Remove Manual Shift Knob

paul e · 12-31-2015, 12:29 PM

How?

I've read where you just lift it up with some effort and it will pop off. I lifted so hard I thought the shift lever would come out of the tranny, the knob doesn't budge.

I want to get a wood knob but if I cannot remove the old one it'll just be an expensive paperweight.

Car is 2016 340i if that matters.

BmwFlooner · 12-31-2015, 01:12 PM

Make sure you've unclipped the boot first. Put it in second. Pull towards your chest. NOT YOUR FACE. Close your eyes. Feel the force flow though you. It will pop off.

paul e · 12-31-2015, 01:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BmwFlooner

Make sure you've unclipped the boot first. Put it in second. Pull towards your chest. NOT YOUR FACE. Close your eyes. Feel the force flow though you. It will pop off.

Okay, but unclip the boot from what? The knob or the console?

And how to "unclip" as I see no obvious attachment?

I just saw STAR WARS so I am familiar with the Force. But this is my 1st BMW, so nothing is obvious. Thanks.

Orion4 · 12-31-2015, 01:47 PM

It takes a lot of force to get it off the first time. A number of folks have smacked themselves in the face. you wont break the shift lever. just be ready for the "pop" when the knob comes free.

the_phew · 12-31-2015, 02:08 PM

I found that the best technique is to straddle the tunnel, open the sunroof, stand up and pull with it in neutral (keep your knees bent and back straight, or you could injure yourself). First time took a bit of effort, now it pops off with minimal difficulty.

Remember to unclip the shift boot (using a flathead screwdriver or similar around the edges of the base of the boot) before pulling on the knob, or you could break the clips.

BmwFlooner · 12-31-2015, 02:42 PM

If you have the replacement part with you, you can see where the clips are on the boot.

If not, find a picture of the entire boot + shifter:
http://parts.bmwmonterey.com/a/BMW__...t/25_0537.html

The clips are around the edges of the boot. You'll need to push down and pull in to disconnect them from the frame.

The shifter itself is attached only by friction. It will take a LOT of force to get it off, but once it's off you can attach and remove much easier afterwards.

Fronzdan · 12-31-2015, 05:01 PM

If you just gently pull the boot inward around the base of the shifter you'll see how it clips in.

The way to remove the knob is not with a steady pulling like you're doing arm curls or something. A firm yank/snap upward is what will pop it off. But as everyone says, be sure you know where your hands will be going when it pops off. It's not difficult.

E30toF30 · 01-01-2016, 06:16 PM

I just swapped my shift knob/boot out the other day. As others have said, you just kind of pinch the base of the boot inward to unclip it. And once the boot is unclipped, put it into second gear and pull hard.

Again just be cognisant of where it is aimed. Don't put your face above it as you might smash your face accidentally when it does pop off. Pull to your chest and it will come off.

I'm only 5'8, 150lbs, and not particularly strong or anything. Took me just a couple minutes to do the swap.

Let us know when you have succeeded!

12-31-2015, 12:29 PM	#1
paul e Captain 420 Rep 842 Posts Drives: 340i xDrive 6MT Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: South Carolina iTrader: (0)	Remove Manual Shift Knob How? I've read where you just lift it up with some effort and it will pop off. I lifted so hard I thought the shift lever would come out of the tranny, the knob doesn't budge. I want to get a wood knob but if I cannot remove the old one it'll just be an expensive paperweight. Car is 2016 340i if that matters.
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12-31-2015, 01:12 PM	#2
BmwFlooner Second Lieutenant 48 Rep 265 Posts Drives: 2013 M-Sport 335i 6MT Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Texas iTrader: (0)	Make sure you've unclipped the boot first. Put it in second. Pull towards your chest. NOT YOUR FACE. Close your eyes. Feel the force flow though you. It will pop off.
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12-31-2015, 01:47 PM	#4
Orion4 Lieutenant Colonel 481 Rep 1,572 Posts Drives: 2013 335i Sport Line Sedan Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Melbourne, FL iTrader: (0)	It takes a lot of force to get it off the first time. A number of folks have smacked themselves in the face. you wont break the shift lever. just be ready for the "pop" when the knob comes free.
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12-31-2015, 02:08 PM	#5
the_phew Lieutenant 352 Rep 556 Posts Drives: '17 GTI 6MT, was 320i ZSP/ZMT Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: United States iTrader: (0)	I found that the best technique is to straddle the tunnel, open the sunroof, stand up and pull with it in neutral (keep your knees bent and back straight, or you could injure yourself). First time took a bit of effort, now it pops off with minimal difficulty. Remember to unclip the shift boot (using a flathead screwdriver or similar around the edges of the base of the boot) before pulling on the knob, or you could break the clips.
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12-31-2015, 02:42 PM	#6
BmwFlooner Second Lieutenant 48 Rep 265 Posts Drives: 2013 M-Sport 335i 6MT Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Texas iTrader: (0)	If you have the replacement part with you, you can see where the clips are on the boot. If not, find a picture of the entire boot + shifter: http://parts.bmwmonterey.com/a/BMW__...t/25_0537.html The clips are around the edges of the boot. You'll need to push down and pull in to disconnect them from the frame. The shifter itself is attached only by friction. It will take a LOT of force to get it off, but once it's off you can attach and remove much easier afterwards.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-31-2015, 05:01 PM	#7
Fronzdan Lieutenant Colonel 304 Rep 1,739 Posts Drives: '24 M240 xDrive Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: MA iTrader: (0)	If you just gently pull the boot inward around the base of the shifter you'll see how it clips in. The way to remove the knob is not with a steady pulling like you're doing arm curls or something. A firm yank/snap upward is what will pop it off. But as everyone says, be sure you know where your hands will be going when it pops off. It's not difficult.
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01-01-2016, 06:16 PM	#8
E30toF30 Captain 122 Rep 749 Posts Drives: 2016 528i Executive Edition Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Vancouver iTrader: (1) Garage List 2002 BMW M3 [0.00] 2014 BMW X5 35d [0.00] 2016 BMW 528i xDrive [0.00]	I just swapped my shift knob/boot out the other day. As others have said, you just kind of pinch the base of the boot inward to unclip it. And once the boot is unclipped, put it into second gear and pull hard. Again just be cognisant of where it is aimed. Don't put your face above it as you might smash your face accidentally when it does pop off. Pull to your chest and it will come off. I'm only 5'8, 150lbs, and not particularly strong or anything. Took me just a couple minutes to do the swap. Let us know when you have succeeded!
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