Difficulties Installing New Auto Gear Selector Knob

[Mikebear79]

This just seems so stupid, but I can't figure out how to get the new auto shift handle back on the shaft. The previous owner had put a screw into the inner white plastic shaft to keep it up and just stuck the shifter handle on top. Now that I have a new part, I can't figure out how to get the handle down on the shaft while inserting the small metal rod through the hole in the inner white plastic shaft. Anyone know the trick to this? - Mike

[Mikebear79]

Well, slowly figured this one out. The aftermarket MTC brand shift lever (or even a lot of the genuine BMW levers) doesn’t work with my vintage car. They have the newer style longer neck. On the older version, the white plastic shaft inside the metal one stays on the car. The older handle has almost no neck to it and a semi circle opening at the bottom that allows for the trigger to hinge way down so that the attached metal pin can slide easily through the hole on the white plastic shaft and then the handle mounts down on the metal shaft and the retaining screw is inserted on the back. Seemingly small differences, but totally different in functionality. I was able to order the correct part from fcpeuro. PS - Even if I had gotten the MTC lever on the shaft and made it work, I would have thrown it out anyway. It reeked of petroleum and after handling it for a bit, left a bunch of black chalky residue on my fingers. Poor quality.