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jns_e85 · 05-03-2018, 11:37 AM

I meant to post this a while ago, but here it is! I believe I have tried almost every common shift knob for the Z4M and figured I would share my thoughts with everyone considering a new knob! (Sorry in advance for the wall of text!)

On Original Shifting Mechanism
OEM Broomstick – p/n 25117836906

Yes it lights up, but that’s all that is cool about this knob. Did not like the vagueness of the shift feel and tossed it aside pretty quick. Glad I did!

ZHP – p/n 25117896886

Arguably, the most popular shift knob upgrade for the Z4M. Coming in at 5.4 oz, it made shifting gears feel SOOOOOO MUCH BETTER. Ergonomics of this knob are also amazing. This remains my favorite knob in appearance and hand feel, and I thoroughly enjoyed it on the OEM shifting mechanism

After Auto Solutions SSK (ninja edit: also after Rouge Engineering transmission and Vibra-Technics engine mounts)
ZHP – p/n 25117896886

Following the SSK install, I hate to say the ZHP lost its magic feel for me. With the increased “notchiness” feel of the shifting mechanism, it just didn’t feel as good anymore to be as the weight wasn’t enough to improve the shift feel. I began searching for alternatives

BMW Performance - p/n 25110429269

A buddy of mine had this knob laying around so we figured what the hell. This is a seriously cool shift knob in appearance. At 6.3 oz, this knob is noticeably heavier than the ZHP. However, the smaller ergonomics of the knob with my truckasaurus hands didn’t mesh well. In addition, the small nature of the knob didn’t help with the shift feel for me on the SSK. If I had smaller hands and was still on a stock shifter, this would be a serious contender

Jaffster - http://www.bimmerworld.com/BMW-Inter...hift-Knob.html

Looking around the forums I found a few members who recommended this knob following the AS SSK install and Vanne conveniently was selling a V1 version at the time, so again, “what the hell, why not?”

I like the setscrew option of the V1 for swapping knobs, but it appears they are now press fit like the others. At 8 oz and 6” tall, this knob is a beast and is straight up ridiculous in appearance. If you get it, expect a slew of phallus and dildo jokes from your mates. In addition, it kinda makes you embarrassed to be seen with. However…

THIS SHIFT KNOB WITH THE AS SSK IS THE BEST THE SHIFTING HAS EVER FELT IN MY CAR. EVER.

It virtually eliminates the notchy feel from the AS SSK, and gear changes are like a hot knife through butter. Also because it is so tall, I *may* have occasionally reverted to being a 5 year old pretending to be a proper racer driving a touring car on the back roads, but I digress… because of the ridiculous appearance, this knob is reserved for autocrosses only for me.

Weighted Broomstick – p/n 25117896884

OEM look with more beef! This is the knob I currently have installed 95% of the time. This knob is not illuminated, but comes in at 6.7 oz. So far, this has been the best “goldilocks” knob for me. Looks good, and the additional height and weight over the ZHP has resulted in a substantially less notchy shift feel, though still moderately present

Currently, I have been strongly considering an F10 M5 knob, due to the increased weight over the ZHP, but at $215 bucks that decision is going to sit on the back burner for a while!

EDIT
I bought another knob, there must be something wrong with me

Storm Motorwerks V2 Knob - http://www.storm-motorwerks.com/inte...hift_knobs_v2/

At the suggestion of ZeD4Mr, I did take a look into the Storm Motorwerks Knobs, and ended up purchasing their V2 6 speed in a titanium finish (pics below in comments!)

I was not a fan of the styling of the V1 personally, and found the V2 intriguing in a retro sense (steel version of an E30 style knob essentially). While this knob is not as heavy as the V1 at 500 grams, this isn't light weight. At 450 grams (16 oz) its the heaviest knob I have tried.

The set screws are handy for easy installation and removal. The finish is really nice, and pictures don't do it justice. Ergonomics are ideal for those with big hands, but I would guess those with smaller hands would prefer a smaller knob.

In terms of feel, I believe it is marginally better than my daily knob (weighted broomstick mentioned above) as the extra weight helps with shift feel. However, I am not 100% sold on this becoming my new daily shift knob (it only has been a day after all, and I think I need more time to render that verdict haha)

As of now for my personal preference, I would still argue that the Jaffster still provides the best shift feel. As always, YMMV!

