who posted about it in the ‘what did you do to your 1er’ thread about a week ago. It weighs more than double the ZHP knob and I prefer a spherical shifter. That may help?

Matticus91 · 10-23-2018, 11:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rowsdower

My ZHP knob is better than stock but I still don’t like the shifter on my 128i. A Whalen knob may be in my future soon. There was a guy who posted about it in the ‘what did you do to your 1er’ thread about a week ago. It weighs more than double the ZHP knob and I prefer a spherical shifter. That may help?

Just looked up Whalen, they look cool and the heavy weight would be nice but I'm not down with all or mostly-metal shifters. I've burned my hand too many times lol. Also $150 for a shift knob is just nuts. I'd have one custom milled before spending that much.

YearOneOne · 10-23-2018, 01:19 PM

I have a Uuc short shifter, raceseng knob, solid trans mounts, clutch stop, modded cdv and mtl fluid. The mounts completely cut out mis-shifts and clunky shifts in turns. I'm happy with the throw of the shifts and I need to add the dssr and rebuild kit to tight things up as there is some slight side to side play. The weights knob and mtl makes shifts buttery smooth most of the time i just use a couple fingers and execute with ease.
When I bought the car the shifter was one of my biggest gripes. I'm happy overall but I will be switching to a spherical knob as mine is really long with the cylinder and longer shifter.

chris_flies · 10-23-2018, 02:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by YearOneOne

I have a Uuc short shifter, raceseng knob, solid trans mounts, clutch stop, modded cdv and mtl fluid. The mounts completely cut out mis-shifts and clunky shifts in turns. I'm happy with the throw of the shifts and I need to add the dssr and rebuild kit to tight things up as there is some slight side to side play. The weights knob and mtl makes shifts buttery smooth most of the time i just use a couple fingers and execute with ease.
When I bought the car the shifter was one of my biggest gripes. I'm happy overall but I will be switching to a spherical knob as mine is really long with the cylinder and longer shifter.

I remember lol, but your shift boot is awesome (if you like Maryland)!

Matticus91 · 10-23-2018, 04:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by YearOneOne

I have a Uuc short shifter, raceseng knob, solid trans mounts, clutch stop, modded cdv and mtl fluid. The mounts completely cut out mis-shifts and clunky shifts in turns. I'm happy with the throw of the shifts and I need to add the dssr and rebuild kit to tight things up as there is some slight side to side play. The weights knob and mtl makes shifts buttery smooth most of the time i just use a couple fingers and execute with ease.
When I bought the car the shifter was one of my biggest gripes. I'm happy overall but I will be switching to a spherical knob as mine is really long with the cylinder and longer shifter.

I'll have to try yours out too haha

________ · 10-23-2018, 05:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matticus91

All input appreciated!

I recommend shifting with your left hand. It's like it's a stranger shifting the gears.

Matticus91 · 10-23-2018, 07:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OnerDriver

I recommend shifting with your left hand. It's like it's a stranger shifting the gears.

chris_flies · 10-23-2018, 09:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matticus91

It is a very weird experience, as is trying to use the clutch with your right foot.

YearOneOne · 10-24-2018, 09:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matticus91

Quote:

Originally Posted by YearOneOne

I have a Uuc short shifter, raceseng knob, solid trans mounts, clutch stop, modded cdv and mtl fluid. The mounts completely cut out mis-shifts and clunky shifts in turns. I'm happy with the throw of the shifts and I need to add the dssr and rebuild kit to tight things up as there is some slight side to side play. The weights knob and mtl makes shifts buttery smooth most of the time i just use a couple fingers and execute with ease.
When I bought the car the shifter was one of my biggest gripes. I'm happy overall but I will be switching to a spherical knob as mine is really long with the cylinder and longer shifter.

I'll have to try yours out too haha

I'm sure we could arrange something

Cavpilot2k · 10-25-2018, 09:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by duder13

Funny you mention it, I had an HPDE instructor who was convinced that my car had a short shift kit, but it's stock. I think the stock shift is short enough.

The BMW short shift kit only fits the pre-LCI models.

The LCI (N55) models got a short(er) shifter stock, which is why yours feels good and your instructor thought you had a SSK.

duder13 · 10-25-2018, 02:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cavpilot2k

The BMW short shift kit only fits the pre-LCI models.

The LCI (N55) models got a stock short(er) shifter stock, which is why yours feels good and your instructor thought you had a SSK.

Ah ha! Thanks!

chadillac2000 · 10-29-2018, 07:30 PM

Wish you could take my car for a spin with all the current transmission mods. The UCP + Redline fluid + CDV delete + Rogue Engineering transmission mounts + Spec 2+ Clutch and MFactory SMFW + OEM BMW Performance SSK + alcantara OEM BMW Performance knob is so damn buttery.

