i have had the bmw performance 6 speed knob (
) on my car for the last 2 years, just make sure you don't jump in with greasy fingers/hands.. mine still looks new.
also i used the e46 alacantra shift boot, fitted perfect.. (a bitch to put on though, but no real drama)
are you sure you can't get rid of that fold buy putting the frame a little closer to the centre?
looks great mate, and bet you love the way it shifts now, much, much more positive than before
enjoy.