Storm Motorwerks touts themselves as “engineered automotive art” and there probably couldn’t be a more accurate translation of what they offer. As with all art, high volume production runs aren’t things that Storm hold as a high priority; instead, this UK-based outfit far prefers a reputation based upon quality, and with it, a tangible improvement of your driving experience.
If this sentiment toward quality sounds familiar, it should. The figurehead behind Storm Motorwerks is also the shared mastermind behind Eventuri—a brand you’d be all too familiar with as an IND fan. Indeed, Storm was a venture that started during the E46 M3 era and remains a brand that this ever-popular demographic stands behind today.
The formula was straight-forward: address all the things that provide tactile feedback during a typical drive and make them better. As such, you’ll notice that a majority of Storm Motorwerks’ product offering centers on replacement shift knobs.
V1 Shift Knob:
This style most resembles a factory BMW knob for modern applications and is available in one of two finishes: brushed stainless steel or titanium plated (PVD) stainless steel. As you’d imagine, this material change nets an immense increase in weight—the V1 tips the scales at 18.8oz whereas a ZHP knob (already considered a sizable upgrade over stock) weighs a scant 6.2oz by comparison. The additional heft translates into an equally immense increase in shifter feel and confidence.
Storm V1 Knob = 18.8oz
OEM ZHP Knob = 6.2oz
OEM Motorsport Golf Ball Knob = 2.8oz
Within these two finishes, there are two style options: “shift lines” and “M logo”. The latter is rather self-explanatory as BMW fans, while the former presents the traditional shift pattern in a modern way. The knob is secured with a set screw and Allen key, both of which are included for your convenience.
V2 Shift Knob:
Version two takes on a more vintage vibe more reminiscent of the M-Technic knobs found in the E28 M5, E30 M3, and the like. The homage continues beyond the overall shape—each shift pattern inlay wears the M tri-colors proudly—which helps convey a very OEM+ aesthetic. Similar to the V1 knob, this vintage variant carries a substantial weight upgrade which provides a similar improvement in feel. The knob is secured with a set screw and Allen key, both of which are included for your convenience.
Storm V2 Knob = 15.1oz
OEM ZHP Knob = 6.2oz
OEM Motorsport Golf Ball Knob = 2.8oz
Again similar to the aforementioned V1, Version 2 is available in either brushed stainless steel or titanium plated (PVD) stainless steel finishes.
Parking Brake Handle
The quality of the machining and overall design of this product sets it apart from any other aftermarket handbrake handle on the global market. The gentle curve from the base to the top feels ergonomically correct and the internal design of the handle ensures a snug fit against the handbrake shaft.
Whereas most other aftermarket handles keep the standard plastic release button, Storm Motorwerks have taken that extra step and developed an oversized stainless steel button for a finished look.
E46 M3 Illuminated SMG Paddle Set, SMG Shift Knob, and SMG Gaiter Ring
Finally we're happy to report we now carry Storm Motorwerk's most popular product line; the E46 SMG Stainless Steel components. The passive illumination trickery for the “+” and “-” in each paddle light up within glass vials with no external power source; a bit of a nod to the lume found in classic timepieces. The rear of the paddles feature a machined plastic handle and additionally a neoprene layer which allows for a tactile feel no matter what the ambient temperature is.
We are all familiar with the cheap plastic feel of the OE SMG Shift Knob. Thankfully, the Storm Motorwerks V3 SMG Shift Knob retains the same overall dimensions of the OEM knob, but incorporates an elegant profile with some detailing grooves to enhance its subtle curvature. Machined from stainless steel and finished off with the SMG shift pattern engraving, the V3 SMG is an upgrade to the OEM effort in every way. When coupled with the stainless steel SMG Gaiter Ring, the overall improvement is subtle, yet significant. The Gaiter Ring features a tapered top face which drops into a curve - this combination of geometries makes the ambient light reflect in a way such as to accentuate the overall design. Storm Motorwerks also incorporated seven machined dimples to retain an OEM feel as the original has the same number of set screws around its perimeter.
