2004 BMW X5 4.8is - Shifter Cable
 

So unfortunately my mechanic made me aware that I cannot just replace the shifter cable (it doesnt disconnect from the shifter itself) so I had to get a whole new assembly. With that said I purchased the whole set, shifter plus cable that came out of a 2005 E53 3.0i and the cable is to short, I'm away so I cant see for myself but has anyone had this issue? I was told they we're universal within the 2004-2006 E53's, supposedly the cable I need is 32 inches and the cable from the 3.0 is only 30 inches.... Potentially just the transmission setup difference between the 3.0i vs the 4.8is? Any help would be appreciated

Looks like the cable is specific to the gearbox fitted (GM 5-speed, ZF 5-speed or ZF 6-speed) as the part numbers differ across the range.

You need the cable or assembly from a V8 petrol car fitted with a ZF 6-speed, so an LCI 4.4i or 4.8is - part number 25167525328.

The cable assembly you have from the 2005 3.0i is part number 25167525329.

My LCI 3.0d with the same ZF-6-speed uses part number 25167525330 so there's quite a bit of variation, although I can't tell you if the variation is in the cable length.... :dunno:

25161423536 3.0
25161423649 4.4

Left hand drive USA

Definitely different part numbers. I thought I saw a clue in the part description for length.

Those part numbers seem to be for pre-facelift cars, Andrew - not the later LCI cars - different transmissions. ;)

Oh I totally missed the year. That explains why the above numbers were not matching mine but the concept is the same.

You are totally right about LHD vs RHD though - which is why I was quoting the parts for LHD... (except where I mentioned my RHD LCI 3.0d). :thumbup: