Shift Knobs - United Bimmer Community

**dinan540** · 03-01-2006, 09:17 AM

I am looking to buy a smaller shift knob than the stock 540i. Any recommendations?

I just picked up an M5 shifter which has a shorter throw than the 540i.

**xsperf** · 03-01-2006, 06:53 PM

m5 shift now FTW.. i know its the same size but if you get the chrome one and everything, its just right! otherwise, i think momo has some good ones, but i dont think they due a BMW justice

**dinan540** · 03-03-2006, 08:30 AM

I looked at some momo shift knobs and they look alright. I can't find the M5, but do like the ACS knob, but it is $270. Too much for a shift knob. I will keep looking.

**xsperf** · 03-03-2006, 06:33 PM

hahahaha 270 for a shift knob, what a bunch of BS.. the m5 shift knob is just like the e36 m3 one(i think) except that it is a 6-speed shift knob, not 5 speed

**cainchapman** · 03-04-2006, 12:00 AM

Get the 6 speed illuminated one (like I've got). No use if you don't already have the wiring though. Cost me $255NZD, so not too bad as it was from the local BMW dealer.

**BMWLotAttendant** · 03-04-2006, 12:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cainchapman

Get the 6 speed illuminated one (like I've got). No use if you don't already have the wiring though. Cost me $255NZD, so not too bad as it was from the local BMW dealer.

You mean...illuminated red right?

Those are only found in ALL //M cars (M3 (not SMG), M5, and M coupes.)

And, IMO, the short throw shifter for the M5s are siiiiiiiick.

**Yatti** · 03-07-2006, 09:03 AM

I like the stock 540 one....

**cainchapman** · 03-07-2006, 02:07 PM

Yes they were. You have 135 special 540's in America and 32 in Canada, that are built close to the 70 Australian cars, of which mine is one. That are special builds. It very definitely came with the Illuminating 6 speed gear knob. Only the M one does it.

There was NO M5 built outside of Europe in 95. These where the replacement cars and the precursor to the E39 M5 configuration.

**dinan540** · 03-07-2006, 03:24 PM

I installed the M5 shifter. I can't believe how much shorter the throw is compared to the 540i. I can't wait until the next track day.

**Rooz** · 03-07-2006, 09:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dinan540

I installed the M5 shifter. I can't believe how much shorter the throw is compared to the 540i. I can't wait until the next track day.

Pics?

**komodo** · 03-07-2006, 09:35 PM

I'm actually in the market for a new shift knob myself too, only mine won't have the "6" on it.

**dinan540** · 03-07-2006, 10:02 PM

Rooz,

I can take a picture, but it won't show much. I need a before pic. The M5 shifter is a little shorter than the 540i. I kept my 540i shift knob. I can't believe how easy the install was. If you are interested in doing this mod, buy a used Z3 M shifter because it is the same throw as the uuc shifter.

If you buy a 5 series, most of the guys on the m5board.com mod the hell out of their M5s. Which means they dump their OEM M5 stuff for cheap. That is how I have picked up my M5 shifter and M5 sway bars.

I just picked up a pre-vanos intake manifold off of a junked 94 740i for $50 from ebay. The pre-vanos intake manifold should have the same dimensions of the Dinan intake manifold for the 540i and the M5. Since I have the Dinan CAI, throttle bodies, mass flow meter, all I need is the intake manifold. Sure beats paying $1500 for the Dinan intake manifold. I will also buy the stage 5 Dinan software to supplement the intake.

Just rambling on.