[math4scher]

Tdkbabab in another thread stated that "...fit the M performance gear knob shortens and improves the shift hugely (in my opinion)"

Does anyone have any experience/comments about the M performance gear knob? THANKS!

[jeremicium]

It shortens the length of the shifter, and it is slightly heavier. These make it an improvement over the stock shift knob. So, the answer is Yes. Don't buy it from BMW for full retail price, you can get it from a fraction of the cost from an aftermarket supplier or maybe getbmwparts.com

[mjposner]

Anyone know if it fits the 235i:

https://www.getbmwparts.com/partloca...catalogID=4462

[Tbkbabab]

That one looks like the standard M235i gear knob

[math4scher]

Originally Posted by Tbkbabab

That one looks like the standard M235i gear knob

What does the one you bought look like? Is that the same one made of carbon fiber? Where do you get/buy that? Is it part of a package? Is it a stand alone option? Is it an after market purchase? THANKS for your sharing!

[SteveMaguire]

Here's the BMW M Performance Carbon Fiber Gear Shift Knob with Alcantara Boot. It will fit the 228i and M235i, assuming of course you have MT

Part No. 25-11-2-222-529



You can purchase it from any BMW Dealership or a multitude of websites including ebay and Amazon

[math4scher]

Originally Posted by SteveMaguire

Here's the BMW M Performance Carbon Fiber Gear Shift Knob with Alcantara Boot. It will fit the 228i and M235i, assuming of course you have MT

Part No. 25-11-2-222-529



You can purchase it from any BMW Dealership or a multitude of websites including ebay and Amazon

SteveMaguire,
Thanks for sharing the picture/info, but do you know if it really makes for shorter/more precise shifts - thanks!

[SteveMaguire]

I don't have personal experience with the manual transmission, but reading other threads in these forums have only offered positive reviews of the shifter, both in throw and feel.

[math4scher]

Originally Posted by SteveMaguire

I don't have personal experience with the manual transmission, but reading other threads in these forums have only offered positive reviews of the shifter, both in throw and feel.

Thanks for taking the time to reply to my inquiry!

[one1er]

My dislike regarding the manual is that the stick travel is too long...does this noticeably reduces that travel!? Doesn't seem much shorter that the stock knob...

[Sedan_Clan]

Originally Posted by math4scher

SteveMaguire,
Thanks for sharing the picture/info, but do you know if it really makes for shorter/more precise shifts - thanks!

No it doesn't!

[Tbkbabab]

My experience is that it does seem to noticeably shorten the throw even though it only seems slightly shorter height wise. Think the fact that its also smaller diameter also helps shorten the throw.

[th1rd3y3]

A shift knob will not shorten the throw unless the stock shift knob is significantly taller than the replacement. The only way to improve shifter precision and shorten throws is by replacing the shifter mechanism with one designed to do just that. You may improve the feel in your hand with a different knob, but that's it.

[Tbkbabab]

It will shorten it and so will the diameter of the Knob, simple maths/physics, although it wont shorten it as much as short shift mechanism but its certainly noticeable. The precision is something else but also feels slightly better because of the reduced throw and feel the smaller gear knob helps here as well.

[abirmaher]

Anyone who has installed themselves, how hard was it to do?

I have the part and want to do it but I want to know what Im getting myself into. Seems like the boot is easy to get off but then I've read mixed on what to do to pull it off? Just pull straight up?

Then when reinstalling will it click in or something? I don't want to accidentally pull off the new shifter or anything like that.

Thanks in advance.

[one1er]

there are some how to videos on youtube...it's pretty simple, but not that easy as you have to apply quite some force in pulling it...the gater comes off pretty easy, but the knob need a real pull...putting it back it the easiest part, just smack the knob in and gently click the gater in!

[scanspeak]

I previously put a shorter gear knob on my E46 and it makes a noticeable improvement in shortening the throw. However it also made it physically harder/more demanding to change so this can become tiresome over time. In the end I switched back to the standard gear knob..

[Winoman]

I have had short shifters installed in both my 2012 GTI & Audi S4 and my 2004 330i ZHP came with BMW installed short shifter as part of the package. They are (arguably) a bit notchier - but are far more direct & precise. The BMW & Audi short shifters (blanking on manufacturer of my Audi SS at the moment) both had lowered shift height and shortened throws front to back. The GTI short shifter (made by Diesel Geeks) is not height shortened at all - but decreases throws both front to back and side to side. It is just fantastic...as are all of them. Not all short shifters are the same - get the best you can get - well worth it. No idea which is best out there for the 235 or if there is any worth getting just yet...but there certainly will be if not already...

[leon1984]

I have one fitted to mine, collect tomorrow. Test drove it standard so will let you know what I think

[leesat]

does it make "shorter/more precise shifts"? didnt know that but i changed with PF shift knob. I had it on my 128i and i was used to that shape so I changed my 235i anyway.

[Winoman]

Originally Posted by leesat

does it make "shorter/more precise shifts"? didnt know that but i changed with PF shift knob. I had it on my 128i and i was used to that shape so I changed my 235i anyway.

I doubt that the nob will do this for you - though a weighted nob might help with easing into gear. You will need a true short shifter for the greater precision and to shorten throws. Not everyone likes the feel - as it will often be a bit notchier through the gates. I for one would never go back...though I have experienced a short shifter (that was on a used car that I purchased already installed) that I didn't like at all...replaced with the superb Dieselgeeks and I've never looked back - tremendous improvement in all aspects of shift performance 9and no notchiness at all really). I doubt they make one for the BMW 2 series - but you never know...

[alz0rz]

Put on the shifter/boot today.. boy was that installation a pain (removal) but otherwise easy.

Definitely changed the driving experience for the better... very happy.