View Full Version : ZHP shift knob replacement
Manual transmission- faulty shift knob.
I am ordering a replacement, is this a "no brain" switch?
I have seen how-to's that show the lighted knob install and others, that included having to zip-tie or cut the boot...etc. All I want to do is switch out the knobs.
Is this an easy thing to do? Are there images that show how to do this?
thank you brethren.
danewilson77
09-11-2012, 02:56 PM
Pull knob off.
Put new knob on.
Done
#winning
Sent from Williamsburg, VA USA
derbo
09-11-2012, 03:06 PM
Pull knob off.
Put new knob on.
Done
#winning
Sent from Williamsburg, VA USA
Careful not to pull too hard and hit your face with it. I've seen a technician get a bloody nose, it fly through the sunroof and various other hilarious laughing scenarios. :)
danewilson77
09-11-2012, 03:45 PM
Yeah...the way I usually do it......is pick the car up by the knob.....then push the car down. It takes an incredible amount of strength though. I showed Chuck this technique.
He approves.
Johal E32
09-11-2012, 04:46 PM
Yeah...the way I usually do it......is pick the car up by the knob.....then push the car down. It takes an incredible amount of strength though. I showed Chuck this technique.
He approves.
This is probably the easiest way, it's 100% safe as well. No bloody noses!
Thanx everyone for not making fun of my lack of auto- mechanical skills
cakM3
09-11-2012, 06:10 PM
Thanx everyone for not making fun of my lack of auto- mechanical skills
You'll find that we all don't roll like that over here like you see in the other forums...
How we all conduct ourselves here makes "our" forum that much better in my opinion. :thumbsup
Feel free to ask any of us questions as they come up! :biggrin
So.......... Seriously-
No tabs... No pins... No connectors..... No twists.
Just pull. Then pop on?
cakM3
09-11-2012, 06:28 PM
That's pretty much it. When replacing the old shift knob with a new one that's all you have to do. :thumbsup
just put the parking brake on so the car does not move, put the shift into neutral so you can have leverage, open the sunroof so you can position yourself centered and pull... be careful that you don't pop yourself in the face....;) Real easy :)
nike001
09-11-2012, 07:27 PM
I put it in 2nd and pull. I don't straddle the center console either though lol. Just pull like hell.. but have a good reaction and make sure you don't keep your pulling up enough to hit the sunroof. You should be able to catch it by then though. Hitting the sunroof is an EXTREME consequence.
I just put the BMW performance knob on.. and this morning was the first (low 40's) cold morning and let me tell you.. that knob was BURRRR
Ok. Thanx everyone.
So afraid to mess up something that I can't repair.
I'll try to document "process";)
Mike V
09-12-2012, 12:46 AM
I do the same as Nike does. Put it in 2nd gear and a quick and hard pull will get the knob off. To put the new on, let it fall to where it rests, square it up so that it's not crooked, and give it a firm push to seat it in place.
danewilson77
09-12-2012, 03:13 AM
You'll find that we all don't roll like that over here like you see in the other forums...
How we all conduct ourselves here makes "our" forum that much better in my opinion. :thumbsup
Feel free to ask any of us questions as they come up! :biggrin
In fact, no one rolls like that here. Many of us do have quite the sense of humor though :)
JG330i
09-12-2012, 07:20 AM
Careful not to pull too hard and hit your face with it. I've seen a technician get a bloody nose, it fly through the sunroof and various other hilarious laughing scenarios. :)
AMEN to that!!!
I pulled to hard and it nearly took my eye out....
thats what she said?
Hermes
09-12-2012, 09:37 AM
I put my E24 knob on the ZHP the other day, it's definitely "different"
i assume a pillow over your hands would work to prevent the missile effect?
danewilson77
09-12-2012, 10:19 AM
i assume a pillow over you hands would work to prevent the missile effect?
