Uh Oh, SSK came loose under a fast start - The Unofficial BMW M5 Messageboard (m5board.com)

tripleD · 23rd August 2006, 14:49

My UUC short shift kit came loose under an aggressive shift and the whole gear shift knob and stem that connects inside the leather boot came out of place. I was able to push it back in place and seems to be okay now, is this normal or do I need to have it checked out? My biggest fear is an upcoming track event and having it come loose again.
If I recall, the installation procedure to remove the original gear knob was to pull up on the shift lever as hard as possible. I really didn't pull that hard during my shift and am surprised it popped out the way it did.
Anyone ever experience this?
TripleD

verhagke · 23rd August 2006, 17:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by tripleD

My UUC short shift kit came loose under an aggressive shift and the whole gear shift knob and stem that connects inside the leather boot came out of place. I was able to push it back in place and seems to be okay now, is this normal or do I need to have it checked out? My biggest fear is an upcoming track event and having it come loose again.
If I recall, the installation procedure to remove the original gear knob was to pull up on the shift lever as hard as possible. I really didn't pull that hard during my shift and am surprised it popped out the way it did.
Anyone ever experience this?
TripleD

Just to clarify, the OEM shifter knob came off of the UUC shifter correct? I assume that the UUC shifter didn't come apart.

I haven't had this happen with my UUC shifter. I would give the shifter knob a good whack to ensure it sits tightly on the shifter.

ATLANTA M5 · 23rd August 2006, 17:27

David, man you been working out a lot lately? Dang man, take it easy on the shifter will ya! J/K

Just to clarify, you are talking about the actual factory shift knob and boot...you don't mean the actual metal UUC shifter and shaft came apart right?

Sometimes the plastic inside factory knobs become weak over time, and the knob will pop off more easily...you might look into getting a 540i black shift boot, and then a heavier weight aluminum knob like mine that installs tight with a set screw. That might be a safer bet for the track. I've never had mine pop off, and it always feels nice and solid, I think you would like the feel since you are a track guy.

I got my knob at www.bimmian.com for around $65.

Let me know if you want to buy mine, I was having thoughts of selling it because I wanted to switch up the look in my interior and go back to my other silver/black one I special ordered from the dealership with the ///M logo. Just let me know...in that case, all you would need would be the 540i shift boot which you can order from the dealer.

Thanks, Garrett

tripleD · 24th August 2006, 20:33

The actuall shifter knob and the metal rod connected to it came up and out of place during this shift. I did give it a good tap to set back in place and it hasn't happened again, but still concerned as I will taking this car to the track soon.
David

TiSiBeast · 24th August 2006, 20:39

I had the same issue with mine after I put in my UUC SSK. I actually used a little caulk to get it to stay on.

palantirion · 24th August 2006, 20:43

I've had the shift knob and boot come off a couple times during a hard shift from 1st to 2nd. The triack is not pulling on the knob from the front during a shift. If you keep the palm of your hand on top of the knob, it won't get pulled off. It also helps to shift smoothly. Banging gears is not good on a road course. Learn to shift smoothly and the speed of the shift will increase naturally with time.

cebu · 24th August 2006, 21:29

i pulled my shift KNOB this past weekend's autocross. it was quite embarassing actually. had nothing to do with the UUC ssk that i have.

if you pulled the actual lever, now that's a totally different story. wrong install? maybe Rob@UUC can chime in. he was pretty active on this board in the past.

TiSiBeast · 24th August 2006, 21:33

In my instance the problem was that the plastic clips inside became brittle and cracked.

ATLANTA M5 · 24th August 2006, 22:39

TiSiBeast,

Yeah, you are exactly right, that is usually the problem. I would think most track guys would want to switch to a beefier aluminum knob that bolts on tight with set screws and feels more solid for track use. Just my opinion.

palantirion · 25th August 2006, 02:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by ATLANTA M5

TiSiBeast,

Yeah, you are exactly right, that is usually the problem. I would think most track guys would want to switch to a beefier aluminum knob that bolts on tight with set screws and feels more solid for track use. Just my opinion.

I don't want to give up my OEM look, but now I'm curious. What product(s) are you refering to?