Spoiled for Choice
Storm Motorwerks may not be new, but we are thrilled to bring even more deserved attention to one of the OG’s in the game. The entire lineup of Storm products represents yet another premium option for BMW owners that we at IND wholeheartedly endorse.
If this sentiment toward quality sounds familiar, it should. The figurehead behind Storm Motorwerks is also the shared mastermind behind Eventuri—a brand you’d be all too familiar with as an IND fan. Indeed, Storm was a venture that started during the E46 M3 era and remains a brand that this ever-popular demographic stands behind today.
The formula was straight-forward: address all the things that provide tactile feedback during a typical drive and make them better. As such, you’ll notice that a majority of Storm Motorwerks’ product offering centers on replacement shift knobs.
V1 Shift Knob:
This style most resembles a factory BMW knob for modern applications and is available in one of two finishes: brushed stainless steel or titanium plated (PVD) stainless steel. As you’d imagine, this material change nets an immense increase in weight—the V1 tips the scales at 18.8oz whereas a ZHP knob (already considered a sizable upgrade over stock) weighs a scant 6.2oz by comparison. The additional heft translates into an equally immense increase in shifter feel and confidence.
Storm V1 Knob = 18.8oz
OEM ZHP Knob = 6.2oz
OEM Motorsport Golf Ball Knob = 2.8oz
Within these two finishes, there are two style options: “shift lines” and “M logo”. The latter is rather self-explanatory as BMW fans, while the former presents the traditional shift pattern in a modern way. The knob is secured with a set screw and Allen key, both of which are included for your convenience.
V2 Shift Knob:
Version two takes on a more vintage vibe more reminiscent of the M-Technic knobs found in the E28 M5, E30 M3, and the like. The homage continues beyond the overall shape—each shift pattern inlay wears the M tri-colors proudly—which helps convey a very OEM+ aesthetic. Similar to the V1 knob, this vintage variant carries a substantial weight upgrade which provides a similar improvement in feel. The knob is secured with a set screw and Allen key, both of which are included for your convenience.
Storm V2 Knob = 15.1oz
OEM ZHP Knob = 6.2oz
OEM Motorsport Golf Ball Knob = 2.8oz
Again similar to the aforementioned V1, Version 2 is available in either brushed stainless steel or titanium plated (PVD) stainless steel finishes.
Parking Brake Handle
The quality of the machining and overall design of this product sets it apart from any other aftermarket handbrake handle on the global market. The gentle curve from the base to the top feels ergonomically correct and the internal design of the handle ensures a snug fit against the handbrake shaft.
Whereas most other aftermarket handles keep the standard plastic release button, Storm Motorwerks have taken that extra step and developed an oversized stainless steel button for a finished look.
E46 M3 Illuminated SMG Paddle Set, SMG Shift Knob, and SMG Gaiter Ring
Finally we're happy to report we now carry Storm Motorwerk's most popular product line; the E46 SMG Stainless Steel components. The passive illumination trickery for the “+” and “-” in each paddle light up within glass vials with no external power source; a bit of a nod to the lume found in classic timepieces. The rear of the paddles feature a machined plastic handle and additionally a neoprene layer which allows for a tactile feel no matter what the ambient temperature is.
We are all familiar with the cheap plastic feel of the OE SMG Shift Knob. Thankfully, the Storm Motorwerks V3 SMG Shift Knob retains the same overall dimensions of the OEM knob, but incorporates an elegant profile with some detailing grooves to enhance its subtle curvature. Machined from stainless steel and finished off with the SMG shift pattern engraving, the V3 SMG is an upgrade to the OEM effort in every way. When coupled with the stainless steel SMG Gaiter Ring, the overall improvement is subtle, yet significant. The Gaiter Ring features a tapered top face which drops into a curve - this combination of geometries makes the ambient light reflect in a way such as to accentuate the overall design. Storm Motorwerks also incorporated seven machined dimples to retain an OEM feel as the original has the same number of set screws around its perimeter.
Spoiled for Choice
Storm Motorwerks may not be new, but we are thrilled to bring even more deserved attention to one of the OG’s in the game. The entire lineup of Storm products represents yet another premium option for BMW owners that we at IND wholeheartedly endorse.
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