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 535xi, 2010 BMW 535i, 2009 BMW 535xi, 2009 BMW 535i, and 2008 BMW 535xi. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Special tools required:

25 1 120

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove underbody protection.
Remove EXHAUST SYSTEM .

Remove heat shields (2).

NOTE: Illustration similar.

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.

Fig 2: Turning Lock In Knob

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NOTE: Illustration shows E46.

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

Fig 3: Identifying 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: Identifying Rubber Gaiter And Groove

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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: Identifying Selector Rod, Retainer And Shims

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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: Inserting Special Tool 25 1 120 In Mounting

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

Fig 10: Identifying Rubber Gaiter

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Installation:

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

Fig 11: Identifying 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: Identifying 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: Identifying 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: Identifying Inner Rubber Gaiter

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