Storm Motorwerks V1 Gearknob - BMW E46 M3 | E39 M5
What Barry thinks:
"Usually, I prefer an OEM gear knob over the aftermarket alternatives but after fitting a weighted item from Storm Motorworks to my E46 it has completely elevated the shift feel.
The weight of the knob takes a lot of the notchiness out of the shifts and the brushed dark grey PVD finish looks great in the cabin."
Designed and machined specifically for your BMW, this shift knob is the result of extensive development, from its size and shape, to its weight. (Please scroll down).
CNC precision machined from Stainless Steel billet and fully optimised for an improved gear change. This is NOT the usual aftermarket gear knob - this is a fully engineered solution to improve your overall driving experience.
Main Benefits
- Optimised weight for smooth gear-changes
- Shorter than stock height for reduced throw
- Optimised shape for comfort and grip
Weight
Weighing in at just over 500g, the stainless steel shift knob really does feel substantial. The "notchy" nature of the BMW gearboxes is significantly smoothed out with this weight through providing a greater pivot force, giving you an effortless and precise gear change every time. Prototyping revealed that with the shift knob too light - the notchiness would still be there, too heavy and gearchange would become laboured and sloppy. With the weight optimised, we have met both criteria - smooth and swift.
As one customer put it, "this is how the gearchange should have felt from factory".
Size & Shape
The standard shift knob sits at an awkward height - for both ergonomic and aesthetic purposes. Our aim was to optimise the height for reduced throw and a more natural feel. Prototyping revealed that if it sat too low - users would grip the shifter with fingertips rather than the palm of the hand. This was more apparent with cars having centre arm-rests. Iteration resulted in an optimum height, correcting both aesthetic and ergonomic problems of the standard position. Furthermore, by merging a 2" sphere with a cone, every gear-change technique is accommodated for with an intuitive grip.
Short Shift Kits
This shift-knob is an ideal add-on to a factory or aftermarket short shift kit. Such kits increase the resistance during gearchange - amplifying the inherent notchiness but our shift knob allows you to have the benefits of your short shift kit without this extra resistance.
Available in brushed stainless steel or Titanium plated for a dark gun metal grey finish. Fits BMWs including E36, E46, E90, Z3, Z4