AC Schnitzer releases LCD shift knob for BMW, Mini

[1996 328ti]

http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-13746_7-10040559-48.html

While there have been times I wasn't sure what gear I was in [on track] I always thought it would be useful to have an indicator on a headsup display. But having to look down to see what gear you are in, that is just dangerous. But I know a few Mini owners who will gobble this up.

It must be SEMA Show time again, because we're seeing the beginnings of an aftermarket accessory flood. Some of these products are useful, some aren't. AC Schnitzer, purveyor of aftermarket accessories, has just released a new LCD shift knob for manually shifted BMWs and Minis that we think falls into the latter category.
The red illuminated LCD screen on the top of the new shift knob displays the gear the vehicle is in up to sixth. The only connection to the vehicle are the wires for 12V power, so the LCD shift knob uses an accelerometer to determine in what gear it is sitting, up to sixth. AC Schnitzer hasn't released any information as to whether the shifter would automatically calibrate or have to be programmed before use, nor has it released any pricing information.
In our experience, keeping our eyes on the road and simply remembering what gear we're in is sufficient, so we don't think this would be useful unless you have a dangerously brief short-term memory. The shifter does, however, look pretty cool and is potentially a neat little piece of bling.

[lkwd318ti]

I agree that it's pretty dangerous to let your eyes off the road hahah...
It does look cool though.
I wouldn't be surprised if other aftermarket companies will copy this in the near future.

-randy

[1996 328ti]

Be cool if the display would be remote.
Have it mounted on the rear view mirrow.
In daily driving, I see no need though.

[Mallard]

heres the sales info here from ACS

http://www.ac-schnitzer.de/en/bmw-ca...ear-shift-knob

but its a rip off of this item here,



which has been out over 1½ years ..

and is pretty gay..

[tiFreak]

this was out a couple months ago, I saw it in the bavauto catalog, I think it's cool, just not $200 cool

[cooljess76]

I don't even think about what gear I'm in. If I need more power, I go down one. If I'm revving high, I go up one. I rarely downshift more than one gear at a time, but I do engine brake often. In the city, my hand usually remains on the shifter so I wouldn't be able to see it anyway. Unnecessary IMO.

[Mallard]

i dont think ive ever looked to see what gear im in .. Ever..

i may have guessed a gear wrong , been in 5th when i thought i was in 4th or something, but never needed to look down to see where the shifter was!

especially in an ACSchnitzer, which is a "fast car" to drive, would i even have time to check what gear i was in?

[1996 328ti]

Originally Posted by cooljess76

I don't even think about what gear I'm in. If I need more power, I go down one. If I'm revving high, I go up one. I rarely downshift more than one gear at a time, but I do engine brake often. In the city, my hand usually remains on the shifter so I wouldn't be able to see it anyway. Unnecessary IMO.

It's debatable whether engine braking is harmful. Personally I use brakes to slow down. It is bad to keep your hand on the shift lever though. You should really keep both hands on the wheel.

At the track I sometimes need to think what gear I am before I enter a turn, I'll reach down just before I start braking to see which gear I'm in. Not really a good idea. If I'm in 5th, I need to go down to 3rd. I don't like going from 3 to 5. I always go 3-4-5 to be on the safe side.

[cooljess76]

Usually in the city I never get past 3rd gear before I'm downshifting for the next light, crosswalk or traffic. I know it's a bad habit, but I rarely take my hand off the stick unless I'm on the highway in fifth. Then I always have both hands on the wheel. The engine breaking issue as you said is debatable. I've done it in all of my cars with no problems, but some will argue the wear and tear issue. Personally I only downshift one gear at a time and I use that in conjunction with a light application of the brakes. I use my gears to slow down and I use my brakes to stop, so I'm kinda in the middle.

The track is a whole different type of driving, so I completely understand and agree with your logic and technique. When you're making fast decisions and aggressive maneuvers, it can be difficult to maintain concentration when you're thinking about position and speed in your next turn. When I drive spiritedly through the twisty canyons here in SoCal(both hands on the wheel of course), I just put myself in a zone and do what comes naturally. I kinda feel as if I'm part of the car. It's that partnership that reminds me what gear I'm in or where the power is at.

BTW, sorry for the long post and taking the thread OT. The LCD knob is a cool novelty, but I don't think it's very functional. Like you said, I think it would be better if they had a remote display in the cluster or something.

[VROOMCP]

i bet that turns on the ladies tho.

[Maverix]

Yup, it's pretty old, but real neat. I've seen ones that you can change the color, and they automatically dim when you turn on your head lights.

[Turboready]

I am sorry guys, but if you need a gear indicator, you should not be driving stick. Looks cool though.

[jordanmc]

Originally Posted by Turboready

I am sorry guys, but if you need a gear indicator, you should not be driving stick. Looks cool though.

the knob should flash red when you should shift gears

[ShortE36]

I think we can all agree it's faggotry and you may gain 'style' points from the ladies. For us married folk - we'd get more 'style' points closing the door when we're takin' a piss. It's the small things that matter.

[marko]

aaaahahahaha... fully agree dude!

Originally Posted by ShortE36

For us married folk - we'd get more 'style' points closing the door when we're takin' a piss. It's the small things that matter.