I installed the sunglass holder ( part #51-16-7-132-376 about $20) last night and it took about 20 minutes including taking the pictures. Steps might be a little different for cars with an automatic transmission.

1) Remove the shift boot using your hand and carefully pulling up on...

This is great! cheap way to add convenient storage spot for my sunglasses! Thanks for the write up!

yeah brilliant thanks heaps

I did this mod yesterday, and while a bit frustrating it first, I got it done pretty easily. Probably reiterating what others have said, but here's my experience on my 2007 335i AT with iDrive:

1) Automatic shift knob comes off with a strong pull straight up. Don't jerk it, just keep pulling harder until it comes off.

2) Pull up carefully on the leather boot around the shifter and the whole boot/plastic cover unit around the shifter will come off. There are two wires that are connected to this unit. I wasn't able to get them out without feeling like I was going to break something, so I left this part connected.

3) Pulling the console trim unit off wasn't easy when trying from the driver's side. I got on the passenger side, got some leverage by putting my feet up against the front firewall, and lifted up at the rear end of the shifter-boot area. I'm right handed and pulling up with my right hand allowed me to get this piece out pretty easily.

4) Since I didn't undo the wires connected to the shift-lever boot piece, I had to fish that whole unit through the hole in the console trim in order to get the console trim out of the car. You also need to disconnect the iDrive cable before getting the console trim out of the car.

5) Be very careful when trying to snap off the trim lid of your existing ashtray unit. I was careless with mine and chipped off a little piece of the wood trim right away...luckily it's at the very rear of the piece and you can't even see it once everything is installed back in place.

6) Putting everything back together is a piece of cake!

Good DIY, just finished Installing an XM Xpress EX with it, thanks!!!