Upgrading your BMW’s gear knob is one of the most popular and accessible modifications that can significantly improve both the aesthetics and functionality of your vehicle’s interior. Whether you drive a manual or automatic BMW, a quality aftermarket shift knob can enhance your driving experience while adding a personal touch to your car’s cockpit.
Why Upgrade Your BMW Gear Knob?
Installing a new shift knob not only improves the looks of your car’s interior, but it can even improve your driving performance. Modern aftermarket shift knobs often feature weighted tops, which help you shift faster and more precisely. This is particularly beneficial for BMW enthusiasts who appreciate the tactile feedback and enhanced control that comes with a well-designed shift knob.
Manual Transmission Gear Knob Upgrades
Manual Transmission Gear Knob Upgrades
For BMW manual transmissions, particularly models like the E30 E36 E46 E90, the upgrade process is relatively straightforward but requires attention to detail. The installation involves removing the existing knob and replacing it with an aftermarket option that can provide improved functionality and aesthetics.
Step 1: Remove the Old Shift Knob
The first step in replacing the shift knob is to remove the old shift knob. For most BMW manual transmissions, you simply need to pull up on the old knob, though you may need to use considerable force to get the knob off. Be careful not to let the knob hit you in the face when it does finally come off the shaft.
If your existing knob has additional features like lighting, you may find wires coming out of the knob and running down under the shift boot. In such cases, simply cut these wires, tape the ends off, then stuff the wires back down into the shift boot, as you may want to change back to a lighted shift knob at a later date.
Step 2: Prepare the New Knob
High-quality aftermarket knobs, such as those produced by manufacturers such as Coolshiftknobs, have a rich product line adapted to BMW manual transmissions. In terms of materials, there are retro solid wood gear knobs, weighted stainless steel gear knobs, extremely comfortable Pom gear knobs, and original leather gear knobs. There are also BMW-specific gear knob adapters. After installing them, you can install most modified gear knobs on the market, truly realizing personalized modification.
Step 3: Prepare the New Knob
For Original BMW Gear Knob, with the tape in place, simply slide the new knob onto the shaft and over the tape, pushing it down as far as it will go. For Custom gear knobs, First, install the BMW-specific adapter and fix the adapter by fixing the 8 hexagonal screws on the side. Then install the modified gear knob directly through the thread.
Manual Transmission Gear Knob Upgrades
The transformation from a worn leather knob to a precision-engineered aluminum shift knob can be dramatic. The weighted design provides better momentum during shifts, while the improved grip and ergonomics enhance overall driver control and satisfaction.
Automatic Transmission Gear Knob Considerations
Although there are relatively few BMW automatic transmission modification products, BMW automatic transmissions also provide customization opportunities. However, automatic transmission shift lever upgrades usually require the following considerations:
Key Differences for Automatic Transmissions
Electronic Integration: Many modern BMW automatic transmissions feature electronic shift controls that may require specialized adapters or programming.
Shift Pattern: Automatic transmissions use different shift patterns (P-R-N-D-S) compared to manual transmissions.
Among the upgrade plans for BMW automatic transmission models, we especially recommend the crystal gear knob upgrade kit, which is a high-end modification product designed specifically for BMW automatic transmission models. It is widely applicable to models with BMW E F G chassis. The crystal gear lever kit is a four-piece set, including: crystal gear lever, multimedia control button, start button, volume button.
This crystal gear knob can not only enhance the luxury of BMW interior, but also ensure the integrity of the original car function. Through the professional installation process, it can ensure the best performance of the product and bring a unique driving experience to your BMW.
Upgrading your BMW’s gear knob is an excellent way to enhance both the appearance and functionality of your vehicle’s interior. For manual transmissions, the process is straightforward and can provide immediate improvements in shift feel and aesthetics. While automatic transmission upgrades require more careful consideration of compatibility and electronic integration, both manual and automatic BMW owners can benefit from this popular modification.
