Got an SSK? Measure your stock lever for me

AlanAZ · 12-13-2009, 10:01 AM

Updated: I have a 06 325i, and tried installing a B&M SSK (for 330 and 335), but it made the shift ridiculously short. None of the other SSKs will work either.

But I'm thinking now that a stock lever that is the right amount longer could work as an SSK for me (and other 325/328 owners - if it works I'll write a DIY.) I'm looking for a modest 20-35% reduction.

If you have a 330i (not 330xi) stock lever, can you please measure from below the ball (start of shaft) to the very bottom of the lever, and from the top of the ball to the very top of the lever. Please post the results in this thread, and a photo would be fab.

Thanks! Alan.

Update 2: The 330i lever won't work for me, it will reduce the shift length by 45%, but increase effort by the same 45% (this may work for someone else though.) Thanks everyone for measuring and photoing their levers.

kred · 12-13-2009, 12:46 PM

pics of the b&m?

kred · 12-13-2009, 12:46 PM

installed

superduty · 12-13-2009, 02:50 PM

My stock stick has the following dimensions

Center of ball to center of hole - 34mm
Bottom of ball to bottom of lever ~ 31mm
Center of ball to top of lever ~ 203mm
Top of ball to top of lever ~ 188mm

The measurements to the center of the ball are the relevant ones but I've provided the others you asked for

AlanAZ · 12-13-2009, 06:49 PM

Thanks mate!

Quote:

center of the ball are the relevant ones

True, but the other is easier to measure, I can adjust from there. Now, what car do you have? 328i?

Quote:

Pics of it installed

No, but same height and slightly forward of stock position. Nice relative to steering wheel.

superduty · 12-13-2009, 07:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlanAZ

Thanks mate!

True, but the other is easier to measure, I can adjust from there. Now, what car do you have? 328i?

Yep

AlanAZ · 01-31-2010, 08:38 AM

I'm still looking for measurements for a stock 330i shift lever. Can you help?

BlindGoldfish · 01-31-2010, 10:20 AM

I'll know in a week when I have the BMW SSK installed on my 330i. If you want me to measure the BMW SSK lever before it is installed let me know.

HRC · 02-05-2010, 06:19 PM

2006 330i w/ZSP.

Danny

e90pilot · 02-05-2010, 08:08 PM

Be careful, the 330i has a different carrier than the 325i. It might not center and/or be at the incorrect hight. I've been through 3 SSKs. I tried a z3 shifter and rogue ssk, then I went to the BMW Performance SSK. It uses the stock leaver and carrier in the 325i/328i and has about the exact amount of throw reduction you need. It is by far the best one. Check out this thread. There is an interesting photo of several shift levers, it doesn't have the 330i but it might help you out.

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=52240

AlanAZ · 02-06-2010, 07:46 PM

Quote:

I tried a z3 shifter and rogue ssk, then I went to the BMW Performance SSK. It uses the stock leaver and carrier in the 325i/328i and has about the exact amount of throw reduction you need.

From the measurements I got and photos above I calculated that the 330i lever would give me a 45% reduction in shift length (and 45% increase in shift effort), which is more than I consider practical for me (I'm looking for 25-30% ideally.)

I'm surprised the Rogue didn't work out, they're supposed to be one of the best. Since there isn't a BMW Performance SSK for the 325i, you installed the SSK for the 328i? How much throw reduction did you get?

e90pilot · 02-06-2010, 09:31 PM

It's about a 25% reduction in throw and a very small increase in effort and is no more notchy than stock. I really was dissapointed in the rogue SSK becaue it was notchy and didn't center properly. Also the WSR damages the gearbox. The factory 328 kit fits the 325 perfectly and costs about $90 for just the leaver. The whole kit comes with new shift boot and knob and costs a little more.

AlanAZ · 02-07-2010, 08:34 AM

Interesting! What's your production date Marcelo? The 325i lever revised Sept. 05, I have a early car, and this apparently made a difference according to B&M.

HRC · 02-07-2010, 01:08 PM

I forgot to post installed pics.

And my SS lever was exactly the same in this DIY pic compared to my stock lever:

So I don't know how anyone with an OEM SSK or SS lever ends up with the same or taller lever.

Danny

e90pilot · 02-07-2010, 06:35 PM

I have a March '05 build date.

BlindGoldfish · 02-09-2010, 04:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HRC

I forgot to post installed pics.

