Any Interest in Something Different ?

[Black Forest Industries]

Hi everybody, new here and just picked up an 02 3.0l 127k in pretty much immaculate shape, single owner and well cared for. I've owned a ton of euro cars over the years and I have to say I am very impressed with this one. I've already done a few maintenance items - cooling system, accessory belt, fan clutch, cosmetic upgrades etc. I also recently replaced my seats with sport seats, and have a set of BBS RC 090 / Style 5 wheels and some more fun parts to put on.

Just wanted to put a feeler out there and see if any of you guys would be interested in something like this. I know a lot of you guys on here like to mod a bit and that options for the E53 are limited and we decided why not make some fun stuff for it. Below is a prototype and while it does function it does not have lock out. Final production will function like factory only you will pull up to select gears instead of pressing the trigger. We will have several color and material finish options so you can customize and also likely we will offer a shift boot as well which could include the tricolors.

None of this is set in stone and we are just feeling out the response so please do not take this as solicitation, more market research

Take a look and let us know what you think

[Ricky Bobby]

Are you guys THE Black Forest Industries from VAG fame? Legends if so -

Looks cool for sure, not sure how much interest there would be but I already have a true MT

[Black Forest Industries]

We are "the" Black Forest Industries and I do appreciate the notion of legend, however that might be a wee bit exaggerated.

For the select few of you who do have the manual transmission (was torn and also considering one too), our manual BMW specific shift knobs will fit your car already!

Here's one installed in an E36, but the install and part are the exact same for the E53.

[bcredliner]

Looks great! I might be interested depending on material options.

[lo_jack]

My daily driver is a MkV Jetta...have come to learn BFI is well-respected and makes a ton of useful stuff.

My X5 is manual. Good to know the E36 knobs are bolt on.


EDIT.. welcome to E53 land. It's a fun land, particularly if you have a bit of experience.

[Joshdub]

Welcome!

I have one of you knobs in my S5. Very impressed with the quality.

[gatojurko]

I like from E70!

[audiophool]

Yes, it would be nice to have an AT shift knob that doesn't look like the top end of a shillelagh.

(Tip o' the oirish hat on this, St. Paddy's day.)