25 11 000 Removing and installing shift lever

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 6 other vehicles, including the 2010 BMW 528xi, 2010 BMW 528i, 2009 BMW 528xi, 2009 BMW 528i, and 2008 BMW 528xi. 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 .

Remove heat shields (2).

NOTE: Illustration similar.

Fig 1: Identifying Heat Shields

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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.

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

Fig 2: Removing Knob

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Fig 3: Removing Rubber Gaiter From Centre Console

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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 Rubber Gaiter And Shift Lever

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation:

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

Fig 5: Pushing Rubber Gaiter Down

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

If necessary, remove sound insulation (1).

Fig 6: Identifying Sound Insulation

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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

Press mount upwards out of shift arm.

Fig 8: Turning Mounting Counterclockwise

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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

Fig 9: Removing Rubber Gaiter From Body Cutout

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation:

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

Fig 10: Inserting Rubber Gaiter

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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 11: Installing Selector Lever In Selector Arm

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation:

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

Fig 12: Pressing Mount In Area Of Retaining Lugs Into Selector Arm

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation:

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

Fig 13: Pressing Outer Rubber Gaiter Into Body Cutout

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.