Removing and installing gearshift lever

Special tools required:

25 1 120

Necessary preliminary work:

Support transmission with lifter.
Remove propeller shaft. Refer to COMPLETELY REMOVE AND INSTALL THE PROPELLER SHAFT MADE OF STEEL (INSERTED AT THE REAR) or REMOVING AND INSTALLING CARBON PROPELLER SHAFT (INSERTED) COMPLETE .

Pull installation frame of gaiter upwards at sides out of center console.

IMPORTANT: Do not use a tool, as this would damage the installation frame or the center console.

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Disconnect the connector (1).

Tug firmly to remove button.

NOTE: Do not twist button during removal, as anti-twist lock in button is otherwise sheared off.

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Pull off retainer (2).

Disengage gearshift rod (1).

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Release and remove bearing journals (1) in direction of arrow.

Lift gearshift arm out upwards.

Installation note:

Grease bearing journal.

Grease: refer to BMW SERVICE OPERATING FLUIDS .

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Lever support bearing (1) out of bracket with short screwdriver.

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Carefully thread U-type bellows (2) with gearshift arm (1) and gearshift lever (3) downwards out of body aperture.

IMPORTANT: The PVC guide inserted in the U-type bellows for the body aperture breaks easily during removal and installation.

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Pull gearshift lever cover (2) off gearshift lever (1).

If necessary, first rub inside with Circolight (sourcing reference: BMW Parts Department).

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Installation:

Grease gearshift lever ball.

Grease: refer to BMW SERVICE OPERATING FLUIDS .

Insert gearshift lever into gearshift arm.

Align mount:

Installation note:

Retaining of ball socket perpendicular to direction of travel.

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Press mount into gearshift arm in area of retaining lugs until retaining lugs engage audibly.

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De-grease gearshift lever (1).

Coat gearshift lever cover on inner shaped element (2) with Circolight (sourcing reference BMW Parts Department).

Pull gearshift lever cover over gearshift lever from top and align.

Arrow (4) on upper lip (3) must point crossways to bearing eye in direction of travel.

Key:

Gearshift lever
Gearshift lever cover shaped element
Gearshift lever cover lip
Direction arrow

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Pull inner rubber boot over cup on gearshift arm.

Insert outer rubber boot into body aperture.

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Press support bearing (1) into bracket.

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Installation note:

Grease bearing journals (1).

Grease: refer to BMW SERVICE OPERATING FLUIDS .

Insert gearshift arm from top.

Install bearing journals (1) and lock in direction of arrow.

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Installation note:

Grease gearshift rod pin.

Grease: refer to BMW SERVICE OPERATING FLUIDS .

Attach gearshift rod (1).

Insert retainer (2).

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Connect button to gearshift lever, align and press on until it noticeably engages.

Connect connector (1).

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Press installation frame of gaiter downwards into center console at sides.

IMPORTANT: Do not use a tool, as this would damage the installation frame or the center console.

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Required follow-up work:

Install PROPELLER SHAFT .