.::E9x BMW Perforated Performance Knob/Parking Brake Handle - Retrofit::.

[Jmanscotch]

I was looking to upgrade from my stock shifter knob and gathering ideas from the forum here. Seems most go with either the ZHP knob or the BMW Performance knob (metal w/ alcantara). I've had both of those in my old E46, and really liked both, but wanted something different. I did buy a performance one for the Z, but after a road trip with it, I just didn't get the feel out of it I remembered from the E46 so I ditched it.

Well, after driving the ladies E90 some lately, I really took a liking to the perforated performance knob I had installed and got to thinking...

The main issue being that the E9x knob came with an attached shift boot and boot frame, so it wasn't going to be a direct swap to the Z...but after test fitting it and driving with it some, I just knew it was the knob that'd please me the most (maybe what she said).

So, I went to the guy who ALWAYS treats me well and gives everyone a great deal, Mike at www.TheBMWPartStore.com.

Ordered:

- E9x Perforated Performance Knob (w/boot and frame) P/N: 25118036628 - $134.72
- Perforated Parking Brake P/N: 34408036495 - $25.88

Now, a cheaper alternative to the perforated knob would be it's brother (shorter, heavier, same basic design without perforation) P/N: 25110406895 $98.96

Alternative (pictured for interest sake):





Back to the problem of it being designed for an E9x; First attempt, I tried cutting my old shift boot off and cutting/gluing the E9x boot to my Z shift frame, but it proved too bulky to mount flush back into the console.

Before I trimmed it down, but you can see how the seams are bulky and the leather in general is a good bit thicker than the stock boot in the Z.



So, my only other option was to separate the boot and the knob and simply use my stock shift boot. I separated the knob from the boot using a cutter. The only two things holding the plastic base of the boot to the shifter are two white platics tabs (on the rear side of the knob) and one metallic clip on the front side, as shown here:









Before:











After:







Overall, the knob is KILLER! So comfortable, perfect height, heaven.

I don't have a fancy enough scale to weight the new knob, but it *felt* roughly three times as heavy as stock.

Just thought I'd share for those looking for alternatives to OE, ZHP and typical Performance knobs. I know it is not the cheapest option, but it's worth it for my tastes.

[gferil]

Very well done! I like how you also did the parking brake to match. I just put in the Performance knob from the BMW short shift kit (the one with the alcantara on it) and love it! Great job on confirming a new alternative to our weak OEM version.

[dubsesd]

is this knob heavier than the zhp?

[Kgolf31]

Nice Job Jake! Can't wait to check it out in person!

[3002 tii]

I did the perf ebrake handle last year. Feels really nice, and subtle - so subtle I actually forgot I did it ha.

The shift knob looks good, I'd actually prefer something slightly taller than my ZHP but shorter than stock. Do you know how this one compares?

[XMetal]

Awesome job and the new knob looks great I'm sure it feels great as well. Glad to see that there's an additional alternative.

One question: Separating the knob from the boot, can the process be reverse (re-attaching them) if needed?

[Jmanscotch]

Thanks gents.

Originally Posted by dubsesd

is this knob heavier than the zhp?

From memory (which is subject with me) it seems notably heavier. Recently taking the BMW performance knob off (the metal one with Alcantara) it compares decent in weight to that one I think. Was really wising I had some decent scale to weight it for yall. With the boot removed, I might try to weight it at work if I remember and report back.

Originally Posted by Dubbedown

I did the perf ebrake handle last year. Feels really nice, and subtle - so subtle I actually forgot I did it ha.

The shift knob looks good, I'd actually prefer something slightly taller than my ZHP but shorter than stock. Do you know how this one compares?

I'd put it as about the same height as the ZHP knob, might be a hair shorter due to it being a flat top versus the rounded ZHP.

Originally Posted by XMetal

Awesome job and the new knob looks great I'm sure it feels great as well. Glad to see that there's an additional alternative.

One question: Separating the knob from the boot, can the process be reverse (re-attaching them) if needed?

I don't think it'd be easily done. The front metal clip could attach back easy, but I'm fairly certain I cut (or snapped, rather) the white tabs that held them together in the back. Let me dig it out and see what I can determine.

[Jmanscotch]

Just got the chance to weight the knob: 0.35 lbs or 5.6 ounces.

Guess my initial guess of it being notably heavier than the ZHP was dead wrong!

The ZHP is something like 6.5 ounces, no?

[NU arty boy]

Well done. I have the perforated shift knob, brake handle, and steering wheel in my E90 and I love the feel of them. Awesome choice!

[Jmanscotch]

Originally Posted by NU arty boy

Well done. I have the perforated shift knob, brake handle, and steering wheel in my E90 and I love the feel of them. Awesome choice!

How I wish I could go with a nice perforated steering wheel

[gferil]

I just did the perforated brake handle and am loving it so far, thanks for the inspiration!

[Daemonblitz]

I've had this knob for a while as well, love the feel !
I was able to install it without cutting the old boot off,t by breaking the plastic tab between the boot and the knob itself.

[Jmanscotch]

^ Yep, I'm still enjoying it too!

That's basically all I really achieved with the cutter; wedged it in between the knob and boot and broke the plactic tabs at the rear. I didn't know how they were connected, hence why I defaulted to a cutting tool