[toxik]

After I bought my CPO 2017 340i, I noticed the leather shift knob was slightly worn after 40k miles, I decided to replace it but a part of me wanted to retrofit the F80/F8x illuminated shift knob just to add a little more spice into the interior of the car. I googled some threads and didn't see any guides on how others have done this retrofit, so I decided to look into how BMW would've done it. This lead me to find that the F87 M2 has an official repair manual guide on how BMW instructs their techs to install an illuminated "M performance Pro" shift knob, and retrofit the connection using crimp connectors that they also produce and sell. I loved that there was an official method to doing this, that didnt require me to hack up any wiring under my shift knob.

This is a quick 10 minute DIY and below I'll outline everything you'll need. Please note this is for 6MT F30s only, and that you can use both the regular F80 Leather Shift Knob, or the upgraded M Performance Pro shift knob, which both have the same illuminated connection.

OEM Parts you'll need:

Shift Knob: 25-11-2-413-885 (M Performance Pro Shift Knob) OR 25-11-2-284-705 (OEM Illuminated Shift knob F8x)
2x Connectors (Adapter 2-Pin): 61-13-8-364-566
Plyers
Electrical Tape

Step 1:

Remove your OEM F3x Shift Knob




Step 2: Remove the driving experience switch. You can see the plastic piece at the end of the switch that needs to be compressed inward in order for the piece to come out. Once it is removed, unplug the blue connector and put the switch to the side, while we work on the wiring.



Step 3: Grab some side cutters and cut off the OEM Connector from the F80 shift knob:



Step 4: Take your two BMW connectors and follow the splicing guide below. It is fairly simple. The Grey/Red wire from the shift knob connects with Grey/Red from the Driving switch wiring. The Brown wire from the Shift Knob connects with Brown/White wire from the car. Once you have the wires isolated in the 2-Pin Adapters, use your favorite pair of plyers to compress the adapters shut and solidify the electrical connection:







Step 5: Tuck the wires back in, and use some electrical tape to bundle them together, just so they don't ever get in the way of the shifter once we cover it up with the boot.



Step 6: Plug the driving mode selector switch back into the blue connector and re-install the drive mode selector switch into the console. After this you can put your new shifter on.





Step 7: Test the illumination feature!




You're all done. I know the M Performance Pro shifter isn't everyones cup of tea (it feels a lot better than it looks) But this guide is universal to both the OEM Leather Shift Knob and the M Perf one. Enjoy your new "upgraded" Shift Knob!

[Ayamazin]

Love this!

[SZeRo_PT]

Great job!

[chuckles01]

I just want to say thank you for this write up! It was very clear and easy to follow, and today I've retrofitted the OEM F80 illuminated shift knob to my car. Love the look!

[toxik]

Originally Posted by chuckles01

I just want to say thank you for this write up! It was very clear and easy to follow, and today I've retrofitted the OEM F80 illuminated shift knob to my car. Love the look!

love it! looks great