Weighted BMW shift knobs
ATTENTION: I'm no longer making these knobs. I'm leaving this page up for historical purposes only.
Short pitch: Original BMW leather sport shift knobs weighted to 7-3/8 oz. Improves shifting smoothness while assuring factory fit, ergonomics and style. Your choice of emblem. 1-minute no-tool installation.
Long pitch: Adding mass to the shift linkage is a well-known way to couteract the notchiness and increased effort experienced after installing a short shift kit. Increasing the mass (inertia, actually) helps you to store more energy in the linkage when shifting, and that energy is transferred to the transmission during the hardest parts of the shifting motion, reducing the peak input forces required by your hand.
The most common and easiest way to add mass to the linkage is by replacing the standard shift knob with a heavier one. Typically, the heavy shift knobs that are available are simply machined from a solid piece of metal. These metal shift knobs are successful in improving shifting smoothness, but have the disadvantages of being uncomfortably cold in the winter, dangerously hot in the summer, and they have that 'Fast and Furious' look, which isn't really appropriate for a BMW.
The ideal solution would be to add mass to the system without otherwise altering the appearance or interface as designed by BMW. Toward that goal I've developed a way to increase the mass of Original BMW leather sport shift knobs with no visible modifications. The finished weight of the knob is 7.25 ounces, similar to most machined aluminum knobs (unmodified BMW knobs weigh 3.1 oz.). The modified knob retains the original molded plastic mounting sleeve and orienting tab as well as the internal rubber layer, which serves to isolate vibration and heat. The knobs include your choice of currently available emblems.
Installation is simple, just pull your existing knob straight off of the shift lever and push the new one on. Removing the existing knob may require a great deal of force, so be careful not to hit yourself in the face or take out the rearview mirror when it pops off, and you should make sure that you can remove your old knob before ordering, as loose knobs have sometimes been "fixed" by being glued on.
Price: $80 plus $5 for shipping (FedEx ground).
Available Emblems: Any emblem that is currently available from BMW can be ordered; below is a list of emblems that I have found to be available. Standard 5-speed 5-speed with ///M logo ///M logo
You may want to call me at 832-215-4160 to ask questions.
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