6MT M3 Owners: How do you like the shifter?

rzm3 · 08-21-2008, 03:00 PM

I've had my 6MT M3 for a couple months now, and the one thing I don't particularly enjoy is the shifter.

1) As many magazine said, it is "rubbery", e.g. not stiff enough. Even after you are in a gear, you can move beyond the point and bend the shifter.

2) Gear engagement is not very crisp or precise. I remember that my 335 had better gear engagement - you push, it clicks into a gear, that's it. With the M3 shifting just doesn't feel clean, gear shifts are always acompanied by something extra in the way.

3) Shift throw is a bit too long. Too much for a sports car.

4) Shifter not ergonomical, I can never find the right grip. I think that the top face is too flat. The regular 3 series M-tech shifter felt much better.

Anyway, just wanted to hear what you all want to say about the shifter. Also, what are my options in terms of upgrading it to a SSK, etc?

J08M3 · 08-21-2008, 03:04 PM

Personally I find it quite comfortable. Not that I've driven lots of high end sports cars, but I have no complaints.

Canyon Junkie · 08-21-2008, 03:20 PM

I think it feels similar the shifters in every other Bimmer I've owned.

Has anyone noticed how the leather from the boot is seamlessly connected with the smooth leather on the shifter? Can't tell if it's all one piece. Pretty cool!

farbarg · 08-21-2008, 03:24 PM

At first the rubbery-ness bugged me. But it's broken in nicely (now at 3300 miles), and continues to get better. First gear, though, can still be horribly notchy occasionally. That's my biggest gripe.

Bikerjoy · 08-21-2008, 03:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rldzhao

I've had my 6MT M3 for a couple months now, and the one thing I don't particularly enjoy is the shifter.

1) As many magazine said, it is "rubbery", e.g. not stiff enough. Even after you are in a gear, you can move beyond the point and bend the shifter.

2) Gear engagement is not very crisp or precise. I remember that my 335 had better gear engagement - you push, it clicks into a gear, that's it. With the M3 shifting just doesn't feel clean, gear shifts are always acompanied by something extra in the way.

3) Shift throw is a bit too long. Too much for a sports car.

4) Shifter not ergonomical, I can never find the right grip. I think that the top face is too flat. The regular 3 series M-tech shifter felt much better.

Anyway, just wanted to hear what you all want to say about the shifter. Also, what are my options in terms of upgrading it to a SSK, etc?

I only agree with point 3. The throw is a little long in my taste, other than that I find the gear box wonderfull. And it is only getting better with use too!

J08M3 · 08-21-2008, 03:43 PM

it definitely gets better with use, also with getting used to it.

!Xoible · 08-21-2008, 03:46 PM

UUC is developing one

AA already selling one

SSK is needed on the car. i find it ergonomic tho, otherwise i agree with all ur points.

now i sit and wait for JLevi to come and say they have something to sell

Kadarin · 08-21-2008, 03:47 PM

It's considerably better than the shifter in my last car, a 2005 GTO. Shifting that thing was like rowing a boat.

TLud · 08-21-2008, 03:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Canyon Junkie

I think it feels similar the shifters in every other Bimmer I've owned.

Has anyone noticed how the leather from the boot is seamlessly connected with the smooth leather on the shifter? Can't tell if it's all one piece. Pretty cool!

+1

Herms · 08-21-2008, 04:38 PM

I'd agree that the throw is a bit too long. Also, I find that 1st and 2nd can be notchy, especially cold. The placement of the shifter isn't ideal either. I find that from my ideal seating position, reaching for 5th requires a bit more of a stretch than I'd like.

Eurotrash8 · 08-21-2008, 04:38 PM

I agree with all of the above.

Waiting for uUC ahd one before and loved it

Drei Bimmers · 08-21-2008, 05:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by J08M3

it definitely gets better with use, also with getting used to it.

I agree, I thought it was a bit long, but after driving a friends E46 M3, mine is a big improvement. I would like a slightly shorter throw though...

sayemthree · 08-21-2008, 05:13 PM

its ok - not the best shifter- sertainly not the worst.

GregW / Oregon · 08-21-2008, 05:49 PM

The throw length does not bother me. I found that with over 4,500 miles now the "notchiness", espcially 1-2, has improved greatly. Shift knobs are easy to replace if iyours doesn't suit you.

ase2dais · 08-21-2008, 05:52 PM

... you dont know what long throw really is unless you came from a e46 6MT M3 I feel the e92 shifter is much better engaging in gear. Love It!

Davinhci · 08-21-2008, 05:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sayemthree

its ok - not the best shifter- sertainly not the worst.

