[TurboFan]

I'd like to know what the problem would be with xi? I just installed the OEM SSK in my 335xi, works flawlessly. The reach is further forward than I'd like, but the shifts are sooo much shorter. If I could get one that would shorten the reach AND the shifts, I'd buy it.

[kevkaz]

Finally we've had a couple of relatively nice days, so I got to try out my new SSK some more. My first drive was pretty tame since the weather was pretty bad. Now that it has dried up a bit I was able to have a little more fun.

To be honest, I'm less than thrilled with the AA SSK because:

1) The throws are shorter, but don't really seem that much shorter after some more driving.
2) The knob sits much higher now, which seems to negate the effect of the SSK to some degree, I think.
3) No claims were made for this SSK to fix this, but the 'notchy' feeling between 1-2 is pretty much still there.

Anyone else who has this agree?

edit:
Oh yeah, throw in the fact that AA didn't ship me everything the first time, didn't reply to my first email, and then didn't reply to another email this week... not what I'd say a very good first impression.

[andrewflk]

I have to say less than thrilled also.

Mine was installed Friday and it took them about two hours.

Despite already owning a BMW short knob I ordered mine with the AA shift knob because I had the suspicion that the extra weight of the knob would improve the feel. Problem was the mechanic could not get the AA shift knob on the AA shift lever. So I told him to go ahead and put the BMW short knob on. After driving this way for a bit I found it too low and a bit notchy…so I gave the AA knob another try. In the process of trying to force the AA knob on I dislodged the shift lever from the carrier. Fortunately, with the aid of the SSK DIY, I was able to get it fixed and get the AA knob on the AA lever (although I’m not sure if I will ever be able to get it back off without breaking anything).

Needless to say I was pretty frustrated with the poor fit and my guess is that the AA shift lever was machined slightly too big because the AA knob will fit on the OEM lever and the OEM knob is also a very tight fit on the AA shifter.

After all that being said the shift is noticeably shorter with a lot less side to side play than OEM…but the shift is as notchy as OEM when selecting first or second gear.

Overall I think having to change out the carrier is more hassle than it’s worth. And if you do order with the knob be sure to test fit it on the shifter before you install.

Is the shift knob sold separately that just fits a regular AT transmission? I kinda like it, if so PM Me please a price and link.

[kevkaz]

Originally Posted by andrewflk

So I told him to go ahead and put the BMW short knob on. After driving this way for a bit I found it too low and a bit notchy…so I gave the AA knob another try.

Too LOW? The overall height of the lever with the BMW short knob is noticeably HIGHER on mine now... It definitely feels different, I'm not sure if I like it that way or not. Seems like raising the height negates some of the benefit of a SSK, though I'm no expert on SSKs. This is where I could use some help from you folks out there, since maybe it was installed incorrectly or heaven forbid AA sent me parts for a different BMW, which wouldn't entirely shock me since the directions were for a E46. I had the SSK installed by a local shop which has done many other SSKs on BMWs and I trust they knew what they were doing.

I have emailed AA twice about the height issue, haven't gotten a reply - second email was sent yesterday (Sat) so maybe they'll reply tomorrow. Guess I sound like I'm bashing them endlessly, but I have been completely UNimpressed by a company that otherwise seems to be one of the more reputable ones on this board.

Kevin

[kevkaz]

Here are 4 pics that show the AA SSK w/BMW short knob in my car. First two pics are in neutral. Third shot is in 1st, fourth shot is in 2nd.

The first pic shows how high up the knob sits.

[Gen_E92]

why would anyone buy this when the oem ssk is so much cheaper and easier to install, and everyone who has it seems to be really happy as well.

[335Xray]

Originally Posted by Gen_E92

why would anyone buy this when the oem ssk is so much cheaper and easier to install, and everyone who has it seems to be really happy as well.

True, but there is the issue of the OEM SSK putting the stick way forward. Neutral is like third gear which some people do not real like.

More importantly, why has no one from Active Autowerks stopped by to answer some of the questions posed? If you want to sell something to us, you gotta give us a bit of customer service.

[andrewflk]

Originally Posted by kevkaz

Too LOW? The overall height of the lever with the BMW short knob is noticeably HIGHER on mine now... It definitely feels different, I'm not sure if I like it that way or not. Seems like raising the height negates some of the benefit of a SSK, though I'm no expert on SSKs. This is where I could use some help from you folks out there, since maybe it was installed incorrectly or heaven forbid AA sent me parts for a different BMW, which wouldn't entirely shock me since the directions were for a E46. I had the SSK installed by a local shop which has done many other SSKs on BMWs and I trust they knew what they were doing.

I have emailed AA twice about the height issue, haven't gotten a reply - second email was sent yesterday (Sat) so maybe they'll reply tomorrow. Guess I sound like I'm bashing them endlessly, but I have been completely UNimpressed by a company that otherwise seems to be one of the more reputable ones on this board.

Kevin

I actually don’t think mine sits much if any higher than the stock lever. But I’ve been changing out different knobs so maybe I lost my feel for the stock height. I should probably qualify my “too low” statement by saying that I think the AA SSK feels better with a taller shift knob because the increased leverage helps offset the increased shift effort...But it's all your prefrence.

Did you ever get an answer from AA?

[kevkaz]

Originally Posted by andrewflk

Did you ever get an answer from AA?

Yes, they did get back to me yesterday. Thought I posted but looks like I did not. They confirmed that the height is raised by a little less than 1 inch which is consistent with how my car is set up now.

After a few more drives, the height change does not really bother me all that much. I am using the OEM Short knob, not the stock one. With the stock one the difference is surely even more noticeable.

I was a bit surprised by the change at first and wanted to be sure this was normal. I guess I expected more from this, but I think its still an improvement. When I get a chance to do some more fun driving (weather + OEM RFTs = no fun in Chicago) maybe I'll appreciate the SSK more.

The effort required to shift with the AA SSK is about the same as stock. The throws are shorter, the 30% number that's quoted seems about right. The "notchy" feeling from 1-2 is still there, though diminished somewhat. Haven't done any real hard 1-2 shifts yet though... gotta wait for warmer weather.

[andrewflk]

Originally Posted by kevkaz

The effort required to shift with the AA SSK is about the same as stock.

I definitely think mine requires more effort…Especially right at the point that it is going from neutral into the gate. (Also more effort to shove it over into reverse) Keep in mind I’m not complaining about the effort, just stating my experience.

[longodj]

Bump for xi update!

[Cool Car Dave]

Im just glad that it isnt just me with the problem from 1-2. Thought maybe it was just my car. It is annoying but has seemed to help me peal out in from 1-2

[baggerben]

any news for xi owners?

[SV Concepts]

adding it to our site now, gentlemen!

Keep up the great work, AA!

[kevkaz]

Now that it has gotten a bit warmer out and after switching to some better tires, I've had a chance to have a little more fun with my car. I am really starting to dig the AA SSK now. The improvement is particularly noticeable when I'm running through the gears quickly. I'm okay with the knob sitting a bit higher, just took some getting used to. Anyone who puts this on is going to want a knob with a short height - the OEM Short knob seems to work okay for me.

Also, it does feel like shifts are a little smoother now after having it installed for a bit, and the notchy feeling has definitely diminished, but not entirely.