Removal and installation the gear shift lever (BMW 3 Series E46)

Gear shift drive

Removal

1. Pull the handle up firmly without turning it. Remove the lever boot from the center console and remove it from the shift lever. The above work is described in Section Removal and installation the center console, please refer to Section Removal and installation the central armrest.

The operation of lifting and installing the vehicle on stands is associated with danger! Therefore, before carrying out the operation, read the Section Jacking and towing

2. Raise and support the vehicle on stands. Remove the exhaust system and heat shield under the gearshift lever, refer to Section Removal and installation of the exhaust system.



3. Remove the locking bracket "1" from the bottom of the vehicle. Remove the washer "2". Remove the shift rod "3" from the side.





4. Place a trunnion wrench, such as BMW 251110, on the shift lever from below and turn it 90° counterclockwise. Then press the spherical insert up from the lever.

5. Disconnect the gear shift lever cover from the body and remove it upwards with the lever.

Installation

6. Lubricate the spherical bearings of the lever with grease "KLUBER POLZLUBE GLY".



7. Install the shift lever with the spherical insert so that the arrows on the insert point in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the vehicle (arrow on the accompanying illustration). The spherical bearing pads are positioned across the vehicle.



8. Press the insert into the holder from above using a screwdriver so that the tabs are clearly fixed.





9. Secure the cover. The arrow on the cover should point forward, in the direction of travel. Insert the inner edge of the cover through the lever, and the outer edge into the cutout in the body.

10. Insert the shift rod pin into the lever, placing the washers. Install the locking bracket.

11. If necessary, install the heat shield and exhaust system, refer to Section Removal and installation of the exhaust system.

12. Secure the gearshift lever boot to the center console. Place the handle on the lever and press firmly, refer to Section Removal and installation the central armrest.