The replacement shifter restored the normal shifting action. Before had to double pull from R to D and as mentioned, the odd clicking noise.

Opened the original shifter and one of the two sliders that move when the lever is moved from D to M was stuck or at least sticky. After wiggling it free the shifter returned to normal action. So now, I have two working shifters, just need to lube my old one with some grease I bought last Sunday to assure it won't stick again. I will edit and post a picture of the item when I open it again for the grease.

This unit is fully electronic, there is no mechanical link to the trans at all. It shows up in ISTA as GWS. There are two sliders on an electronic board that register the desired action from the trans. The rest of the shifter is detents and the reset from M to D slot. The shift lever is all there to resemble a conventional Auto shifter but the sliders are simple and light, you could shift it with a match stick :-)

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2003 4.4i black ext./black int./black headliner (kid's runabout)
2014 535d X-drive, M package, silver/black interior

Sold but not forgotten:
2009 E70 35d, black ext./black int./black headliner (sold 2021)
2006 4.8iS Le Mans blue/cream int./black headliner, SOLD in 2012 sadly...

Other hardware:
2015 Cayenne S (wife's new DD and definitely wroooommmmm)
2016 Tundra 1794 edition crew cab, luxo hauler
2005 Tundra crew cab, weekend hauler. Sold after 150k very happy miles.