Removal and Installation of the Gear Shift Lever

1 — gear shift lever
2 — lever
3 — bearing
4 — shift rod
5 — spacer washer
6 — locking washer
7 — shift joint
8 — retaining ring
9 — rubber washer
10 — pin
11 — protective boot
12 — pin
13 — bushing
14 — support
15 — backup light switch
16 — vibration damper
17 — decal

REMOVAL

1. Pull the top of the shift lever knob firmly upward.

2. Disconnect the protective boot from the center console and remove it from the lever.

3. Raise and support the vehicle on stands. From underneath, remove the retaining clip (4) and remove the shift rod. Remove the spacer washers (5) from both sides.

4. Place the pin spanner (for example, BMW special tool 251110) under the shift lever and turn it 90° counterclockwise. Remove the joint cover upward.
5. Disconnect the protective boot from the body and shift console and remove it upward together with the lever. Disconnect the vibration damper clamp, if equipped, from the shift lever and remove it.

INSTALLATION

1. Lubricate the spherical bearings of the shift lever with Kluber Polylub GLY 801 grease.
2. Install the shift lever with the spherical bearing so that the tab or arrow on the bearing points in the direction of the pin, i.e., in the direction of travel.

3. Press the bearing into the holder from above with a screwdriver until the tabs audibly snap into place.
4. Insert the shift rod pin with the washers into the lever. Install the retainer. Lower the vehicle to the wheels.
5. Install the protective boot. Insert the inner edge over the shift lever and the outer edge into the body cutout.
6. Install the vibration damper and secure it with the clamp. Secure the cover with the protective boot.
7. Install the knob onto the lever and press it down firmly.