Best replacement for OEM shifter?

[scubastove]

My car has the stock shifter, it's seen better days and I'm looking to get a ZHP shift knob for it. Do I just get the knob, or should I get the whole assembly? I would be looking at the F10 M5 shifter:

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-bmw-parts/leather-illuminated-shift-knob-6-speed/25112284205/?gclid=CjwKCAjwguzzBRBiEiwAgU0FT7qHMgEODTPGkWtV53w2UDKtxAO1j62t7I08qkSQYYRUcGUGirkrOxoCidoQAvD_BwE

Is this shorter than the stock shifter height? What is the best solution to freshen up my gear lever situation?

[M Pete]

That is the one I have. It is shorter than our OEM and works very well with our interior. like it came with it.

Oh $h!t....I just looked at the price of those now. I got mine for $90. You have o cut the boots of the shifters o make it work though, so I don't know if I"d pay $238 just to have an illuminated one. I guess you could try to glue it on the E46 frame. But for that price???

[Slideways]

The F10 shift knob has illumination while the ZHP one does not. The F10 also needs the boot frame transferred from the E46 shift boot. They are both slightly shorter than stock.

[scubastove]

Well I think I would need a whole new shift boot as well since the OEM shift knob and boot seem to be a single piece (https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...r/25112282450/)

What would be the most cost-effective solution here? Looks like getting an aftermarket shift boot and a ZHP shift knob?

[Slideways]

Using the ZHP knob, you can reuse the stock one piece shift knob/boot by cutting the boot portion from the knob. Then invert the boot, install on the shift lever, secure the top portion with a zip tie on the shift lever, and invert again and install the boot on the console. Finally, install the ZHP knob. That is the most cost-effective solution. I got the F10 one when it was $125, so cost was pretty reasonable a few years ago