M3 SMG Shift Knob on X5
 

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

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

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

And still have one for sale.

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.

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

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

Thanks,

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

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