Review of the AKG DTM Shifter

[Michael9218]

Back on topic...

I installed this AKG shifter recently as well. After the last race weekend at VIR I'm very happy with this kit. On the E36, it's an easy install and the shifting precision is amazing. Prior to going out on track I was a bit concerned as it felt so notchy and the throws so short, but once on track my concerns melted away as every shift was so perfectly precise and the gear selection spot on with little concern now for missing a gear. Definitely a worthwhile upgrade.

[Spyke]

The AKG Stage II kicks major ass. Super precise, closer to the wheel, takes 5 minutes to adapt to. Very few actual parts/moving parts, and it's able to be rebuilt... if that's ever even needed. Knob threads on so it doesn't go flying across the car under hard driving.

Love every aspect of it. The only other shifter I considered was CAE, but in the end it just didn't seem like the premium price was worth it for me. I daily mine, and wouldn't have it any other way.

IMG_8843 by Spyke e36, on Flickr

IMG_8844 by Spyke e36, on Flickr

OBC delete by Spyke e36, on Flickr

[alwaysinboost]

I have their stage III and absolutely love it.

[trackE36]

Hey ALWAYSINBOOST, whats the measured distance of the throw on the stage III ?

[S14]

The AKG Stage II kicks major ass. Super precise, closer to the wheel, takes 5 minutes to adapt to. Very few actual parts/moving parts, and it's able to be rebuilt... if that's ever even needed. Knob threads on so it doesn't go flying across the car under hard driving.

Love every aspect of it. The only other shifter I considered was CAE, but in the end it just didn't seem like the premium price was worth it for me. I daily mine, and wouldn't have it any other way.
OBC delete by Spyke e36, on Flickr

Did yours come with the shaft black or did you do that yourself? That is the one thing I'd like to change about mine.

[Spyke]

Just sanded and painted with some matte black Duplicolor trim paint. I think it looks more natural this way instead of silver shaft & black knob... since I really don't have any other silver in the interior.

[S14]

Awesome, I might do that as well!

[jeremy5000]

Hey ALWAYSINBOOST, whats the measured distance of the throw on the stage III ?

I've got it in my car too... never measured it, but I think I remember someone saying it is 2.5". It does seem shorter than the STG IIs of used in other people's cars.

[Crustashio]

What kind of motor/trans mounts are people using with this? I'm highly considering it for my BSP M3, I have the jaffster knob with a Z3 shifter and it just doesn't have the height I want. But right now I'm still on stock MM + e21 trans mounts.

[jeremy5000]

What kind of motor/trans mounts are people using with this? I'm highly considering it for my BSP M3, I have the jaffster knob with a Z3 shifter and it just doesn't have the height I want. But right now I'm still on stock MM + e21 trans mounts.

I'm running the softer of the Vorshlag motor and trans mounts, I think they're 95a and 75d respectively, but I'm not quite sure.

[Spyke]

Vorshlag poly competition mounts... same for trans mounts as well. The combination is killer

[alwaysinboost]

Hey ALWAYSINBOOST, whats the measured distance of the throw on the stage III ?

It is short. if I had to guess I'd say 5" or less for a full throw from 3rd to 4th. I'll try and get some photos with a tape measure for a more accurate #.

- - - Updated - - -

What kind of motor/trans mounts are people using with this? I'm highly considering it for my BSP M3, I have the jaffster knob with a Z3 shifter and it just doesn't have the height I want. But right now I'm still on stock MM + e21 trans mounts.

I have the AKG 75D (red) all around.

[E36forever]

The throw is 4". Old news.