Yes...it's usually recommended.
http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h403/aboo-oo/BMW/photo1.jpg
i received my shift knob from my seller today.... though heavy and nice- it appears to be the wrong side?
its quite a bit larger [image shows bottoms of both at my finger level], and has different stitching lines running down back.
Am i mistaken?
nike001
09-14-2012, 02:38 PM
Yeah that's not the right one.
If you got it from a vendor, I'd suggest returning it. When shopping, the title for the knobs on our car usually just say "ZHP"
:(
I didn't order it- my seller did.
I will have to return it to them
UdubBadger
09-14-2012, 05:26 PM
Yeah...the way I usually do it......is pick the car up by the knob.....then push the car down. It takes an incredible amount of strength though. I showed Chuck this technique.
He approves.
:rofl
- Goin' H.A.M. Mobile
UdubBadger
09-14-2012, 05:28 PM
I put it in 2nd and pull. I don't straddle the center console either though lol. Just pull like hell.. but have a good reaction and make sure you don't keep your pulling up enough to hit the sunroof. You should be able to catch it by then though. Hitting the sunroof is an EXTREME consequence.
I just put the BMW performance knob on.. and this morning was the first (low 40's) cold morning and let me tell you.. that knob was BURRRR
This.
Much easier when in 2-4 or 6
I do it from the passenger side, steering wheel and pedals get in the way of hulk strength
- Goin' H.A.M. Mobile
http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h403/aboo-oo/BMW/photo1.jpg
i received my shift knob from my seller today.... though heavy and nice- it appears to be the wrong side?
its quite a bit larger [image shows bottoms of both at my finger level], and has different stitching lines running down back.
Am i mistaken?
BMW is saying that the larger knob is what is supposed to come on my car based on the VIN...
Is there a link to the "short knob" feature for the ZHP that I could reference ? :(
ryankokesh
09-18-2012, 05:04 PM
"Hulk strength", eh?
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
nike001
09-18-2012, 05:17 PM
BMW is saying that the larger knob is what is supposed to come on my car based on the VIN...
Is there a link to the "short knob" feature for the ZHP that I could reference ? :(
BMW as in your local BMW parts counter?
Tell them that you have an e46 330i ZHP and you want the got damn ZHP knob. Any idiot who knows BMW's should know what a ZHP knob is
BMW as in your local BMW parts counter?
Tell them that you have an e46 330i ZHP and you want the got damn ZHP knob. Any idiot who knows BMW's should know what a ZHP knob is
As in the local BMW dealer. Via the seller as a conduit. They told them that the larger knob is what shows up for my VIN.
I may or may not need an "official" reference page online... I have emailed seller the Wikipedia page of the e46 and our FAQ that both state a shorter knob. I don't know if either of those will have "informational clout” to transcend the lack of knowledge of the BMW dealer ( at least the parts person my seller is talking to)
JupiterBMW
09-18-2012, 05:24 PM
Just one question... Is this 'seller' the person that sold you your ZHP? If so, they may be trying to pull a fast one on you... I'm sure they managed to get that other knob at a lower cost than the ZHP knob... Maybe they just want to be done with the deal and are trying to get you a new shift knob and wipe their hands of the deal... I could be totally wrong, but just by what I've read in the thread, that's what it seems like to me...
Anyway, can I ask a favor of everyone? Can someone post a pic of the shifter with the knob removed? I know it sounds silly, but I'd like to see if its tapered, straight, and how the boot fastens to the underside of the knob or top of the shifter or whatever... Thanks in advance!
Just one question... Is this 'seller' the person that sold you your ZHP? If so, they may be trying to pull a fast one on you... I'm sure they managed to get that other knob at a lower cost than the ZHP knob... Maybe they just want to be done with the deal and are trying to get you a new shift knob and wipe their hands of the deal... I could be totally wrong, but just by what I've read in the thread, that's what it seems like to me...