10-22-2018, 02:59 PM	#1
Matticus91 Brigadier General 3475 Rep 3,722 Posts Drives: 2013 135i Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Washington DC iTrader: (6)	Improving Shift Feel - Recommend Shifter/Shift knobs Hi All, Looking to improve the shift feel of my 135i, other than a CDV delete the trans up to the knob is totally stock. Would like to hear what you all have done to improve the feel over stock. I do also have a BMS clutch stop with 2 spacers installed (all of them was too much and was causing lockouts). Hoping for recommendations on a few categories: Shift Knobs BMW or otherwise Short shift kit comparisons Aftermarket or alternative clutch kits Trans fluid suggestions All input appreciated! __________________ "Tobias" 2013 135i ///M-Sport 6MT • Pure Stage 1 • XDI 35 HPFP • 404whp/440wtq IG: msteelio91
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10-22-2018, 03:11 PM	#2
Tommm Driven Crazy 190 Rep 505 Posts Drives: his wife nuts 128i 6m Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: The Mile High iTrader: (1)	i have a ZHP knob on my 128. Had one on my E39 540i (upset my buddy let it go to junkyard with the knob on it. he is pissed he forgot to pull it too), E46 330CiC (buyer insisted it go with car), E36 M3, E36/7 M Roadster (one from M3) and since the M is gone it is in a box and will go on the E46 323Ci when my daughter is a bit more comfortable with shifting. If one would fit the Cayman it would be on it. Was very easy to swap. a zip tie holds the boot/gator on to the knob. __________________ '08 128i 6M
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10-22-2018, 04:01 PM	#4
Suhb First Lieutenant 119 Rep 377 Posts Drives: 2010 128i Coupe 6-Speed Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: PA iTrader: (3)	Switching the fluid to Redline ATF D4 is the best thing I did to improve shift feel. The weightier ZHP knob is the second best thing I did. I recommend you not do the short shift kit. The shorter distance makes the shifts notchier and require a little more effort. I have it and it's not terrible but I do prefer the regular shifter. __________________
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10-22-2018, 05:00 PM	#5
chris_flies Sideways and Smiling 3027 Rep 2,860 Posts Drives: In Exuberance Join Date: Mar 2017 Location: Rosamond, CA USA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2012 BMW E91 328i [0.00]	I've got the BMW Performance short shift kit lever, ECS Teflon shift bushings and a Turner poly shift arm support bushing, Redline MTL fluid, and the stock 128i shift knob (I want to get a much weightier, spherical knob). I really like the feel right now. It's got a nice, solid notchiness, but not in that rubbery BMW way, it's precise, snappy, and wonderfully mechanical. Maybe you should sit in it at the next cruise... EDIT: I also have E46 M3 transmission mounts. __________________ 2012 BMW 328i 6-Speed Wagon \| Deep Sea Blue with Grey Dakota Leather \| Manual Swap, 330i Intake + Tune, 3.15 Helical LSD, Öhlins R&T (SOLD) 2009 BMW 128i 6-Speed Coupé \| Monaco Blue with Black Sensatec \| chris_flies' 128i thread Last edited by chris_flies; 10-23-2018 at 02:42 PM..
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10-22-2018, 10:23 PM	#11
rowsdower Captain 641 Rep 695 Posts Drives: 2011 128i 6MT Sport Join Date: Jan 2017 Location: Texas iTrader: (0)	My ZHP knob is better than stock but I still don’t like the shifter on my 128i. A Whalen knob may be in my future soon. There was a guy who posted about it in the ‘what did you do to your 1er’ thread about a week ago. It weighs more than double the ZHP knob and I prefer a spherical shifter. That may help?
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10-23-2018, 01:19 PM	#13
YearOneOne Captain 361 Rep 727 Posts Drives: 13 135i mineral grey Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: Maryland iTrader: (1)	I have a Uuc short shifter, raceseng knob, solid trans mounts, clutch stop, modded cdv and mtl fluid. The mounts completely cut out mis-shifts and clunky shifts in turns. I'm happy with the throw of the shifts and I need to add the dssr and rebuild kit to tight things up as there is some slight side to side play. The weights knob and mtl makes shifts buttery smooth most of the time i just use a couple fingers and execute with ease. When I bought the car the shifter was one of my biggest gripes. I'm happy overall but I will be switching to a spherical knob as mine is really long with the cylinder and longer shifter.
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10-29-2018, 07:30 PM	#22
chadillac2000 Major 1220 Rep 1,372 Posts Drives: 2015 BMW M3 Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Asheville, North Carolina iTrader: (7)	Wish you could take my car for a spin with all the current transmission mods. The UCP + Redline fluid + CDV delete + Rogue Engineering transmission mounts + Spec 2+ Clutch and MFactory SMFW + OEM BMW Performance SSK + alcantara OEM BMW Performance knob is so damn buttery. __________________ 2008 BMW 135i Single Turbo Build Thread HERE 2016 BMW M5 Competition Build Thread HERE 2015 BMW M3 Build Thread HERE
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