SSK Reviews

[Circa Surviven]

I had the 330d lever (PN ends in 7259), it shortens the throw vs stock but sits too far to the right.

Then I switched to the E60 545i lever (PN ends in 6373) and it shortens the throw even further than 330d and does not sit as far to the right (but still a bit off center vs stock). It's ok. I want a CAE at some point because all these levers are just ok.

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)

[Obioban]

Yeah, the levers (and knobs) do the opposite of what I want. They decrease the shift distance without increasing precision. I want increased precision without decreased shift distance.

Off centering the shifter is just a bonus (negative).

[mrgizmo04]

I had the 330d lever (PN ends in 7259), it shortens the throw vs stock but sits too far to the right.

Then I switched to the E60 545i lever (PN ends in 6373) and it shortens the throw even further than 330d and does not sit as far to the right (but still a bit off center vs stock). It's ok. I want a CAE at some point because all these levers are just ok.

[Circa Surviven]

I did all shifter bushings on my car when I swapped in the 330d lever and I think it only feels okay. There's still a good amount of slop present, but I do like the throw of that lever a lot (the leaning not so much).

Recently rode in a car with an AS SSK and there was basically no slop. Should get mine installed this weekend, hoping it's a significant improvement over my current setup.

Found a DIY for the AS kit install.

http://m3.madrussian.net/diy_as_ssk.shtml

I'm probably going to switch to the e60 lever so I found this looking for a shifter removal DIY

[heinzboehmer]

I did all shifter bushings on my car when I swapped in the 330d lever and I think it only feels okay. There's still a good amount of slop present, but I do like the throw of that lever a lot (the leaning not so much).

Recently rode in a car with an AS SSK and there was basically no slop. Should get mine installed this weekend, hoping it's a significant improvement over my current setup.

[bimmer]

I also run an E60 lever but it’s not the “short” one. It still gives probably a 10% shorter throw and slightly lower knob position. Sits perfectly centered. Minimal added notchiness -this was my priority. I think the 2 E60 options are better than the 330d. My part number is 25117527261. The short version of the E60 is 25117546373

+1 on the E60. I am running the short version (25117546373) and am very happy with it. Although I did all the 150k mile old shifter bushings etc. at the same time as I'm sure a lot of folks do, so that makes it harder to be objective...

[T.J.]

I have the E60 lever and it's perfectly centered. I installed it with a Teflon Shifter Bushing. It's not exactly a SSK kit but I really like how it shift and no issue at all.

I also run an E60 lever but it’s not the “short” one. It still gives probably a 10% shorter throw and slightly lower knob position. Sits perfectly centered. Minimal added notchiness -this was my priority. I think the 2 E60 options are better than the 330d. My part number is 25117527261. The short version of the E60 is 25117546373

[Onefastsicilian]

I always see everyone praising the AS SSK as the best, even on the old M3F, and makes wonder if theres something up with my AS 30% kit or just badly installed? My car came with it and in my 2.5 years of ownership Ive gone though countless different shift knobs to try and make it more 'enjoyable'. With the ZHP knob it came with it was insanely notchy and even rough to get out of gear into the next sometimes.

My tranny is fine with no synchro issues and fluid hanged twice in my ownership (currently running Ravenol), but I've resorted to making my own custom extended weighted shift knob just to smoothen it out. I usually run that or the Jaffster V2, a knob i dont particular like but I need the tallness for leverage. Even with the 'tall ZHP' anatomic OEM knob it's too notchy and downshifts are a chore. I've considered removing it and going to OEM with new bushings.

Ditch that Ravenol.. I had ravenol in my car and hated it.. went back to oem fluid and it feels much better!

[old///MFanatic]

to anyone with the AS SSK and Jaffster V2....have you experieced or heard a rattle/noise when going over 50mph?

Nope, no noises and had it for some 8-9 years.
*Sorry just noticed "AND" that Jaffster shift knob.
I have run both the weighted stubby "zhp" knob and the weighted M5 F10 one with no issues. Can't add info about that Jaffster knob

[MarcoPolo]

to anyone with the AS SSK and Jaffster V2....have you experieced or heard a rattle/noise when going over 50mph? i heard it a few times and definitely hear something. i swapped back to the ZHP knob and the noise went away. i thought it was MY jaffster knob so i swapped with a friend...and i heard the noise....going to start taking things apart to see what it could be (boot, ring, clips, etc...) but just wondering if anyone else experienced anything.

to add my $0.02, i love my 30% AS SSK w/Jaffster. i'm told that my setup is roughly the same throw as OEM so if i did want shorter i could go with a little nicky knob. i temporarily put the ZHP knob and the throw was shorter but was MUCH MIUCH harder. the weight/height of the jaffster made it much easier to throw into gear.

-M

[Sharocks]

I have a 330d lever and it leans to the right. Hopefully the AutoSolutions SSK I just bought doesn't.

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

[heinzboehmer]

I went with the BMW "performance" SSK over the AS kit because of the cost. I don't like it. It leans too much to the right My 3rd gear shifts always feel wrong coming from a mazda miata 6 speed. This is my first SSK, so is third gear off center on all SSK kits?

I have a 330d lever and it leans to the right. Hopefully the AutoSolutions SSK I just bought doesn't.

[Circa Surviven]

Thanks for the helpful info on this thread. Been wondering the same as i prep for the smg swap

and this comment reminded me of this image ...

I would definitely look into the AS kit while your transmission is out. Mad Russian made a post about how it could easily be a 3-4 hour job at a shop. I'm kicking myself for not doing it while the transmission was out.

http://m3.madrussian.net/review_as_ssk.shtml

Not a DIY but has some pictures.

[van_basten]

I went with the BMW "performance" SSK over the AS kit because of the cost. I don't like it. It leans too much to the right My 3rd gear shifts always feel wrong coming from a mazda miata 6 speed. This is my first SSK, so is third gear off center on all SSK kits?

I have the E60 lever and it's perfectly centered. I installed it with a Teflon Shifter Bushing. It's not exactly a SSK kit but I really like how it shift and no issue at all.

[Rich_lol]

I've run a custom AS 45% SSK for the past 6 years. No ragrets.

Here's a vid of it:

Thanks for the helpful info on this thread. Been wondering the same as i prep for the smg swap

and this comment reminded me of this image ...