Removing and Installing Shift Lever

25 11 000 - Removing and installing shift lever

Special tools required:
- 25 1 120 25 1 120 Pin Wrench

Necessary preliminary tasks:
- Remove underbody protection.
- Remove exhaust system.

Remove heat shields (2).

Note:
Illustration similar.

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.

Installation:
Feed gaiter (1) downwards and fit on shift lever (2).
Pull rubber gaiter (1) over selector lever and insert in center console.

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

If necessary, remove sound insulation (1).

Lift off retainer (1).
Remove shims (3).
Remove selector rod (2).

Installation:
Grease shift rod pin.
Grease, refer to BMW Service Operating Fluids.
Make sure shims (3) are in correct position.

Important!
New retaining clips fitted as from 04/08.
Retaining clip must interlock captively with retaining web (1) behind shift rod pin.

Insert special tool 25 1 120 25 1 120 Pin Wrench in mounting and turn 90° counterclockwise.
Press mount upwards out of shift arm.

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

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

Installation:
Grease selector lever ball.
Grease, refer to BMW Service Operating Fluids.
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.

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

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