Just thought I'd pass along my results after swapping the shift knobs on my e61 530XiT and e93 328 MT's. I gave up on finding real short shift kits for the e61 and found little for the e93 either, so I thought I'd at least try the ZHP knob swap to improve the feel of both shifts. These are two completely different trannies and linkages, with the e93 being a tighter throw originally. The e60's are just very soft and light feeling to me, sort of disconnected. In any case, for around $70 each, the knobs make a remarkable difference in the feel of both cars - much more than I would have thought likely for such a simple cheap swap. Even if you like the original feel, I think you would like the new feel even more. I bought a single knob first, to try it out, and ordered the second the day I insalled the first one. The swap take aabout 30 seconds, by the way.

 

Got some pics?

 

I took some of my ZHP shifter, I spent a little more not to have the //M logo.

 

You can retrofit the original ZHP one with the inserts, or just buy the whole thing from someone like this who does it.

link to inserts

 

It's crazy how much a difference it makes. I researched beforehand and decided to do this mod as well and was shocked by how much better the shifting felt to me - and I didn't dislike the original feel. I don't think I'd ever go back.

 

Just curious... I have the ///M 6sp knob... How would one swap the insert? Is it just in there with double-sided tape?

If so, I suspect that the removal of the old insert would in essence destroy it.

 

I made the switch months ago, so much better than the plastic chrome stock one. It makes shifting more natural.