25 11 000 Removing and installing shift lever

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 BMW 550i, 2009 BMW 550i, and 2008 BMW 550i. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Special tools required:

25 1 120 . See GEAR SHIFT MECHANISM - SPECIAL TOOLS .

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove underbody protection.
Remove exhaust system. See EXHAUST SYSTEM - REPAIR .

Remove heat shields (2).

Fig 1: Identifying Heat Shields

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Detach knob with a firm tug.

NOTE: Do not turn knob when detaching as this will shear off the turning lock in the knob.

Installation:

Fit knob on shift lever, align and press on until it snaps noticeably into place.

NOTE: Illustration shows E46.

Fig 2: Detaching Knob With Firm Tug

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Press installation frame of rubber gaiter (1) together a little and remove rubber gaiter (1) from center console.

Fig 3: Pressing Installation Frame Of Rubber Gaiter

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Installation:

Feed gaiter (1) downwards and fit on shift lever (2).

Pull rubber gaiter (1) over selector lever and insert in center console.

Fig 4: Identifying Gaiter And Shift Lever

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Installation:

Push rubber gaiter (1) down until groove (2) is fully exposed.

Fig 5: Pushing Rubber Gaiter

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If necessary, remove sound insulation (1).

Fig 6: Identifying Sound Insulation

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Lift off retainer (1).

Remove shims (3).

Remove selector rod (2).

Installation:

Grease shift rod pin.

Make sure shims (3) are in correct position.

Fig 7: Removing Selector Rod And Shim

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IMPORTANT: New retaining clips fitted as from 04.08. Retaining clip must interlock captively with retaining web (1) behind shift rod pin.

Fig 8: Identifying Retaining Web

Insert special tool 25 1 120 in mounting and turn 90° counterclockwise.

Press mount upwards out of shift arm.

Fig 9: Identifying Special Tool (25 1 120)

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Remove rubber gaiter from body cutout and lift out with selector lever.

Fig 10: Identifying Rubber Gaiter From Body Cutout

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Installation:

Insert rubber gaiter with arrow in direction of travel towards front.

Fig 11: Inserting Rubber Gaiter

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Installation:

Grease selector lever ball.

Install selector lever in selector arm.

Align mount:

Arrows on mount in longitudinal axis of vehicle.
Retaining lugs of mount, transverse to direction of travel.

Fig 12: Installing Selector Lever In Selector Arm
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Installation:

Press mount in area of retaining lugs into selector arm until it audibly snaps into place.

Fig 13: Pressing Mount Area Of Retaining Lugs Into Selector Arm

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Installation:

Pull inner rubber gaiter over bowl on selector arm and press outer rubber gaiter into body cutout.

Fig 14: Pressing Outer Rubber Gaiter Into Body Cutout

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