[mrbelk]

Originally Posted by BoostedBMW

I just installed the M shift knob and I am VERY satisfied with it. Since I bought the car I always throught that the gear box felt very "rubbery" for lack of a better term. I have been wanting a short shifter since this car came out, but after installing this it has totally changed the feel of the gear box. It now feels much more direct and the slop is gone. I don't think that I need a short shifter anymore. I definitely recommend this mod.

This was the first mod I did when I got my car back last Friday. I love how much more weight the m-sport shift knob has compared to the stock shift knob, and how much more positive the gear selection is now. I love the slightly shorter throws, but a true short shifter would be nice, too.

I have the e-brake handle, too, but I haven't put it on yet.

-MrB

[BMW0]

Thanks for the DIY FrankoQ! Here's my //M shiftknob and ebrake lever pics. sorry for the mess

[Leesi]

What tool do we use to cut the cable tie? I can't cut it with scissors, should I try cutter? I just don't want to damage the leather. Any idea or trick?

[FrankoQ]

Originally Posted by Leesi

What tool do we use to cut the cable tie? I can't cut it with scissors, should I try cutter? I just don't want to damage the leather. Any idea or trick?

wire cutters.

[FrankoQ]

Originally Posted by BMW0

Thanks for the DIY FrankoQ! Here's my //M shiftknob and ebrake lever pics. sorry for the mess

Looks great!!!
I love the contrast of your interior and the shifter/brake handle.
Very SEXY!!!

[BMW0]

Originally Posted by FrankoQ

Looks great!!!
I love the contrast of your interior and the shifter/brake handle.
Very SEXY!!!

THanks FrankoQ, I like the contrast too. Maybe if the shifter boot had the same contrast as the E-brake handle, it would look even more so sexy.

[trey100]

For the people that have changed out knobs, can I purchase just the knob without the boot? I am looking into this one:

http://leatherz.com/Merchant2/mercha...ory_Code=Knobs

or one that I saw on ebay. They are both "short" shift knobs.

Both of these do not come with a shift boot. If I take off the knob on my 335 (not delivered yet), does the boot come off with it or can you remove just the knob? I can't tell from the pics in this thread.

Thanks for your help

[MOTO69JOE]

you can replace only the knob if youd like, just yank it off.

[E90330iS]

Good write up!

[Spool]

I love my M knob, it feels just like the throw is more precise now, and it goes into place with more rigidity.


To get the stock shifter out, for those having problems, try this method.


Take off your pants, sit on the shifter, clench ur ass together real tight. like kung fu grip tight, and breathe deeply 3 times, on the 3rd time stand up real fast...make sure u have the sunroof opens, it comes right out..

good luck, call me if u need help or detailed instruction on this part.

[scottp999]

Thanksfor this DIY thread. I just installed the m shift knob and boot and it took 20 seconds. Going for a drive now. Will do the ebrake handle later.

[scottp999]

Originally Posted by scottp999

Thanksfor this DIY thread. I just installed the m shift knob and boot and it took 20 seconds. Going for a drive now. Will do the ebrake handle later.

Just drove back to work after lunch, and I love the M shift knob. Highly recommend it.

[judsonls]

I'm having difficulty removing the shifter. The boot snaps off easy enough, but when I pull up on the shifter to remove it it doesn't budge, and I'm pulling pretty hard. Is there a specific method to doing this right? I really want to swap out with the m-shifter as soon as possible as I have had it before I even took delivery of the car.

[FrankoQ]

Originally Posted by judsonls

I'm having difficulty removing the shifter. The boot snaps off easy enough, but when I pull up on the shifter to remove it it doesn't budge, and I'm pulling pretty hard. Is there a specific method to doing this right? I really want to swap out with the m-shifter as soon as possible as I have had it before I even took delivery of the car.

Just pull HARD.
and watch out for your face.

[judsonls]

Originally Posted by FrankoQ

Just pull HARD.
and watch out for your face.

I'm just afraid I'm going to break something. Just took delivery last night. Did you have to pull very hard when (i assume) you switched your out?

[FrankoQ]

Originally Posted by judsonls

I'm just afraid I'm going to break something. Just took delivery last night. Did you have to pull very hard when (i assume) you switched your out?

Yes, I had to pull hard. Back then, there was no DIY so I was taking my chances. I kept pulling and pulling. It finally came off and I almost hit my face in the process. There is really nothing holding the shifter. It's just jammed in there and very tight.

Good luck.

[FrankoQ]

btw, try pulling and twisting at the same time.

[judsonls]

Originally Posted by FrankoQ

btw, try pulling and twisting at the same time.

Thanks for the good advice. I'll give it another go tonight. The M shifter just seems so superior to the stock.

[getBMWparts]

Originally Posted by judsonls

I'm just afraid I'm going to break something. Just took delivery last night. Did you have to pull very hard when (i assume) you switched your out?

Put it in 2nd, brace yourself against dead pedal, and pull backwards w/ both hands. It'll come off

[rzm3]

looked at the bmw accessories catalogue and found that sedans and coupes have different M-shifter part numbers and prices:

Sedan:25118036628 ~$155

Coupe:25118037308 ~$148

what's the difference? i ordered the sedan version for my coupe, is it going to work?

thanks!

[rzm3]

nevermind i found my answer

[FrankoQ]

Originally Posted by rldzhao

nevermind i found my answer

what's the difference?
Fitment of the boot?