6MT Shift knob recommendations?

jxcksxnf22 · 03-02-2022, 10:00 PM

First forum, so excuse the improper post. I recently purchased a 50k mile f22 228i with a manual. It came with a terrible plastic shift knob and I was wondering what you guys found to be the best knob for the 6mt. Thanks !!! (and a pic for anyone interested

Kernel Kurtz · 03-02-2022, 10:05 PM

BMW M Performance knob.

freakystyly · 03-03-2022, 06:44 AM

I thought all of these came with the same knobs, but I guess not. That one looks like the previous E90 version, maybe they had leftovers?

You could probably get a ZHP knob for pretty cheap if you are OK with used. Some people like to swap them for other knobs and resell the originals.

25112284545 is the part number.

They come with the shift boot (gaiter) attached as one part for these cars. They are separable but require either a ziptie or glue to hold them together later.

jxcksxnf22 · 03-03-2022, 08:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by freakystyly

I thought all of these came with the same knobs, but I guess not. That one looks like the previous E90 version, maybe they had leftovers?

You could probably get a ZHP knob for pretty cheap if you are OK with used. Some people like to swap them for other knobs and resell the originals.

25112284545 is the part number.

They come with the shift boot (gaiter) attached as one part for these cars. They are separable but require either a ziptie or glue to hold them together later.

I see one listed in the members classified right now that might be a great option. Do you think it will fit? Yeah, my buddy with an older 235i has got the ZHP and I don't know why they didn't like my car

Thank you!

jxcksxnf22 · 03-03-2022, 08:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kernel Kurtz

BMW M Performance knob.

Better than ZHP and worth the extra money?

freakystyly · 03-03-2022, 10:18 AM

Better is personal opinion. I hear the cylindrical performance knob is slightly shorter and heavier. There's also a more expensive performance knob that lights up and has alcantara/chrome on it.

I personally still like the ZHP one my car came with.

Kernel Kurtz · 03-03-2022, 01:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jxcksxnf22

Better than ZHP and worth the extra money?

Personal preference really. Only now looking and surprised at the price difference, bigger than I thought. M performance one comes with a boot though. Had the ZHP on my 335 and ended up buying another boot as well (though I think it is possible to separate the boot from the factory knob somehow).

jxcksxnf22 · 03-03-2022, 01:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by freakystyly

Better is personal opinion. I hear the cylindrical performance knob is slightly shorter and heavier. There's also a more expensive performance knob that lights up and has alcantara/chrome on it.

I personally still like the ZHP one my car came with.

Thanks for the info, I am looking into purchasing a slightly used ZHP right now.

jxcksxnf22 · 03-03-2022, 01:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kernel Kurtz

Personal preference really. Only now looking and surprised at the price difference, bigger than I thought. M performance one comes with a boot though. Had the ZHP on my 335 and ended up buying another boot as well (though I think it is possible to separate the boot from the factory knob somehow).

Good info. And yeah I don't see a 250$ price difference in the two so I am probably going to find myself a ZHP to ditch this plastic.

freakystyly · 03-03-2022, 02:02 PM

Also be careful when removing the knob that you don't injure yourself. Check the DIYs for some tips.

Hope it works out for you.

c72k · 03-03-2022, 03:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jxcksxnf22

Good info. And yeah I don't see a 250$ price difference in the two so I am probably going to find myself a ZHP to ditch this plastic.

Highly recommend the ZHP as well. On my E90 335 it completely changed the shifter feel from the shitty plastic one

SpencerC_6MT · 03-07-2022, 09:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jxcksxnf22

Good info. And yeah I don't see a 250$ price difference in the two so I am probably going to find myself a ZHP to ditch this plastic.

Imho, it's worth getting the M Performance piece. Apart from being slightly shorter, it's weighed very nicely and feels precise when shifting. The leather ZHP knob feels more rubbery and unconnected, while the solid construction of the M Perf part is much better. After using the new knob for about a year, I switched back to ZHP just to try it out and I really disliked it.

jxcksxnf22 · 03-08-2022, 07:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by watermelon3878

Quote:

Originally Posted by jxcksxnf22

Good info. And yeah I don't see a 250$ price difference in the two so I am probably going to find myself a ZHP to ditch this plastic.

