EVO3 SSK and spouse

HI,

For people who have installed the UUC EVO3 SSK what does you wife/gf think about it? Thinking about installing one on the wagon and trying to figure out if my wife would like it.

TIA
Jef

I have one, and if I had to do it over again, I would stick to OEM, or investigate B&M or RE. The UUC shifter is noisy, makes the interior of the car noisier by transmitting noise inside even when it's not used, and is significantly more difficult to shift. I can still shift it with my fingers most of the time, but it takes more effort. Also, after a while, I became used to the shorter shifts, and that wasn't a significant benefit anymore (the shifts now feel too long again). It also feels cheaper, because it's either lighter or stiffer, so it feels less substantial --- this last point is very subjective however.

I had a chance to try out a fellow Fester's RE with WSR this past weekend at tech session, and that setup was significantly better in terms of ease of shifting, while still reducing the throw length, but this was done in a stationary car. People have also been happy with B&M, but I haven't tried any of their shifters.

--Andre

thanks for review eventhough it was negative. Just to confirm you have the Evo3 version right? not some earlier version.

searched and only found this positive review

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...ht=evo3+review

Originally Posted by Andre Yew

I have one, and if I had to do it over again, I would stick to OEM, or investigate B&M or RE. The UUC shifter is noisy, makes the interior of the car noisier by transmitting noise inside even when it's not used, and is significantly more difficult to shift. I can still shift it with my fingers most of the time, but it takes more effort. Also, after a while, I became used to the shorter shifts, and that wasn't a significant benefit anymore (the shifts now feel too long again). It also feels cheaper, because it's either lighter or stiffer, so it feels less substantial --- this last point is very subjective however.

I had a chance to try out a fellow Fester's RE with WSR this past weekend at tech session, and that setup was significantly better in terms of ease of shifting, while still reducing the throw length, but this was done in a stationary car. People have also been happy with B&M, but I haven't tried any of their shifters.

--Andre

That's interesting...I had an EVO3 for 2000 miles and I just switched to the RE kit last month. Personally, IMHO, I prefer the RE kit.

I think it's a matter of personal preference. I see tons of people are happy with their B&M kits while others swear by their UUC kits. I'd try all different kits before you make your final decision. YMMV.

Yes, EVO3 USCE model (for the 328), with everything installed (ERK, Delrin bushings) at the default height, and with the OE premium package wooden knob. I've had it for a year and over 10K miles.

--Andre

thanks for the replies.

I was hoping this would be easier

Originally Posted by Jeff_DML

thanks for the replies.

I was hoping this would be easier

If you're looking for justification and approval of a decision to get a SSK, go ask the same question over at E46Fanatics.com

Hi Jeff, I installed an EVO3 from UUC in my 325i at the first oil change. Dealer did it for me gladly in less than an hour. I bought a Magnum Shift knob, the 27 ouncer, and my shifts are smoother, swifter, better than the stock. My wife has not driven the car yet but I don't think she'll have a problem. It's still BMW shifting, just a shorter throw. Maybe the fact that I have nearly a two pound shift knob makes a difference, I think.
Here was my post after the install. I have run about 3000kms with the new shifter, no probs.
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...=short+shifter

Originally Posted by Andre Yew

I have one, and if I had to do it over again, I would stick to OEM, or investigate B&M or RE. The UUC shifter is noisy, makes the interior of the car noisier by transmitting noise inside even when it's not used, and is significantly more difficult to shift. I can still shift it with my fingers most of the time, but it takes more effort. Also, after a while, I became used to the shorter shifts, and that wasn't a significant benefit anymore (the shifts now feel too long again). It also feels cheaper, because it's either lighter or stiffer, so it feels less substantial --- this last point is very subjective however.

I had a chance to try out a fellow Fester's RE with WSR this past weekend at tech session, and that setup was significantly better in terms of ease of shifting, while still reducing the throw length, but this was done in a stationary car. People have also been happy with B&M, but I haven't tried any of their shifters.

--Andre

I have a B&M SSK and with the stock shift knob it transmitted a lot of noise in to the cabin, esp synchro whine in 1st and 2nd. I would say that 99% of the noise went away when I swapped the stock knob out for a WSM. Note that I have nothing to compare the B&M to as I've never had any other SSK in my car, and have only ever test driven a UUC SSK once.

The B&M is still decently notchy, but with the WSM it just glides in to the next gear like butta!

