Auto Shifter Handle/Shift Rod Replacement Help

[1SGDHORN]

My shift rod broke on my auto shifter and I need to replace it. I can get a new shift rod and even the shifter handle but, what is the secret for removing the broken one and replacing it with a new one? Is there a pin that holds the spring loaded "actuator" in place that I need to drill or punch out?

[hotdish]

Try twisting the white rod to the side with pliers to get it to pop out of the linkage and then pull it out.

[1SGDHORN]

Is this a tried and true method? I tried with some needle nose pliers with no luck. but I wasn't to aggressive.

[aaverhulst]

Maybe I'm missing where the rod is stuck. If it's in the handle, remove the allen set screw in the handle. That is the little round sliver thing in your handle picture.

[1SGDHORN]

I believe that round allen screw is there only to hold the handle onto the metal shift mechanism that sticks up out of the transmission tunnel.

[1SGDHORN]

No one has had to replace this plastic piece? You can buy it separately, so that led me to believe that it was replaceable. Looks like that isn't the case. Do I need to buy an entire used shifter just to fix this one small issue?

[aaverhulst]

Is this the part?
https://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-53073-25161207558-genuine-bmw-part/

456082_x800.jpg

[hotdish]

No one has had to replace this plastic piece? You can buy it separately, so that led me to believe that it was replaceable. Looks like that isn't the case. Do I need to buy an entire used shifter just to fix this one small issue?

I've swapped it between two shifter handles before, but I actually had the opposite issue. Mine kept falling out. Maybe try pulling it out with needle-nose vice grips or something?

[1SGDHORN]

That is the part I am trying to replace.

[1SGDHORN]

Needle nose vice grips was the key... They allowed me enough clamping force on the very slippery plastic to twist it enough until it came off.

[aaverhulst]

Good to hear you got it out. Mine just lifted out. Guess you never know what's going to happen.

[superj]

and I take the one out that goes down into the shift rod because something always gets broke and than it doesn't want to shift. I just take it out to keep from having trouble later.

yeah, its possible someone could accidentally hit it and knock it out of gear but how many times are people climbing between the seats when you are driving? me, never

[1SGDHORN]

I have had no problems with leaving it out if it were just me driving the car, but when the car is occasionally driven by my wife and my 18 year old step daughter this isn't something I want to risk.

[superj]

I understand. the car I drive is only driven by me so I don't have to worry. my wife has forgotten she was an e30 girl back in the day and won't even look at them anymore, so I am safe.

she had the only 325is we ever owned, an 88.

[1SGDHORN]

My wife could care less. She has the option of driving a 2000 Audi TT or a 1995 MB 300E and to her a car is just something that gets you from point a to point be. My Step Daughter on the other hand loves the E30. She likes the older boxy Volvos too, so I can see why she would like the style of the E30.

[superj]

that's cool, about your step daughter. my kids both like e30s too.

the wife just wants something newer because she is in some stupid competition with her sisters, it seems. she is the only one who always has some type of sportier car though while her sisters are always in the big suvs. the good thing about cristina is she likes fun small cars so we are going to go back to a mini cooper s once her little ford is paid off.

[1SGDHORN]

I finally got around to ordering a new pull rod from the dealership and installing it. It took a bit of pushing and twisting, but I got it to slide onto the metal rod and all is working properly now. The small things sometimes are so satisfying.