Imho, it's worth getting the M Performance piece. Apart from being slightly shorter, it's weighed very nicely and feels precise when shifting. The leather ZHP knob feels more rubbery and unconnected, while the solid construction of the M Perf part is much better. After using the new knob for about a year, I switched back to ZHP just to try it out and I really disliked it.

I think you just made my mind up. I'll pick up one of those M performance knobs and let you know what I think!

SpencerC_6MT · 03-08-2022, 10:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jxcksxnf22

I think you just made my mind up. I'll pick up one of those M performance knobs and let you know what I think!

Glad to know I made a difference

this thread inspired me to get the old shifter out of my car parts box in the garage and take it to work today, just for fun. It reaffirmed my decision once again. The back of the shifter has a nice shape, almost allowing you to 'hook' your fingers onto it and rip it into gear, but that's the only advantage. It's big and bulky in comparison to the M Perf knob, and my hand hits the morning coffee going into 1st. Hope you enjoy to new one

CarbonLion · 03-08-2022, 01:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by watermelon3878

Glad to know I made a difference

this thread inspired me to get the old shifter out of my car parts box in the garage and take it to work today, just for fun. It reaffirmed my decision once again. The back of the shifter has a nice shape, almost allowing you to 'hook' your fingers onto it and rip it into gear, but that's the only advantage. It's big and bulky in comparison to the M Perf knob, and my hand hits the morning coffee going into 1st. Hope you enjoy to new one

I agree the M Perf knob gives a more precise shift, and the ability to use the cupholder without a second thought is secretly its biggest perk

jxcksxnf22 If you're interested I'm selling a hardly used M Perf knob right now, the ergo difference makes me favor the ZHP in the end. If you already don't like the feel/throw of the plastic knob I think you'll like it.

jxcksxnf22 · 03-08-2022, 01:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by watermelon3878

Quote:

Originally Posted by jxcksxnf22

I think you just made my mind up. I'll pick up one of those M performance knobs and let you know what I think!

Glad to know I made a difference

this thread inspired me to get the old shifter out of my car parts box in the garage and take it to work today, just for fun. It reaffirmed my decision once again. The back of the shifter has a nice shape, almost allowing you to 'hook' your fingers onto it and rip it into gear, but that's the only advantage. It's big and bulky in comparison to the M Perf knob, and my hand hits the morning coffee going into 1st. Hope you enjoy to new one

I've actually hated how close it sits to the cup holders in 1st,3rd,5th. It's good to hear you're firm in your decision and I will enjoy!

03-02-2022, 10:00 PM	#1
jxcksxnf22 New Member 2 Rep 15 Posts Drives: 2016 228i Join Date: Nov 2021 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	6MT Shift knob recommendations? First forum, so excuse the improper post. I recently purchased a 50k mile f22 228i with a manual. It came with a terrible plastic shift knob and I was wondering what you guys found to be the best knob for the 6mt. Thanks !!! (and a pic for anyone interested Attached Images
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03-02-2022, 10:05 PM	#2
Kernel Kurtz Major 345 Rep 1,014 Posts Drives: 2020 M240i xDrive Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Winnipeg, Canada iTrader: (0)	BMW M Performance knob.
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03-03-2022, 06:44 AM	#3
freakystyly Lieutenant Colonel 2984 Rep 1,795 Posts Drives: F22 B58 6MT Join Date: May 2016 Location: Ontario iTrader: (0)	I thought all of these came with the same knobs, but I guess not. That one looks like the previous E90 version, maybe they had leftovers? You could probably get a ZHP knob for pretty cheap if you are OK with used. Some people like to swap them for other knobs and resell the originals. 25112284545 is the part number. They come with the shift boot (gaiter) attached as one part for these cars. They are separable but require either a ziptie or glue to hold them together later.
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03-03-2022, 10:18 AM	#6
freakystyly Lieutenant Colonel 2984 Rep 1,795 Posts Drives: F22 B58 6MT Join Date: May 2016 Location: Ontario iTrader: (0)	Better is personal opinion. I hear the cylindrical performance knob is slightly shorter and heavier. There's also a more expensive performance knob that lights up and has alcantara/chrome on it. I personally still like the ZHP one my car came with.
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03-03-2022, 02:02 PM	#10
freakystyly Lieutenant Colonel 2984 Rep 1,795 Posts Drives: F22 B58 6MT Join Date: May 2016 Location: Ontario iTrader: (0)	Also be careful when removing the knob that you don't injure yourself. Check the DIYs for some tips. Hope it works out for you.
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