And my SS lever was exactly the same in this DIY pic compared to my stock lever:

So I don't know how anyone with an OEM SSK or SS lever ends up with the same or taller lever.

Danny

Interesting. Is your shift lever in neutral in that first pic? If so, it looks farther forward than OEM. Do you find this problematic, or once you get used to it doesn't it matter...

HRC · 02-09-2010, 05:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlindGoldfish

Interesting. Is your shift lever in neutral in that first pic? If so, it looks farther forward than OEM. Do you find this problematic, or once you get used to it doesn't it matter...

The pic is with it in 1st.

Danny

e90pilot · 02-09-2010, 08:41 PM

Just a little FYI for 330i owners. When I purchased the new lever for my car I just purchased the lever only from the BMW Performance SSK because I didn't care for the boot and knob. If you have a 330i you need to purchase a new carrier as well or purchase the entier SSK or you will hardly be able to drive your car!

12-13-2009, 10:01 AM	#1
AlanAZ Captain 47 Rep 817 Posts Drives: E90 325i sport manual Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Scottsdale, AZ iTrader: (4)	Got an SSK? Measure your stock lever for me Updated: I have a 06 325i, and tried installing a B&M SSK (for 330 and 335), but it made the shift ridiculously short. None of the other SSKs will work either. But I'm thinking now that a stock lever that is the right amount longer could work as an SSK for me (and other 325/328 owners - if it works I'll write a DIY.) I'm looking for a modest 20-35% reduction. If you have a 330i (not 330xi) stock lever, can you please measure from below the ball (start of shaft) to the very bottom of the lever, and from the top of the ball to the very top of the lever. Please post the results in this thread, and a photo would be fab. Thanks! Alan. Update 2: The 330i lever won't work for me, it will reduce the shift length by 45%, but increase effort by the same 45% (this may work for someone else though.) Thanks everyone for measuring and photoing their levers. Last edited by AlanAZ; 02-06-2010 at 07:57 PM.. Reason: update
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12-13-2009, 12:46 PM	#2
kred Lieutenant 82 Rep 532 Posts Drives: '07 e92 328i 6mt Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Arizona iTrader: (0)	pics of the b&m?
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12-13-2009, 12:46 PM	#3
kred Lieutenant 82 Rep 532 Posts Drives: '07 e92 328i 6mt Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Arizona iTrader: (0)	installed
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12-13-2009, 02:50 PM	#4
superduty Private First Class 10 Rep 141 Posts Drives: 2010 E91 M Sport Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Tucson, Az iTrader: (0)	My stock stick has the following dimensions Center of ball to center of hole - 34mm Bottom of ball to bottom of lever ~ 31mm Center of ball to top of lever ~ 203mm Top of ball to top of lever ~ 188mm The measurements to the center of the ball are the relevant ones but I've provided the others you asked for __________________ "Did I say something abnormal?" "You're an engineer, everything you say is abnormal." Last edited by superduty; 12-13-2009 at 03:25 PM..
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01-31-2010, 08:38 AM	#7
AlanAZ Captain 47 Rep 817 Posts Drives: E90 325i sport manual Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Scottsdale, AZ iTrader: (4)	I'm still looking for measurements for a stock 330i shift lever. Can you help?
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01-31-2010, 10:20 AM	#8
BlindGoldfish Private 11 Rep 94 Posts Drives: e90 Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Wisconsin iTrader: (0)	I'll know in a week when I have the BMW SSK installed on my 330i. If you want me to measure the BMW SSK lever before it is installed let me know.
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02-05-2010, 06:19 PM	#9
HRC MAUI BUILT 519 Rep 7,781 Posts Drives: 2006 330i MT Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: NORCAL iTrader: (10) Garage List 2002 E46 325i [0.00] 2012 E70 35i [0.00]	2006 330i w/ZSP. Danny Attached Images __________________ Arctic/Blk Leather/Alum.Trim/MT/ZSP/Sunshades/Blk Lines/M3 Illuminated Knob/Alcantara Performance Wheel/M-E-Brake Handle/Euro Fog Switch/Koni Yellows/H&R Sport Springs/19" VMR V718's w/PS2 Tires/M-Tech Body Kit/Carbon Fiber Spoiler/Bimmian Interior Bulbs/OEM Eye Glass Tray/SSK/Alcantara Boot/Split Armrest/OEM Dual Rear Power Outlets/Rear Ashtray Delete/OEM Alum. Pedals/Osram 6000K/Brex Rings/LED Side Markers/BMS Power Box