05-03-2018, 11:37 AM	#1
jns_e85 Second Lieutenant 74 Rep 264 Posts Drives: '05 X3 2.5i, '06 z4M, '17 M2 Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: Chicago Area iTrader: (3)	My Several Reviews on Shift Knobs! I meant to post this a while ago, but here it is! I believe I have tried almost every common shift knob for the Z4M and figured I would share my thoughts with everyone considering a new knob! (Sorry in advance for the wall of text!) On Original Shifting Mechanism OEM Broomstick – p/n 25117836906 Yes it lights up, but that’s all that is cool about this knob. Did not like the vagueness of the shift feel and tossed it aside pretty quick. Glad I did! ZHP – p/n 25117896886 Arguably, the most popular shift knob upgrade for the Z4M. Coming in at 5.4 oz, it made shifting gears feel SOOOOOO MUCH BETTER. Ergonomics of this knob are also amazing. This remains my favorite knob in appearance and hand feel, and I thoroughly enjoyed it on the OEM shifting mechanism After Auto Solutions SSK (ninja edit: also after Rouge Engineering transmission and Vibra-Technics engine mounts) ZHP – p/n 25117896886 Following the SSK install, I hate to say the ZHP lost its magic feel for me. With the increased “notchiness” feel of the shifting mechanism, it just didn’t feel as good anymore to be as the weight wasn’t enough to improve the shift feel. I began searching for alternatives BMW Performance - p/n 25110429269 A buddy of mine had this knob laying around so we figured what the hell. This is a seriously cool shift knob in appearance. At 6.3 oz, this knob is noticeably heavier than the ZHP. However, the smaller ergonomics of the knob with my truckasaurus hands didn’t mesh well. In addition, the small nature of the knob didn’t help with the shift feel for me on the SSK. If I had smaller hands and was still on a stock shifter, this would be a serious contender Jaffster - http://www.bimmerworld.com/BMW-Inter...hift-Knob.html Looking around the forums I found a few members who recommended this knob following the AS SSK install and Vanne conveniently was selling a V1 version at the time, so again, “what the hell, why not?” I like the setscrew option of the V1 for swapping knobs, but it appears they are now press fit like the others. At 8 oz and 6” tall, this knob is a beast and is straight up ridiculous in appearance. If you get it, expect a slew of phallus and dildo jokes from your mates. In addition, it kinda makes you embarrassed to be seen with. However… THIS SHIFT KNOB WITH THE AS SSK IS THE BEST THE SHIFTING HAS EVER FELT IN MY CAR. EVER. It virtually eliminates the notchy feel from the AS SSK, and gear changes are like a hot knife through butter. Also because it is so tall, I may have occasionally reverted to being a 5 year old pretending to be a proper racer driving a touring car on the back roads, but I digress… because of the ridiculous appearance, this knob is reserved for autocrosses only for me. Weighted Broomstick – p/n 25117896884 OEM look with more beef! This is the knob I currently have installed 95% of the time. This knob is not illuminated, but comes in at 6.7 oz. So far, this has been the best “goldilocks” knob for me. Looks good, and the additional height and weight over the ZHP has resulted in a substantially less notchy shift feel, though still moderately present Currently, I have been strongly considering an F10 M5 knob, due to the increased weight over the ZHP, but at $215 bucks that decision is going to sit on the back burner for a while! EDIT I bought another knob, there must be something wrong with me Storm Motorwerks V2 Knob - http://www.storm-motorwerks.com/inte...hift_knobs_v2/ At the suggestion of ZeD4Mr, I did take a look into the Storm Motorwerks Knobs, and ended up purchasing their V2 6 speed in a titanium finish (pics below in comments!) I was not a fan of the styling of the V1 personally, and found the V2 intriguing in a retro sense (steel version of an E30 style knob essentially). While this knob is not as heavy as the V1 at 500 grams, this isn't light weight. At 450 grams (16 oz) its the heaviest knob I have tried. The set screws are handy for easy installation and removal. The finish is really nice, and pictures don't do it justice. Ergonomics are ideal for those with big hands, but I would guess those with smaller hands would prefer a smaller knob. In terms of feel, I believe it is marginally better than my daily knob (weighted broomstick mentioned above) as the extra weight helps with shift feel. However, I am not 100% sold on this becoming my new daily shift knob (it only has been a day after all, and I think I need more time to render that verdict haha) As of now for my personal preference, I would still argue that the Jaffster still provides the best shift feel. As always, YMMV! __________________ 2017 M2 - Camber Hubs, MPE, and some other goodies 2006 Z4M - Epic Tune / Eventuri CAI / Euro Headers / Stromung / FA 500 / AS SSK / Arc 8s 2004 Z4 3.0i - Gone, but not forgotten! Last edited by jns_e85; 05-18-2018 at 08:53 AM..
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