Anyway, can I ask a favor of everyone? Can someone post a pic of the shifter with the knob removed? I know it sounds silly, but I'd like to see if its tapered, straight, and how the boot fastens to the underside of the knob or top of the shifter or whatever... Thanks in advance!
I certainly hope not. I'm guessing the seller just doesn't know the difference... I'll put my good faith in honest for the moment. It's a good question, I suppose I'll find out tomorrow. I do know they are quoting their dealer price is 110$, even when I told then it can be found for as low as 75$ online. .....
That's a VERY good suggestion about the pic without the ring... If no on beats me to It, I'll photograph the process, bloody nose and all, and post here. Here's hoping they can solve the problem quick and inexpensively :)
nike001
09-18-2012, 06:44 PM
I don't understand why your previous owner is still involved with this car.
Why can't you go on Turner, order the knob, get it and then pop it on?
I don't understand why your previous owner is still involved with this car.
Why can't you go on Turner, order the knob, get it and then pop it on?
When i test drove, the faceplate came off. They [this was a used car dealer] glued it back on when prepping the car, and the adhesive they used is bubbling and fading and spotting badly.
I offered to split the cost of a new knob with them, since the repairs they made appear to be faulty.I don't know what state the underside of the faceplate, or the top of the "non-face-plated" knob is like, but i suspect quite bad.
Crickett
09-18-2012, 07:31 PM
BMW is saying that the larger knob is what is supposed to come on my car based on the VIN...
Is there a link to the "short knob" feature for the ZHP that I could reference ? :(
http://static.bmwfans.info/images/epc/MTI5NTAzX3A=.png (http://bmwfans.info/parts/catalog/E46/Sedan/USA/330i-M54/LHD/N/2003/october/browse/gearshift/gear_shift_knobs_shift_lever_coverings/)
(Click pic for full info page.)
They gave you #2, you need #3 (P/N 25 11 2 228 157, 25 11 7 896 884, 25 11 7 896 885, or 25 11 7 896 886; not sure why there're two different versions). Notice that it states that version is for cars with either silver or black cube trim, the Clubsport pkg, or M Sports ("M-Tech") II pkg. All of which describe the Performance Package (or equivalent).
FWIW, my ZHP had the taller knob (#2) when I bought it from the used car dealer . . . :dunno
OR they could just Google "ZHP knob" & see all of the pics that come up. :facepalm
http://static.bmwfans.info/images/epc/MTI5NTAzX3A=.png (http://bmwfans.info/parts/catalog/E46/Sedan/USA/330i-M54/LHD/N/2003/october/browse/gearshift/gear_shift_knobs_shift_lever_coverings/)
(Click pic for full info page.)
They gave you #2, you need #3 (P/N 25 11 2 228 157, 25 11 7 896 884, 25 11 7 896 885, or 25 11 7 896 886; not sure why there're two different versions). Notice that it states that version is for cars with either silver or black cube trim, the Clubsport pkg, or M Sports ("M-Tech") II pkg. All of which describe the Performance Package (or equivalent).
FWIW, my ZHP had the taller knob (#2) when I bought it from the used car dealer . . . :dunno
OR they could just Google "ZHP knob" & see all of the pics that come up. :facepalm
Crickett-
THAT'S IT!!!!!!
PERFECT. Exactly what I'm looking for.
Haha... Yeah, one would think that's the case.
Thanx everyone, and especially Crickett.
I did my knob replacement 2 years ago, and now the new one is fading and black flakes chipping off. Really fighting getting a new one when i get my wheel/shift boot/e-brake boot changed out. Going to go with Coby Wheel btw.
I guess im a little OCD about having the shift knob look good.
i hear you. I'm OCD about the fit and finish of all the interior.
This issue is about the faceplate, not the black leather/rubbed portion, fyi.
wsmeyer
09-20-2012, 10:56 AM
Anyway, can I ask a favor of everyone? Can someone post a pic of the shifter with the knob removed? I know it sounds silly, but I'd like to see if its tapered, straight, and how the boot fastens to the underside of the knob or top of the shifter or whatever... Thanks in advance!
