Can this bizarre idea be done?

[SgtPete 0311]

Ok. The problem with my 03 330xi 6 speed isn’t really making the car undrivable but it is very annoying. The white plastic bushing at the bottom of the actual shifter is bad. The shifter moves up and it’s pretty annoying to get into first sometimes. The clutch itself is great and was replaced less then 4K ago. I have removed the shifter boot and the two foam and rubber pieces. The white plastic bushing is definitely at the end of its life. It’s cracked and looks to be missing a little bit. Anyway onwards to my bizarre thought/idea! It’s cold AF here in Pittsburgh and I’d rather not get under and take down the exhaust and drop the driveshaft. So is it even possible to break away the remaining plastic bushing but then replace by simply removing the shifter knob and pushing new bushing over shaft and into place?

[BimmerBreaker]

no

[SgtPete 0311]

Yeah I figured. Damn. So you have to drop exhaust and driveshaft to gain access? Gotta wait for warmer weather!

[ConvGeorge]

I was able to replace mine by unbolted the rear and trans mounts for the exhaust and letting it hang down a bit (not loose, I put a block of wood under it so it was supported, but hanging lower. Then I could get the driveshaft out.

[SgtPete 0311]

I have a 2003 330xi 6 speed. From front to back the exhaust is on the left and front driveshaft on right. Every DIY I’ve Googled has the driveshaft on top of the exhaust. I have pictures . These pics are taken from the front of car. Exhaust trails to left and DS on right. Any DIY on this particular model or am I good to just drop the DS and proceed with the other steps the DIY shows?IMG_6022.jpg