If I'd have known you wanted to get a feel for the B&M, you could have taken my car out for a test drive.

I'll have a full write-up later this week, but here are my initial impressions with the RE SSK and WSR:

- some noise (synchros?) transmits into the cabin in 1st and 2nd gears
- throws are short and precise, and there's very little play in the gear selector
- shifter is tilted back slightly compared to stock, so it looks like I'm in neutral when I'm actually in 1st
- more effort is required to engage a gear, especially the neutral-to-1st shift

I have not tried the UUC kit, but comments like those expressed in this thread are what initially steered me in the direction of the RE kit. So far, I'm satisfied.

Originally Posted by jgrgnt

...here are my initial impressions with the RE SSK and WSR:

- some noise (synchros?) transmits into the cabin in 1st and 2nd gears

I notice that with my RE kit, too, but it's accetable. With my EVO3, I didn't have the whine unless I shift fast at high RPM and it was 10 times as loud as RE's...

I installed an Evo3 and DSSR in my 325it and got the question, "Did you put a shifter in the car?" I have not heard a peep since.

One bit of advice: Get the DSSR. It is fantastic.


Ed

Originally Posted by operknockity

If I'd have known you wanted to get a feel for the B&M, you could have taken my car out for a test drive.

Thanks! Perhaps at the next TS.

--Andre

I had the EVO 3 in my 325 and it was great. The shifts were shorter, albeit they required 50% more effort but a heavier shift knob made it easier. And I never noticed any more noise into the cabin. (Some lucky bastard out there got a free SSK and they don't even know it)

But my 325 had a major issue with 1st to 2nd upshifts where it would clunk badly sometimes, yet it would be silky other times. A combination of Evo III, Redline D4 ATF fluid, and heavier shift knob got rid of the clunk.

Before I took delivery of my 330 I ordered a Evo 3. But after playing around with the 'shorter' shifter in the ZHP I realize that there was something seriously wrong with the gearbox in my 325. Does GM really make the trannys?

Anyways, I haven't put in the Evo to replace the ZHP shifter yet. But I plan to in a few days.

ZHP vs. 330

Originally Posted by shizat63

Anyways, I haven't put in the Evo to replace the ZHP shifter yet. But I plan to in a few days.

Keep us posted on your progress.

Thanks!

Johnny

An update: I just installed a Whalen knob:

http://www.whalenshiftmachine.com

And it's basically changed the feel of the short shifter in a very positive way. It's much smoother, less noisy, and easier to use. Also, the throws are even shorter now! It feels like a heavier, more massive version of an Acura TSX or a Mazda RX-8 shifter, for a reference. I'd say that it's not a great idea to use the stock knob on a short shifter, and you should consider adding a heavier shift knob if you install a short shifter.

The Whalen works very well, and Doug Whalen has great service, too.

--Andre

Originally Posted by Andre Yew

An update: I just installed a Whalen knob:

http://www.whalenshiftmachine.com

And it's basically changed the feel of the short shifter in a very positive way. It's much smoother, less noisy, and easier to use. Also, the throws are even shorter now! It feels like a heavier, more massive version of an Acura TSX or a Mazda RX-8 shifter, for a reference. I'd say that it's not a great idea to use the stock knob on a short shifter, and you should consider adding a heavier shift knob if you install a short shifter.

The Whalen works very well, and Doug Whalen has great service, too.

--Andre

Exactly my experience with the stock knob vs the WSM on my B&M SSK!

Originally Posted by Jeff_DML

HI,

For people who have installed the UUC EVO3 SSK what does you wife/gf think about it? Thinking about installing one on the wagon and trying to figure out if my wife would like it.

TIA
Jef

I forgot which one ended up going in my wife's 318i (maybe Kaz remembers since he was helping me through the install). Anyway, she likes the shorter throw.

expensive shift knob, looks nice though.

decided to keep rowing the boat

I have the Evo3 and DSSR in my 325i and I can't say I have noticed any noise after the installation. Shifting required more effort but either I am used to it now or it's broken in and does not exist anymore. I never tried the RE or B&M kits so can't help you there, but I would recommend the UUC one.

i found this link really helpful in discussing the differences between the UUC & RE SSK. keep in mind though it was based on the evo2 w/o DSSR. but still informative...also the madrussian has reviews of other SSK....good luck and let us know what you decide

http://m3.madrussian.net/review_rogue_vs_uuc.shtml