Why do some people prefer the broomstick E46 M3 shift knob over the ZHP shift knob

[old///MFanatic]

I have a ZCP right now, and I plan to get the broomstick once I install an SSK. I like having more leverage with longer shift lever and having the shifter closer to the steering wheel. The ZCP is more of a knob than a lever.

You have a ZCP what exactly? Your model is a ‘02 so there’s no Competition Package offered.
Either way there no difference in shift knobs on the manual E46 M3s afaik.

[bagger]

In case anyone was curious, the heavier / taller one (https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...ob-25117896884) is the same height as the OEM broomstick. OEM weighed in around 3.1 oz, and the linked one weighed in around 5.8 oz. I remember when looking to never find a clear answer on how the height compared between the linked one and the OEM one - so maybe this helps someone one day.

[BBB]

You have a ZCP what exactly? Your model is a ‘02 so there’s no Competition Package offered.
Either way there no difference in shift knobs on the manual E46 M3s afaik.

The ZCP style knob (per the discussion thread).

[Sharocks]

The ZCP style knob (per the discussion thread).

It's a ZHP knob brotha

[Onefastsicilian]

idk, the broomstick is kinda comfortable to drive with.

[Slideways]

Another reason BMW might have chosen the taller shift knob was to make the shifter easier to operate when the center armrest is down.

Speaking of the center armrest, does anyone know a way to increase the resistance to pull down the armrest? Under heavier braking, it likes to fall down. I prefer keeping it in case of long drives, but might eventually have to get the armrest delete center console.

[old///MFanatic]

The ZCP style knob (per the discussion thread).

There is no unique ZCP (Competition Package) knob.

[old///MFanatic]

Another reason BMW might have chosen the taller shift knob was to make the shifter easier to operate when the center armrest is down.

The M3 stock “gooseneck” is only a tad over 0.5” (half an inch) taller than the weighted “zhp” knob. So I don’t see that as a likely reason.

[BBB]

Messing up on my codes 🤦♂️ understood.

[jrgatfh]

Slightly OT, but does anyone know the physical differences in the RHD vs LHD broomstick shift knob?

Don’t have the car with me at the moment so I can’t check if anything is asymmetrical with the shift boot.

TIA

[Thoglan]

Slightly OT, but does anyone know the physical differences in the RHD vs LHD broomstick shift knob?

Don’t have the car with me at the moment so I can’t check if anything is asymmetrical with the shift boot.

TIA

They have different part numbers since the broomstick has an integrated boot and the shape of the boot where it clips into the gear surround is assymetrical. Quite clearly seen on the LHD version in the picture below. The RHD version is obviously flipped.

[jrgatfh]

They have different part numbers since the broomstick has an integrated boot and the shape of the boot where it clips into the gear surround is assymetrical. Quite clearly seen on the LHD version in the picture below. The RHD version is obviously flipped.

Ok that’s what I suspected. Thanks for confirming!

[Cubieman]

The E60 M5 knob was perfect for me (5'10") until I moved to aftermarket seats that sit much lower, may have to try a ZHP knob, I had not wanted to go there as I don't necessarily like how the short ZHP knob is and with a 40% AS kit the taller E60 or stock knob helps a bit in making more deliberate shifts and not making a mistake potentially imo.

[zzyzx85]

In case anyone was curious, the heavier / taller one (https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...ob-25117896884) is the same height as the OEM broomstick. OEM weighed in around 3.1 oz, and the linked one weighed in around 5.8 oz. I remember when looking to never find a clear answer on how the height compared between the linked one and the OEM one - so maybe this helps someone one day.

I picked up one of these to try out. It's a nice height and I like the additional leverage...but it just doesn't feel as solid as the ZHP "shorty" knob. It also doesn't snap in like the ZHP either. it's a little too easy to slide off the shift lever (might be a AutoSolutions shifter problem)

[lemoose]

I picked up one of these to try out. It's a nice height and I like the additional leverage...but it just doesn't feel as solid as the ZHP "shorty" knob. It also doesn't snap in like the ZHP either. it's a little too easy to slide off the shift lever (might be a AutoSolutions shifter problem)

yea might be a shifter problem because i have the same knob and mine has resulted in a good bonk to the face