The boot doesn't attach to the knob or the lever. This is what a shift lever looks like:
5877
The boot clips in to the console trim at the bottom. The hole at the top of the boot, I guess you could call it a collar, is only big enough to fit over the part of the lever that goes into the knob (left side of pic) so when you put the knob on it holds the boot in place.
William.
At the risk of my own embarrassment.... climbed in... placed a thick pillow on top of knob to reduce impact potential.... pulled that sucker as hard as i could.... nothing at all.
Didn't even budge. Perhaps I'm subconsciously not transferring as much energy as i thought, in fears of damaging my roof?
I am taking car to BMW for the 79$ oil change offer tomorrow... I will ask them to give me an estimate on replacing the knob.:dunno
Hermes
10-11-2012, 12:29 PM
pull harder, eat a can of spinach first if necessary. It will come off eventually
NorCalZman
10-11-2012, 12:33 PM
dont give up! 33rd time is the charm! dont let that shift knob beat you! :)
zhpnsnv
10-11-2012, 12:46 PM
I'm worried whoever had this car before you GLUED on the wrong knob. Hopefully it'll come off.
danewilson77
10-11-2012, 03:07 PM
They're just going to pull harder.
nike001
10-11-2012, 03:37 PM
I'm worried whoever had this car before you GLUED on the wrong knob. Hopefully it'll come off.
Yup. Definitely seen this before.
took it to Irvine BMW for the 79$ oil change special.
They said they would look at the knob... service advisor [very nice chap] called me and said it was "the tightest they had seen... and that it would cost 72$ to replace...". I passed, obviously. Thought it to be glued on as suggested here.
When the advisor called to tell me the car was ready... he said they were able to get the new knob on, at no cost!
Very cool that a dealer would continue to process even though i passed.... that was a nice nugget to get today.
two side notes-
They said i need to "replace thrust rod bushings"... at 675.
Can anyone tell me if this is part of the ZHP package... and if there is a good link to these parts for cheaper?
The advisor was all giddy over the ZHP.. said he had not seen one on there before.... was caressing the Alcantara... and said it must be a "garage queen"...
It was nice to have the effort of keeping her showroom clean appreciated. :)
johnrando
10-12-2012, 10:53 AM
Good stuff! AFA your question, sorry, I don't know.
danewilson77
10-12-2012, 01:42 PM
took it to Irvine BMW for the 79$ oil change special.
They said they would look at the knob... service advisor [very nice chap] called me and said it was "the tightest they had seen... and that it would cost 72$ to replace...". I passed, obviously. Thought it to be glued on as suggested here.
When the advisor called to tell me the car was ready... he said they were able to get the new knob on, at no cost!
Very cool that a dealer would continue to process even though i passed.... that was a nice nugget to get today.
two side notes-
They said i need to "replace thrust rod bushings"... at 675.
Can anyone tell me if this is part of the ZHP package... and if there is a good link to these parts for cheaper?
The advisor was all giddy over the ZHP.. said he had not seen one on there before.... was caressing the Alcantara... and said it must be a "garage queen"...
It was nice to have the effort of keeping her showroom clean appreciated. :)
Idk if the are talking about tie rods or rtabs?
Sent from Williamsburg, VA USA
I have no idea what means...
webster
10-13-2012, 07:47 AM
Reminds me of that Seinfeld episode...."Johnson rod...sure"
Reminds me of that Seinfeld episode...."Johnson rod...sure"
Great episode.
BRGcoopahS
10-17-2012, 05:16 PM
"thrust rod" sounds like something either from
A) star wars
or
B) an 80's porno.
sketchyd
10-17-2012, 06:47 PM
that doesn't sound right... the e46 suspension doesn't incorporate thrust rods.
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