SSK Reviews

[acb.m3]

I'll add some thoughts as I have had both AutoSolutions and CAE on my E92. Will be going back to AutoSolutions on the E92 so I can have the CAE ready to swap onto my E46 this year when I intentionally kill SMG.

AutoSolutions is about 15% reduction - feels good, more feedback than stock. I hesitate to say more precise as it doesn't fundamentally do anything to change or alter the mechanics of the transmission or the shift action. You will still have some side to side play in gear and no additional centering force. Personally I think slightly stiffer detent springs would really complement this type of shifter. Still nice improvement over stock though I feel that much of the hype is just that... hype.

CAE is incredible when it's dialed in right - shifting is just so satisfying when driving hard, and is even a fun novelty when driving normally. However... and it's a big HOWEVER, you will need to do some supporting mods like engine mounts and trans mounts to ensure that your shifts are accurate. This will introduce a significant amount of NVH into the cabin - the worst of which is from trans mounts. It's not the good kind of NVH either. Additionally, chassis mount shifters with large levers can be quite hard on synchros if you don't understand that absolutely nothing changes about your transmission just because you installed a shifter. You couldn't absolutely slam gears before and you still can't after, yet having such large lever allows you to do so and thus you'll wreck your synchros. So syncho wear IMO is really a user error because you can shift a CAE with very minimal effort and let the synchros do their job and have no additional wear over a trans mount shifter.

Had a street height RTD but that shifter was absolutely terrible. Manufacturing looked great, operation was awful.

[Hammerfang]

There’s no reason to get anything other than the Auto Solutions kit.

but, yes, stock knob ftw.

Only issue I’ve had is trying to get one. I’ve reached out a few times and haven’t gotten a response…

[Obioban]

I much prefer to stick with the stock knob. Any folks here using the RE Octane kit and happy? Thx.

There’s no reason to get anything other than the Auto Solutions kit.

but, yes, stock knob ftw.

[AbbeyRoad]

I much prefer to stick with the stock knob. Any folks here using the RE Octane kit and happy? Thx.

[tnord]

I have the 330d and never noticed that it's offset over to the right, but now I want to try the e60 just to see. I probably put that in 10 years ago so it's just normal to me now. I also did a shifter rebuild kit with one of the bushings replaced with delrin. There's another bushing I didn't put delrin in but kind of wish I did.

Now if my synchros just worked better.

[Cronenberged]

I had the OEM short shifter kit that was on Tischer/getbmwparts and paired that with AKGs selector rod and it was very smooth.

Currently running RTDs shorter v2 or 3 can't remember, but whatever one allows for use of OE knobs. I bought it for dual purpose street/track. Took some getting use to, but I enjoy it, plus it doesn't require modification to any of the console.

Never installed mine as I had them installed when other work was being performed. A tech did advice me though that you could loosen the rear trans mounts and get it to sink enough to install the selector rod.

[m3nt0s]

While we are on the subject, anyone know what shifter the VAC motorsports lever comes from?

VAC Motorsports 'Better Than New' OEM + Shift kit, BMW E46 M3

They really need to proofread their site

[heinzboehmer]

While we are on the subject, anyone know what shifter the VAC motorsports lever comes from?

VAC Motorsports 'Better Than New' OEM + Shift kit, BMW E46 M3

That's the 330d shifter. P/n 25117527252

Looks like vac is selling it for significantly less than other retailers.

[Icecream]

VAC, so they probably pull it out of a dumpster.

haha. saw that coming. but serious lol. Not to change subject much but their exhaust hub was a super nice piece. Just saying , and this is claimed to be an oem part but I want to know which one!!

[Obioban]

While we are on the subject, anyone know what shifter the VAC motorsports lever comes from?

VAC Motorsports 'Better Than New' OEM + Shift kit, BMW E46 M3

VAC, so they probably pull it out of a dumpster.

[Icecream]

While we are on the subject, anyone know what shifter the VAC motorsports lever comes from?

VAC Motorsports 'Better Than New' OEM + Shift kit, BMW E46 M3

[keljos]

Mine is being made as we speak. I specifically asked Ron about this and he said did you hear otherwise?

When i was working with him to have mine made, he had it as one of the parameters you could request. Ex. you could request it to default to the OEM middle position in neutral, or slightly right/left. As long as you let him know this is important to you he should be able to accomodate.

[jet_dogg]

Mine is being made as we speak. I specifically asked Ron about this and he said did you hear otherwise?

[Toby22]

Not supposed to be.

I have a bmw lighted 6 speed knob with a divorced alcantara boot, that metal ring on the collar of the other knobs just bugs me.

Do you have AS SSK? Yours isn’t off centered?

[jet_dogg]

I love how he doesn't have a commerce site, the guy is smart. He doesn't want to deal with the bullshit associated with people who don't know what they want or what to expect so a call is in order. An ssk is a very personal thing so I think more often than not people change their minds on what they want after speaking to him.

He provides much more information than he could possibly put on a website and he's a really nice guy, well at least he fooled me 😂