Storm Motorwerks SMG Gaiter Ring - BMW E46 M3

Introducing the Storm Motorwerks Billet SMG Gaiter Ring. Precision machined from Stainless Steel, this piece replaces the standard plastic ring found on the E46 M3 SMG.

Design & Fit

The SMG Ring was put onto our drawing board by fellow M3 owners wanting a matching item to our SMG Gearknobs. The brief was clear - design a piece to look subtle, fit well and have an automotive performance feel to it. After a few design iterations and input from many E46 M3 owners we arrived at the design you now see. It features a tapered top face which drops into a curve - this combination of geometries makes the ambient light reflect in a way such as to accenaute the overall design. In addition we incorporated seven machined dimples to give it an OEM feel as the original has the same number of set screws around its perimeter. Coupled with the Storm SMG gearknob, the improvement to the E46 SMG interior is clear to see

With the aesthetics finalised we then focused on the fitment. The panel on which the ring sits has a curvature to it so the ring could not simply have a flat base. We then mapped the profile of the panel and incorporated it on to the base. Machining a curvature into the base proved to be the biggest challenge during development but one which we have overcome to produce a piece of machine work which fits superbly onto the SMG panel.