+1

badfish · 08-21-2008, 06:29 PM

I really dislike my shifter. It's all the negatives that have been pointed out before. The other day I was in 6th and wanted to drop it into 3rd but instead I hit 5th by mistake. I find it too soft and ambiguous. When I drive my NSX, it reminds me of how a shifter should feel. Short shift kit with a notchier feel and a heavier shift knob would make me happy. But as you can tell, some people are happy with it and some are not. It's personal preference.

umwolverine · 08-21-2008, 06:31 PM

I have grown to like it. Just like someone else said, the more the miles, the better it gets.

rzm3 · 08-21-2008, 06:34 PM

So what short shift kit replacements are out there? BMW probably won't release one right?

rzm3 · 08-21-2008, 06:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GregW / Oregon

The throw length does not bother me. I found that with over 4,500 miles now the "notchiness", espcially 1-2, has improved greatly. Shift knobs are easy to replace if iyours doesn't suit you.

hey greg, what knob replacements are available?

tightie · 08-21-2008, 07:10 PM

i just need a shorter throw...

Damage Inc · 08-21-2008, 09:38 PM

I like the shifter, but I'm used to driving bimmers.

I changed one of my E46 M3's to a ssk and it changed the character of the car. I regretted it.

08-21-2008, 03:00 PM	#1
rzm3 Moderator 673 Rep 4,737 Posts Drives: E92 M3 Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: USA iTrader: (18)	6MT M3 Owners: How do you like the shifter? I've had my 6MT M3 for a couple months now, and the one thing I don't particularly enjoy is the shifter. 1) As many magazine said, it is "rubbery", e.g. not stiff enough. Even after you are in a gear, you can move beyond the point and bend the shifter. 2) Gear engagement is not very crisp or precise. I remember that my 335 had better gear engagement - you push, it clicks into a gear, that's it. With the M3 shifting just doesn't feel clean, gear shifts are always acompanied by something extra in the way. 3) Shift throw is a bit too long. Too much for a sports car. 4) Shifter not ergonomical, I can never find the right grip. I think that the top face is too flat. The regular 3 series M-tech shifter felt much better. Anyway, just wanted to hear what you all want to say about the shifter. Also, what are my options in terms of upgrading it to a SSK, etc?
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

