Retro e9X Sports Shifter in e46 Steptronic

nachos23 · 03-23-2010, 02:04 AM

Next project is to retro fit a e9x Sports Shift Knob in place of the standard steptronic selector knob we currently have available.

I found this thread on e46fanatics.... anyone know the BMW model number for the shifter in the attached picture? Its off a e9x I believe. Could be 5 series as well.
http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=750195

If I can identify part number, I will post DIY pics. Think this illuminated shifter would look awesome in place of the existing shifter.

Any help would be greatly appreciated....

Thanks!

Eurostyle · 03-23-2010, 02:13 AM

IMO the original shifter looks better, but i will let you know if i find something!

nachos23 · 03-23-2010, 02:17 AM

you know what model this came off of? I like the illumination. Since consile carbon fibre, looks like definite retrofit and custom console (remove current indicators possibly).... any ideas? need BMW part # or model to search on realoem.

ryju · 03-23-2010, 09:34 AM

That's not a picture of a 3 series...

nachos23 · 03-23-2010, 09:38 AM

I know, thats a 5 series. Apparently, we can use either the shifter from the 5 series or e9x series; sport shifter. Can't find part number on realoem for actual BMW part number.....

nachos23 · 03-23-2010, 02:02 PM

bump

nachos23 · 03-23-2010, 08:29 PM

bump, no one looked into this mod yet? Guess I'm gonn a be the only guy in TO with it.....

The-Traveler · 03-23-2010, 08:36 PM

I think I've seen threads about this on e46fanatics.com.

nachos23 · 03-23-2010, 08:53 PM

been following and participating in those threads, but one aspect of the install is either incredably easy or I'm missing something. There is no centre stock running down middle of shift knob as in ours, so how does it release the gears? Thats the big question. Guess I'm gonna have to take a good look @ the shifter to answer the question + bite the bullet and buy one.....

ImolaZHP · 03-24-2010, 01:30 AM

as cool as that shifter looks, it's meant for an electronic gear shift tranny and would look very out of place in a regular automatic. You'll have a useless Park button and shift button

just my opinion though

nachos23 · 03-24-2010, 10:27 AM

actually, based on the e46Fanatics threads, the mechanical parking lock will not work, but BMW incorporates an electrical lock; that's why you have to press brake to shift from Park to Reverse or Drive, so the functionality will be the same. Since the stock shift tube is still being used, the functionality of the shifter remains the same, other than the mechanical locking mechansim. Going to test in next couple of days. I think it'll look sick! I am looking to mod the console piece to eliminate the indicators on the console and replace with the indicators on the shifter. Since my car is carbon fibred, I can build an insert that reduces the opening to the correct size for the new shift knob boot, re-carbon fibre the whole part and then you'd only see the P R N D lights on the shift knob and cluster.

ryju · 03-24-2010, 05:08 PM

It looks ridiculous. Good luck though!

ImolaZHP · 03-24-2010, 05:18 PM

I think you misunderstood me, I know it will physically be able to work on an e46...I just don't think it will look right, definitely in to see the results though!

By the way, I think you should paint/vinyl your roof black! It would look awesome

nachos23 · 03-25-2010, 02:08 PM

I've been definitely contemplating this. Got a buddy on e46Fanatics that's going to try and finalize his installation this weekend. Gonna see how it looks on his first (have to be video cause he's in NY state).... My project this weekend is front brakes.... clean, replace rotors and pads, rebuld calipers and paint, then bleed...... paint colour up for discussion.....

nachos23 · 03-26-2010, 02:47 AM

Tested the shifter assembly without the current stock shift knob in place and all electronic shift locks worked perfectly. Couldnt get car to move between gears without pressing brake. Function of Park release button secondary to electronic brake pedal lock. You can press the Park button all you want and not move the shifter, but press the brake (with and without) shift knob being present and it functions just like normal. I was @ BMW today and saw the actual knob on a 09 335 and it is SWEET and will look awesome in contrast to my dark interior (leather wrapped in front and sides). checkout this thread on e46Fanatics and tell me what you think after seeing the pics of it installed in an e46 and how it looks illuminated....http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=648665

Before that mod is the installation of rear cup holders in the rear arm rest cushion. Gonna retro fit from a e38 7 series. Hopefully that on Saturday.....