SSK Reviews

[Anders93]

The previous few posts are talking about the AS AutoX kit which doesn't actually use the bushing at all, it is a custom design that Ronald has come up with. Instead of having the nylon bushing that the shifter ball sits in the AutoX just has a teflon lined ball.

As far as refreshing the parts on an ultra kit (someone please correct if I'm wrong, don't want to be spreading misinfo), I believe the bushings he uses aren't the OEM ones which is why he sells it as a kit, so I don't know if you can just refresh them using parts from FCP. Looks like he's improved his website over the last year, you can read a bit about the different kits here. He's also super helpful if you reach out, A1 customer service.

http://www.autosolutions.info/applications/

This is exactly right. There are a couple different AS kits, and the autocross kit has a teflon spherical bearing which doesn't use the nylon cup bushing and plastic shift lever ball. This is what makes it feel so much more precise. It does, however, use the rear rubber bushing that attached the carrier to the car body. This bushing might be something worth refreshing (and it's pretty easy to do).

In the same vein, I'm surprised that no one has come up with a solution to replace this rubber bushing with a spherical bearing or something (maybe this isn't trivial because the carrier needs the extra play). I feel like that would eliminate nearly all residual slop.

[T.J.]

For reference, here is where the longer version of the E60 shifter sits (cinnamon interior) versus stock. Feels the same to me. The bigger adjustment was the half inch or so shorter knob height.

[Sharocks]

If you want to refresh your AS kit just send the kit back to him and he will rebuild/replace parts needed. Now I've seen some pretty sloppy 420G's so make sure that you're running at least OE fluid, have no play where the selector rod sits in the trans (I've seen some play there and that will take away from the experience) and lastly, this is very much dependent what knob you're running. If it's a taller knob like a Jaffster, it's not going to feel the same because you're shifting at a higher point. All of Ron's kits are designed around a stock height BMW shift knob. Not a ZHP knob and nothing taller. I've had this conversation with him before for racecars, he can extend the lever for you if you need it but anything taller than say 2 inches more from a stock knob will effect feel. If your car is a track car, what I'm planning on running in my Z3M Coupe is a AS 45% Ultimate SSK (same as I have in the M3) but with an extended lever to run one of my BMW Motorsport Golf Ball shift knobs. That's an option for you.

[sina]

just wanted to know what exactly you changed/upgrade?

The previous few posts are talking about the AS AutoX kit which doesn't actually use the bushing at all, it is a custom design that Ronald has come up with. Instead of having the nylon bushing that the shifter ball sits in the AutoX just has a teflon lined ball.

As far as refreshing the parts on an ultra kit (someone please correct if I'm wrong, don't want to be spreading misinfo), I believe the bushings he uses aren't the OEM ones which is why he sells it as a kit, so I don't know if you can just refresh them using parts from FCP. Looks like he's improved his website over the last year, you can read a bit about the different kits here. He's also super helpful if you reach out, A1 customer service.

http://www.autosolutions.info/applications/

[BigRussia]

Another vote for the AS autocross SSK. I just installed the 25% version this weekend. This thing is life changing. The install was life changing in a bad way, what a PITA. I came from an E60 shifter with relatively new (3 yrs old) bushing and a weighted ZHP shift knob, and the AS kit blows it out of the water. The throw is about the same, maybe a little shorter, but the effort is reduced thanks to the teflon bearing. It's much more precise feeling and less notchy. Really does feel like a rifle bolt.

I mentioned earlier on this thread my gripes with my AS 30% kit, my car had came with it and so I'm not sure what other things the PO changed or upgraded. Apparently he put new bushings at the time of install but just wanted to know what exactly you changed/upgrade? Maybe I can tackle this as a refresh/upgrade project to see if it improves the feel and make me fianlly enjoy shifting in this car. I really want my AS 30% kit to feel as life changing as you say yours is! Rifle bolt precision is always what I'd hear people say about older Porsches when bench marking how good a shifter is and I've always wanted that 😀

I've seen a Turner shifter bushing refresh kit on ECStuning, but again I'm not sure what my AS SSK was installed with.

[heinzboehmer]

Another vote for the AS autocross SSK. I just installed the 25% version this weekend. This thing is life changing.

Same and I agree. Biggest difference I can feel is just how much more precise this shifter is than what I had previously.

The install was life changing in a bad way, what a PITA.

Absolutely. I did this install while my transmission was out, but I had done a shifter bushing refresh before and it was terrible.

[cozmo kraemer]

I just ordered the AS autocross SSK in a 20% reduction. My engine and trans are out of the car, but are ready to go back. Anxiously awaiting it getting here, both to see the change, and to also get everything back together!

[Anders93]

Another vote for the AS autocross SSK. I just installed the 25% version this weekend. This thing is life changing. The install was life changing in a bad way, what a PITA. I came from an E60 shifter with relatively new (3 yrs old) bushing and a weighted ZHP shift knob, and the AS kit blows it out of the water. The throw is about the same, maybe a little shorter, but the effort is reduced thanks to the teflon bearing. It's much more precise feeling and less notchy. Really does feel like a rifle bolt.

[heinzboehmer]

It won't. Just don't install the lever backwards. Test before you put everything back together 100% lol

You were right.

330d:


AutoSolutions:

[Mystic3]

Went with UUC evo3 with DSSR
100 K on stock shifter. Couldn't hardly find a gear. Scared of money shift !!!
Reviewed a variety of replacements.
Quite happy with selection. Massive improvement . Also noticed slight rotational play with knob.
Hardly a concern considering the massive improvement.
Others have tried various different options and have selected different choices.
Not dissatisfied with my choice.

[ArtiM3]

I fitted rouge engineering octane ssk about 6 years ago. Massive improvement over the stock one. Superb quality

[Norocehcap]

AutoSolutions

[whoissuprme]

I'm currently running the OE 545 ssk w/ OEM F10 M5 knob/boot and it seems to work just fine. I think I will be going AS 30% in the future but as of right now it's not at the top of my priority list.

[Altaran]

Running the UUC Evo 3. I am perfectly happy with the way it shifts, the only thing that bugs me is that I can twist the shifter a bit since installing it...

[T.J.]

Thank you for sharing that! I don't think I want the throw to be shortened anymore then the 330d version so I'll look at the larger e60 version. (25117527261)

You won’t regret it!