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02-05-2010, 08:08 PM	#10
e90pilot Freight Dawg 108 Rep 2,103 Posts Drives: E90 325i Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Oakland, CA iTrader: (3)	Be careful, the 330i has a different carrier than the 325i. It might not center and/or be at the incorrect hight. I've been through 3 SSKs. I tried a z3 shifter and rogue ssk, then I went to the BMW Performance SSK. It uses the stock leaver and carrier in the 325i/328i and has about the exact amount of throw reduction you need. It is by far the best one. Check out this thread. There is an interesting photo of several shift levers, it doesn't have the 330i but it might help you out. http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=52240 __________________ --Marcelo '06 Arctic Metallic 325i \| Sport Package \| 6MT \| Dinan Stage III suspension \| Dinan exhaust \| 330i manifold swap! Click here! \| Active Autowerke tune \| 135i Brake Calipers \| Deiselboost caliper brackets \| E46 M3 front rotors
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02-06-2010, 09:31 PM	#12
e90pilot Freight Dawg 108 Rep 2,103 Posts Drives: E90 325i Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Oakland, CA iTrader: (3)	It's about a 25% reduction in throw and a very small increase in effort and is no more notchy than stock. I really was dissapointed in the rogue SSK becaue it was notchy and didn't center properly. Also the WSR damages the gearbox. The factory 328 kit fits the 325 perfectly and costs about $90 for just the leaver. The whole kit comes with new shift boot and knob and costs a little more. __________________ --Marcelo '06 Arctic Metallic 325i \| Sport Package \| 6MT \| Dinan Stage III suspension \| Dinan exhaust \| 330i manifold swap! Click here! \| Active Autowerke tune \| 135i Brake Calipers \| Deiselboost caliper brackets \| E46 M3 front rotors
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02-07-2010, 08:34 AM	#13
AlanAZ Captain 47 Rep 817 Posts Drives: E90 325i sport manual Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Scottsdale, AZ iTrader: (4)	Interesting! What's your production date Marcelo? The 325i lever revised Sept. 05, I have a early car, and this apparently made a difference according to B&M.
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02-07-2010, 01:08 PM	#14
HRC MAUI BUILT 519 Rep 7,781 Posts Drives: 2006 330i MT Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: NORCAL iTrader: (10) Garage List 2002 E46 325i [0.00] 2012 E70 35i [0.00]	I forgot to post installed pics. And my SS lever was exactly the same in this DIY pic compared to my stock lever: So I don't know how anyone with an OEM SSK or SS lever ends up with the same or taller lever. Danny __________________ Arctic/Blk Leather/Alum.Trim/MT/ZSP/Sunshades/Blk Lines/M3 Illuminated Knob/Alcantara Performance Wheel/M-E-Brake Handle/Euro Fog Switch/Koni Yellows/H&R Sport Springs/19" VMR V718's w/PS2 Tires/M-Tech Body Kit/Carbon Fiber Spoiler/Bimmian Interior Bulbs/OEM Eye Glass Tray/SSK/Alcantara Boot/Split Armrest/OEM Dual Rear Power Outlets/Rear Ashtray Delete/OEM Alum. Pedals/Osram 6000K/Brex Rings/LED Side Markers/BMS Power Box
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02-07-2010, 06:35 PM	#15
e90pilot Freight Dawg 108 Rep 2,103 Posts Drives: E90 325i Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Oakland, CA iTrader: (3)	I have a March '05 build date. __________________ --Marcelo '06 Arctic Metallic 325i \| Sport Package \| 6MT \| Dinan Stage III suspension \| Dinan exhaust \| 330i manifold swap! Click here! \| Active Autowerke tune \| 135i Brake Calipers \| Deiselboost caliper brackets \| E46 M3 front rotors
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02-09-2010, 08:41 PM	#18
e90pilot Freight Dawg 108 Rep 2,103 Posts Drives: E90 325i Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Oakland, CA iTrader: (3)	Just a little FYI for 330i owners. When I purchased the new lever for my car I just purchased the lever only from the BMW Performance SSK because I didn't care for the boot and knob. If you have a 330i you need to purchase a new carrier as well or purchase the entier SSK or you will hardly be able to drive your car! __________________ --Marcelo '06 Arctic Metallic 325i \| Sport Package \| 6MT \| Dinan Stage III suspension \| Dinan exhaust \| 330i manifold swap! Click here! \| Active Autowerke tune \| 135i Brake Calipers \| Deiselboost caliper brackets \| E46 M3 front rotors
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