08-21-2008, 03:04 PM	#2
J08M3 Major General 286 Rep 6,007 Posts Drives: 2011 M3 COUPE Join Date: May 2008 Location: NEW YORK iTrader: (8)	Personally I find it quite comfortable. Not that I've driven lots of high end sports cars, but I have no complaints. __________________
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-21-2008, 03:20 PM	#3
Canyon Junkie Private First Class 5 Rep 110 Posts Drives: 2008 M3 Sedan Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Boulder, CO iTrader: (0)	I think it feels similar the shifters in every other Bimmer I've owned. Has anyone noticed how the leather from the boot is seamlessly connected with the smooth leather on the shifter? Can't tell if it's all one piece. Pretty cool!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-21-2008, 03:24 PM	#4
farbarg First Lieutenant 28 Rep 311 Posts Drives: SSII e90 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: San Diego iTrader: (0)	At first the rubbery-ness bugged me. But it's broken in nicely (now at 3300 miles), and continues to get better. First gear, though, can still be horribly notchy occasionally. That's my biggest gripe.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-21-2008, 03:43 PM	#6
J08M3 Major General 286 Rep 6,007 Posts Drives: 2011 M3 COUPE Join Date: May 2008 Location: NEW YORK iTrader: (8)	it definitely gets better with use, also with getting used to it. __________________
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-21-2008, 03:46 PM	#7
!Xoible Banned 837 Rep 46,029 Posts Drives: .... Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: . iTrader: (4) Garage List 2008 M3 [4.00] 2007 335i [9.00] 2008 528i [8.00] 2006 Infiniti - G35 ... [8.00]	UUC is developing one AA already selling one SSK is needed on the car. i find it ergonomic tho, otherwise i agree with all ur points. now i sit and wait for JLevi to come and say they have something to sell
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-21-2008, 03:47 PM	#8
Kadarin Ambassador of Crunk 17 Rep 606 Posts Drives: SG/blk '08 E92 M3 Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: San Jose, CA iTrader: (0)	It's considerably better than the shifter in my last car, a 2005 GTO. Shifting that thing was like rowing a boat.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-21-2008, 04:38 PM	#10
Herms First Lieutenant 26 Rep 395 Posts Drives: '15 M235i Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: LA. CA iTrader: (0)	I'd agree that the throw is a bit too long. Also, I find that 1st and 2nd can be notchy, especially cold. The placement of the shifter isn't ideal either. I find that from my ideal seating position, reaching for 5th requires a bit more of a stretch than I'd like. __________________ '07 e92 335i (sold) '08 e90 M3 (sold) '15 M235i
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-21-2008, 04:38 PM	#11
Eurotrash8 Captain 70 Rep 628 Posts Drives: 2008 E92 M3 Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Calgary, Alberta iTrader: (4)	I agree with all of the above. Waiting for uUC ahd one before and loved it
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-21-2008, 05:13 PM	#13
sayemthree Major General 597 Rep 5,448 Posts Drives: ‘20 X3mC ‘20 Raptor ‘04 X3 6mt Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: usa so cal , AZ iTrader: (0)	its ok - not the best shifter- sertainly not the worst. __________________ Fore Sale Rare 6 speed manual X3 3.oi silver over grey. PM me
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-21-2008, 05:49 PM	#14
GregW / Oregon Commander-In-Chief 2122 Rep 8,924 Posts Drives: 2023 M2 Coupe, 2020 GLE 450 Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Lake Oswego, OR iTrader: (3) Garage List 2023 M2 Coupe [9.83] 2020 Mercedes GLE 450 [7.25]	The throw length does not bother me. I found that with over 4,500 miles now the "notchiness", espcially 1-2, has improved greatly. Shift knobs are easy to replace if iyours doesn't suit you. __________________ Greg Lake Oswego, Oregon, USA 2023 M2 Coupe - Brooklyn Grey/Cognac/CF, 6MT; 2020 MB GLE 450
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-21-2008, 05:52 PM	#15
ase2dais //Mdicted 347 Rep 9,988 Posts Drives: a Cop Magnet Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: 495 Ring iTrader: (18) Garage List 2009 e92 M3 DCT CF ... [10.00] 2015 S-Works Roubaix [0.00] 2013 Trek Madone 5.9 [9.50] 2012 Scott - CR1-Pro [10.00] 2008 e92 M3 6MT (Up ... [10.00] 2002 e46 M3 Cabriol ... [7.00] 2006 e90-325i (DD) [7.00] 2002 e39 M5 (retired) [9.50]	... you dont know what long throw really is unless you came from a e46 6MT M3 I feel the e92 shifter is much better engaging in gear. Love It! __________________ Oo\(lll)'(lll)/oO : 2009-e92 ///M3 SpaceGry DCT CF Rf/Trim ZTP ZPP ZCW Sat/PrmSd : \_lOOl___lOOl_/<< Clickies
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-21-2008, 06:29 PM	#17
badfish Major 100 Rep 1,035 Posts Drives: E92 AW M3 Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: SoCal iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 M3 [0.00]	I really dislike my shifter. It's all the negatives that have been pointed out before. The other day I was in 6th and wanted to drop it into 3rd but instead I hit 5th by mistake. I find it too soft and ambiguous. When I drive my NSX, it reminds me of how a shifter should feel. Short shift kit with a notchier feel and a heavier shift knob would make me happy. But as you can tell, some people are happy with it and some are not. It's personal preference. __________________
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-21-2008, 06:31 PM	#18
umwolverine Second Lieutenant 9 Rep 274 Posts Drives: 2008 Jerez M3 Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Maryland iTrader: (0)	I have grown to like it. Just like someone else said, the more the miles, the better it gets. __________________
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-21-2008, 06:34 PM	#19
rzm3 Moderator 673 Rep 4,737 Posts Drives: E92 M3 Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: USA iTrader: (18)	So what short shift kit replacements are out there? BMW probably won't release one right?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-21-2008, 07:10 PM	#21
tightie JOSH SHOKRI. 524 Rep 5,881 Posts Drives: 991 GT3RS, 964, Raptor Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: los angeles, california. iTrader: (7) Garage List 2008 BMW M3 [7.90]	i just need a shorter throw... __________________ Current: 16 991 GT3RS , 91 964 C2, 17 Raptor \| Past: 2015 991 GT3, 2015 i3,15 YMB F80 M3, 13 E92 M3 DCT, 08 E92 M3 6MT, 07 E60 M5, 02 E46 M3 Instagram: @josh_speeddistrict #SpeedDistrict @SpeedDistrict
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-21-2008, 09:38 PM	#22
Damage Inc Lieutenant Colonel 790 Rep 1,925 Posts Drives: 2017 M2 Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Nashville iTrader: (1)	I like the shifter, but I'm used to driving bimmers. I changed one of my E46 M3's to a ssk and it changed the character of the car. I regretted it. __________________ Current: 17 OG M2 / R8 Performance Past Performance Cars: 01 M3, 05 M3, 06 M5, 08 M6, 08 M3, 11 M3, 13 M3, 15 M3, 911 C4S, 911 GTS, 17 M2,R8 V8, R8 RWS
	Appreciate 0 Quote