These M3 articles are killing me . . . I’ve reignited my search for another one.
Sure driving a stick shift is fun, but not when it involves grabbing the business end of a soldiering iron. The early days of the sport compact car scene called, however, and it was time to return our E46-chassis M3’s aftermarket aluminum shift knob. What was cool 15-plus years ago just didn’t work today. Plus, in the summer, it got a little toasty.
But what to install for its replacement?
As recent thread on our forum shows, everyone’s got their favorite.
I love a good wood knob. In all seriousness. Warm in winter, cool in summer, ages to a good patina. Not many around any more.
–mazdeuce
I like the delrin one I put in my NC from Flyin' Miata. Simple, cheap, comfy, nice weight to it.
–z31maniac
Function First has a nice one for Porsches. Delrin Ball on top with a nice aluminum shaft.
–spandak
Some shared photos, too.
I have a Nardi shift knob out of an M Edition Miata in my '90 Miata. Everyone trash talks this shift knob for some reason but I like it.
–NickD
For my 924, I put a Ferrari 328 knob on it, not only because the shift pattern is correct, but it actually feels pretty good.
–Stefan
In an old VW rabbit it HAS to be a Kamei golf ball
–Trent
If you want to read pages about shift knobs, here's that link again.
So what did we go with? Delrin. We’ve run them before and find them comfortable while delivering the right tactile feel and–here’s a biggie–not turning into the center of the sun during the summer. Installing Condor Speed Shop’s “Shorty” knob just requires a hex key. Different shift caps are offered, including those with the six-speed pattern. An old-school one caught our eye, however, so now our car has a five-speed box.
The feel, by the way, is perfect. Like, perfect.
(Wanna take this topic a bit more hardcore? Check out this piece that with did with BimmerWorld’s James Clay on the importance of clutch operation in relation to lap times.)
These M3 articles are killing me . . . I’ve reignited my search for another one.
In reply to ZOO (Forum Supporter) :
Get one!! 
In reply to David S. Wallens :
There are a few that have caught my eye. A lovely one in Atlanta . . . But retrieval is a pain right now with closed borders.
Never been unsatisfied with anything I have purchased from Condor.
Whalen Shift Machine are famous for heavy metal but will make a shift knob out of almost anything. I got a miniature snooker ball in my old Mini.
I am getting a new zhp knob for my m3/4/5
jfryjfry (FS) said:I am getting a new zhp knob for my m3/4/5
That's what I have on my e36. Great choice.
Olemiss540 said:Never been unsatisfied with anything I have purchased from Condor.
Carlos is good people. True story: I have something waiting in the garage for the Miata from the Condor catalog. (And, oddly, also have something from BimmerWorld on the way for the Miata, too.)
Slippery (Forum Supporter) said:jfryjfry (FS) said:I am getting a new zhp knob for my m3/4/5
That's what I have on my e36. Great choice.
My favorite. Perfect palm fit and the leather is butter. Also weighted.
Although I run a jaffster 6" delrin (sp) knob on my racecar and love the elevated shift position.....
David S. Wallens said:Olemiss540 said:Never been unsatisfied with anything I have purchased from Condor.
Carlos is good people. True story: I have something waiting in the garage for the Miata from the Condor catalog. (And, oddly, also have something from BimmerWorld on the way for the Miata, too.)
Serious question, is the e46 5 speed swapped or just ignoring the 6th speed?
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