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      02-23-2012, 08:39 AM   #1
3002 tii
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Jaffster Delrin Shift Knob Review

After having driven my friend’s s2k, I was envious of Honda’s effortless short shifts. Right around then mfanatic organized a group buy on the Autosolutions ssk and I thought why not given it’s consistently good reviews. Needless to say, the shifts were precise and short but it took more of a conscious effort to go through the gates. Add to that I had a ZHP knob to finish it off so it was super notchy. I hoped that over time the ssk would break in and the shifts would become smoother but unfortunately that was not the case. At one point I did switch to the taller regular M knob and while that helped a bit, it quickly developed a buzzing noise (apparently this is not unusual).

Rather than buy another oem knob, I decided to try out the Jaffster. While it’s not nearly as good looking as the M, ZHP or Performance knobs from BMW, the only way to describe is WOW. It is truly awesome. For the first time, I’m able to retain the short shifts of the ssk but each throw is TOTALLY effortless because of the extra leverage/torque from the increased height. Even the dreaded first and 2nd gear initial shifts are butter smooth. I’m actually upset for not having made the switch earlier. While I’ve only tested on the street, I’m sure another added benefit will be on the track where your hand is that much closer to the wheel. I know this knob isn't for everyone or even the majority... BUT if anyone here has a ssk (Autosolutions, UUC, or RE) but hates the notchiness or just see a lot of track time, definitely give the Jaffster a hard look.

Installation was very straightforward. Pull off the old knob, throw on the Jaffster. It fits over the rod perfectly although there’s no notch inside the knob to secure it down. Rather it comes with 3 inset screws you tighten down using a hex key. Pics below… I’d say the Jaffster is almost 2x as tall as the ZHP.

Bimmerworld product link

Crapphy phone pics before my morning commute:

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      02-23-2012, 09:32 AM   #2
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nice...errr...knob..

I'd like to...err... try it out at the next meet... no homo
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      02-23-2012, 09:33 AM   #3
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Not a fan of the aesthetics (too many jokes to be made), but function over form. Wonder if this will help the stock shift feeling as well.
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      02-23-2012, 09:37 AM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Roffle Waffle View Post
nice...errr...knob..

I'd like to...err... try it out at the next meet... no homo
Ha, like I said it's not for everybody. And trust me, I'm not a fan of how it looks by any means, but it's THAT good where you forget about the funny shape/feel, lol.

It really is the perfect knob for anyone running a ssk, absolutely no notchiness whatsoever. It's just so easy to shift now... this morning's commute was actually fun.
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      02-23-2012, 09:37 AM   #5
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I bet someone here could design a nicer design out of billet aluminium, and have someone produce it with CNC

and have exposed linkage to the SSK ala spyker c8
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      02-23-2012, 09:38 AM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Roffle Waffle View Post
I bet someone here could design a nicer design out of billet aluminium, and have someone produce it with CNC
Probably, the only complaint about aluminum is that it probably gets really hot during summer.
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      02-23-2012, 09:40 AM   #7
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leather up top? :dunno:
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      02-23-2012, 09:47 AM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Roffle Waffle View Post
leather up top? :dunno:
Probably but I bet that would add to cost. End of day I'd imagine anyone buying this part is taking their car to track and probably don't care for aesthetics that much, end of day simple design in order to keep costs down is preferred.
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      02-23-2012, 10:00 AM   #9
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I know you have the SSK, Dubbedown, but do you think it will hit the HVAC controls if it is on a stock shifter? (How close are you to hitting it with the SSK?) I'm thinking about getting it, but I have the stock shift linkage.
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      02-23-2012, 10:06 AM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by esqu1re View Post
I know you have the SSK, Dubbedown, but do you think it will hit the HVAC controls if it is on a stock shifter? (How close are you to hitting it with the SSK?) I'm thinking about getting it, but I have the stock shift linkage.
Will take a pic of it while it's in 3rd gear and report back later.
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      02-23-2012, 10:14 AM   #11
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One of the issues of a very heavy knob is that they wear out the delrin/plastic/rubber components of the shifting mechanism rather quickly.
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      02-23-2012, 10:18 AM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Shipkiller View Post
One of the issues of a very heavy knob is that they wear out the delrin/plastic/rubber components of the shifting mechanism rather quickly.
I actually think the Jaffster is lighter than most aftermarket knobs but I'll see if I can look up exact specs.
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      02-23-2012, 10:50 AM   #13
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I ordered mine yesterday.

Used to have one in my E46 M3 track car and really like it. Delrin won't get hot during 30 min sessions and the Jaffster knob keep your hand close to the steering wheel.
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      02-23-2012, 11:03 AM   #14
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cmon... NO ONE YET??!

nice dildo!

aha j/k! nice mod
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      02-23-2012, 02:23 PM   #15
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Great write-up
The funtional benifit of the taller knob is huge. I beleive you will love it out on the track.
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      02-23-2012, 02:23 PM   #16
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That was not a criticism, just an observation on possible 'long term' side effects.

I just put the ZHP knob on my car.
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      02-23-2012, 02:45 PM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by crfine88 View Post
Great write-up
The funtional benifit of the taller knob is huge. I beleive you will love it out on the track.
That's what she said?!
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      02-23-2012, 11:24 PM   #18
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This is the most amazing shift knob from someone who has used it for 5 years. It is on my track car and I even bought them for a couple track buddies for their cars.

The review was accurate.
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      02-24-2012, 12:27 AM   #19
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dil to the do
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      02-24-2012, 07:41 AM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by esqu1re View Post
I know you have the SSK, Dubbedown, but do you think it will hit the HVAC controls if it is on a stock shifter? (How close are you to hitting it with the SSK?) I'm thinking about getting it, but I have the stock shift linkage.
3rd gear pic:



As you can see nowhere close to touching HVAC controls. With that said, I’d consider doing one of (or all) of the following: cdv delete, trans flush (despite BMW claiming “lifetime”, oem or Royal Purple), trans mounts. That might help with your 2nd gear grind…
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      02-24-2012, 09:54 AM   #21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Dubbedown
Quote:
Originally Posted by esqu1re View Post
I know you have the SSK, Dubbedown, but do you think it will hit the HVAC controls if it is on a stock shifter? (How close are you to hitting it with the SSK?) I'm thinking about getting it, but I have the stock shift linkage.
3rd gear pic:



As you can see nowhere close to touching HVAC controls. With that said, I’d consider doing one of (or all) of the following: cdv delete, trans flush (despite BMW claiming “lifetime”, oem or Royal Purple), trans mounts. That might help with your 2nd gear grind…
Thanks for the pic.
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      02-24-2012, 08:41 PM   #22
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Nice writeup thanks!
do you mind posting (or PM) your source & cost?
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