Part #6 that is the part, its a cheap thing to repair. It has been said that #12 (rod joint) also contributes to wear, but that is not as easy to replace. When I installed my UUC SSK the ball bushing is replaced in the UUC kit, I was going to replace #12 but didn't, although I did replace #4 as that was easy to get to.

Keep in mind I only have 74k as of today so I'm sure I dont have the wear amount some of the linkages with 150k+ do.

Holy crap, that makes me think I will just deal with it, until I need to replace the clutch or have some other reason to get that involved with the tranny. I'm not having any trouble getting into gear. I think I will replace that white bushing though; I'm sure it's never been done and it might help. I'll try and look at the linkage when I have the ability to do so (no garage right now :()

Is that like this one?

Amazon.com: BMW (25 11 7 896 031) Gear Shift Knob, Leather: Automotive

That's the cheapest I've seen it, most places have it for the full list price of $82. I like the idea of a weighted knob, but when there's not a single "M" part on my car I don't think I want an "M" badge on the shifter only :D Really what I want is a factory wood grain one to match the walnut trim on my car, like this one, but 1) that is way too expensive for a shift knob and 2) I might be redoing the wood trim anyway.

I do have to wonder what the compatibility between models is like? I'd think that all 3- and 5-series from the early 90s on up use the same shift knobs, but I don't know :dunno:

Getbmwparts.com sells ZHP knobs for 64 bucks shipped. I have one. Basically all shift knobs on BMW's are interchangeable.

Here is my ZHP with swapped non M insert (I don't put M badges on non M cars, the insert was additional 8 bucks and 1 min to swap)

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/08/19/3yva2yju.jpg

Nice, maybe I'll go with that one then, I didn't realize you can swap the insert. Love that titanium trim! Tempted to paint mine, but I don't think it'd go well with the tan interior.

Thanks man i ended up getting a great deal on a used set of Titan trims off eBay Germany, way too expensive on eBay here. I had light poplar wood before, very ugly and out of place. If you painted it it would paint piano black or something similar but be sure to take it to a paint shop to get done right.

Oh and if you didn't know already I have the Evo3 SSK by UUC as well as the knob so my neutral position looks a bit different after the addition of the SSK.

Oh?? I didn't even know they finally put one out! Worth the cost?

I am actually pretty experienced painting, and it would be a fun project, but as is, the trim pieces are the ONLY accent pieces...everything else is tan, including the carpet, leather inserts, and the rest of the doors. I was going to post a picture but can't find a good one. I'm sure you know the look anyway. I just feel like with the way it is, nothing but wood will serve to complete the look of the car.

Suppose I could paint the top of the door panels black so that it matches the dash (like the E70s), and then go with a dark carbon or "aluminum" vinyl wrap, but that's more work than I'm ready for right now. That will change in a couple months, so it'll become a nice winter project :thumbup:

The UUC SSK is definitely worth the cost in my opinion, makes for a very satisfying drive, search earlier posts by Riggo and myself for impressions.

It's a decent amount of coin ($355 not on sale, UUC runs 15% off and free shipping sales often so you can snag it for around $300, which I did), but it's the only game on the market unless you are going custom, and a solidly built unit. I would never go back to stock.

You did delete the CDV right?

Not yet! Haven't had a place to do it (that's changing soon), and didn't want to pay a shop to do it. Really looking forward to it though. Despite the intent of the CDV, I think shifting with it removed will be smoother.

Dillon, even if you don't spring for the UUC shift kit, do the CDV. You won't regret it. And yes, RB's titanium trim looks great. He takes any opportunity to show it off ....

Thanks Riggo! I'm very pleased with it, totally transforms the interior to a much sportier tone. Took me almost a year to find a good shape used set at a good price so I do like to show it off when I can lol!

CDV delete is basically free Dillon, how handy are you under the car? You probably can have a shop do it for you for free when they do a brake/clutch flush, as they have to bleed the clutch and the CDV is right there, just unscrew the fitting from the master and reconnect the hard line direct to it, and bleed as normal.