Gear lever / shifter sticking

[X5Kiwi]

I am having problems getting my gear selector to move between N and D, and also between M/S and D.

To get it to move from N to D, I have to push it slightly to the left side of the car.

To get it to move from M/S to D, I have to just wiggle it until it moves.

This sounds similar to the following thread:
http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...ween-ds-d.html

Today I decided to pull the surround off the gear lever to see what is causing the problem, but I don't really understand what I am looking at, so thought I would post some photos in case other people have some ideas.

The first photo shows all the parts as they sit when the car is in park (P). I have circled the two components that seem to be causing the problem.



The next photo shows (from behind and center) the position of the same components when in neutral (N). As you can see, the gold coloured part is not lined up with the guide that it needs to slot into when shifted into drive (D), which is why I obviously need to push the lever slightly to the left to get into drive. It appears that the gold peice is not seating onto the white plastic part under it, but I can't see why, it doesn't seem worn in any way.


The last photo shows what everything looks like when in M/S mode. As you can see, the gold peice is removed from the white plastic peice, and stays in the guide, which seems normal. Perhaps someone else can have a look at these parts on their shifter and see if the parts all perform in the same way? This surround easily lifts off, just open the ash tray and lift the surround gently and it will pop off.



Any ideas? I'll take it to BMW next week if needed, but as we all know that costs $$$ just to drive in the door, and it might be a simple fix.