how do you remove the shift knob?

[brian325i]

I know this sounds dumb, but I've only had my 325i for 3 weeks and most shift knobs screw off and I've attempted to screw it off but to no avail for fear I might break something. Can someone please let me know how to do it?

Thanks!

[BM325]

If it is a factory stock Manual shifter, you can just twist and pull and it will come off. It is secured with some kind of glue, so it is relatively easy to take off.

[umnitza]

DO NOT TWIST!
You need to "yank it off"
That's the only way. However, since I don't know what type of car you have (sig and avatar off), I will assume it's an e36/e46.

I don't know if the knobs on the e46 are lit, but if they are, you need to remove the shift boot a little first to disconnect the wiring harness so that you don't yank so hard to rip them when you pull the knob off.

Do a little search in the ///M3 and e36 archives.

[brian325i]

yup, its the factory manual shifter, its an e36, '95 325i...and ive tried pulling and yanking but i feel like something is going to break? should i just buckle down and pull till it comes off?

[ms318is]

Yes.
1) Put it in 2nd or 4th gear.
2) Pull straight off - NO twisting or bending. Pull perfectly straight off the end of the shifter.
3) Go to bathroom and clean up split lip/bloody nose/black eye.
4) Learn (like the rest of us!) to lean forward or kinda hunch over the shifter so you are pulling towards your chest. When it finally pops loose, you may be pulling hard enough that your hands kinda keep going for a while...

[Bond, James Bond]

Wish I had to ask this question, mine comes off when I shift to second.

[umnitza]

do a search for "shifter" "knob" "remove" and you will go through potentially hundreds of posts explaining the perils of removal of the knob.

Also, to reattach, I recommend electrical tape, heated with a hair dryer to the point of melting, and immediate attachment of the knob. That way, when you go to second (your technique should improved anyway) you won't yank it off.

[whamac]

Or, you could dump your stock shift knob and get one that mounts a much better way.

See the Z3 board for "Whalen" or e-mail me for details.

[Ninehundred]

HEllo, i am trying this to my 2005 325xi maual and i am coserned for the tranny. if i pull it off (with a helmet on, haha) will i be putting too much strain on my tranny?

ps: i have tried with a decent ammount of tug and nuthing. :[ but it has a sun roof so i have head clearence lol. help me plz.

[bowmang]

just put your helmet on, and pull like hell. it won't damage anything

i learned this the hard way while i was in school and gave myself a black eye...

[e36 318i VERT]

I didn't hit myself in the face, but an angry shift into third caused me to 'punch' my stereo unit with much force.
It's been flaky ever since.

[epmedia]

LOL

You guys are funny.

My '78 has a set screw and the knob threads on.

If your knob is glued on, I'd suggest a pair of leather gloves, a hair dryer and a helmet.

Use the hair dryer to warm the knob very hot, for several minutes (being careful not to melt anything). And then pull real hard.

If that does not get it off, maybe an engine hoist?

Robert

[Ladies]

I needed to know the same question. Thanks OP I'd imagine heating it up would help loosen it like somebody else said..

[e36xris]

Chances are good that the tab inside is gonna break anyway.

[M3C]

How about removing the leather boot from there completely out, do you have to remove the shift knob first or the boot can slide over the knob??
I see the leather boot top is tightened where it touches the knob.

[bowmang]

yea.. knob off first, then pull out the boot.

[M3C]

How is the knob secured there, with glue or some kind of retainer that requires some force to pull out?
Wanted to know so I can mount it back properly.

[WolfStrong]

Wish I had to ask this question, mine comes off when I shift to second.

You to huh?

Seriously, like everyone else said, put it in 2nd or 4th, and pull with ALL your might. It will seriously take enough force to through you in the back seat or seriously injure whatever is in the direction of travel. I think the better question is why do you need to take it off?

[greenE36]

Put it in neutral and pull straight up. Takes ALOT of force, but it does come off. If you feel you can't it off yourself, call a friend.

[rbelton]

How to remove and install a BMW shift knob in all models:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T0rJXiavuXo

[justinca540i]

Should just pop off. Easiest in neutral I think, I've done it downshifting to second a bunch.

[montaillou]

The thread that just won't die.

[speedyguy95]

I had to stand on my seat to get mine off. When it finally came off I punched myself in the nuts...

[SupremexE90]

Hey guys,

I have the same question about the transmission. Will there be too much stress from pulling up. My friend which is 300 lbs was pulling up and it felt like he was gonna rip out the transmission along with the shift knob lol. Any thoughts on that and is that possible? FYI, 2006 E90 manual and it's an aftermarket shift knob I just popped on there.

[SupremexE90]

I have the same question about the amount of stress being put on the transmission. My friend was trying to pull it straight up and it felt like he was gonna pull out the whole transmission lol. Any advice?

- - - Updated - - -

Oh yeah forgot to ask. What happens if you twist it? Ppl say it will break. What part specifically will break? The actual connecting rod? Or just the shift knob itself? Help me out guys. I got major OCD and it's slightly crooked!