M3 SMG Shift Knob on X5

[mdubs9]

Hey Guys,

I've done some searching and found some good DIY and steering wheel replacements for the e46 but nothing on simply replacing the oem x5 shifter with an smg/dct shift knob from either e92/e46/e39 ect..

Do any of these snap right on? ( not concerned about lights)

Thanks

[1MEAN4.8IS]

The problem with that is the way that the e90 smg or dct shifter unlocks for shifting is electronic not mechanical like that in our x5. I personally own both of those shifters and have tried to come up with a way but would be challenging and very custom

[mrbmwx5]

I did it http://www.xoutpost.com/members/mrbm...082010131.html

And still have one for sale.

[mrbmwx5]

http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...t-knob-x5.html

[Sweep_the_Leg]

I know the E46 performance shifter is a direct swap.

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Unfortunately, the matching boot doesn't work with the E53 trim, as the E46 is more of a true rectangle. But I suppose you could buy one, take the bottom ring off, and try to re-stretch it to match an E53 boot ring. I haven't bothered with something like that, but I really like the look and feel of the updated shifter over the round stock one. It helps to update the feel of the interior a little.

[mdubs9]

Originally Posted by mrbmwx5

I did it http://www.xoutpost.com/members/mrbm...082010131.html

And still have one for sale.

Did the knob slide right on? Or did it take some modification?

[mrbmwx5]

Slide right on all you have to do is break the x5 boot ring and cut a little off from the SMG boot stuff it in side and zip tie it ... Done

[mdubs9]

Thanks,

but what about the safety switch? how to work around that?

[mrbmwx5]

As the car is moving you can't putt the gear in park or reverse ,so no worry there.