[txusa03]

After 63K miles I looked around and decided to change up my interior a little. Thanks to climkt for his inspiration http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...ted+shift+knob and Tischer for their awesome OEM prices and A+ services. I got the Z4M illuminated shift knob fitted on my e90.

I would like to share my experience and create a DIY for it. If you choose to follow this DIY, you agreed that I will not be held responsible/liable for any problems when you attempt your own DIY using this DIY. I am no mechanic nor an electrician nor should I be held liable for typo errors either, so do this at your own risk.

Tools/items you will need:
Z4M illuminated shift knob from Tischer (http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=182650)
Tap-In squeeze connector for wire from RadioShack (64-3053)
Pliers
Tape

[txusa03]

1) Remove the current shift knob/boot. Then remove the center console trim (Mr.5 has a great DIY here http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=137527). Make sure you disconnect the cigarette plug attached to the trim.

[txusa03]

2) This is a very important step>>>>run the two wires from the illuminated knob through the boot opening (the smaller opening) before connecting the wires.

[txusa03]

3) Now that the center console trim is removed, flip it over and look for 2 small wires (one solid brown and one grey with red stripe). The Z4M knob has the exact two wires so I just pair them together (brown with brown and grey/red with grey/red using the Tap-In squeeze connector. Maybe someone can verify that these wires are Ok to tap into. Pay special attention to where you tap into the existing wire because there is not a whole lot of room under the trim.

[txusa03]

4) Then tape the Tap-in squeeze connectors to the underside of the trip so they don’t move around and possibly create noise down the road.

[txusa03]

Pop everything back in place (don’t forget to plug the cig. lighter connector back in or your knob will not illuminate). Enjoy your new and cool illuminated shift knob.

[Evan@Tischer]

Nice DIY!!! Knob looks great!

[txusa03]

Originally Posted by Evan@Tischer

Nice DIY!!! Knob looks great!

Thanks, I have had it for 4 days now and I love the way it feels and how easy it is to shift with this knob and the BMW SSK.

[rdsport323]

does it show you what gear you are in?

[txusa03]

Originally Posted by rdsport323

does it show you what gear you are in?

unfortunately no, but this is a true manual so there is no way the car know what gear you are in.

[mroach]

This is a wicked cool mod. I might have to do this...

[txusa03]

Originally Posted by mroach

This is a wicked cool mod. I might have to do this...

Hey, this cool illuminated knob with the EOM SSK works great together, you will ask your self why you waited so long to get them and the smooth soft leather matches with my tri-stitch ///M steering wheel (nothing against perforated leather).

here are more comparison pics:

[FrankoQ]

Do you have a top view pic of the perforated knob and the lighted knob?
could it be possible to move the lighted piece to the perforated knob?

[txusa03]

Originally Posted by FrankoQ

Do you have a top view pic of the perforated knob and the lighted knob?
could it be possible to move the lighted piece to the perforated knob?

Sorry I don't have any, but I am possitive that the lighted knob has a more rounded face and the perforated one not so rounded face so they will not fit if you try to switch them.

[FrankoQ]

^^^ Thanks for the info.

[Mr. 5]

That knob is huge compared to the other one.
Great DIY though!

[txusa03]

Originally Posted by Mr. 5

That knob is huge compared to the other one.
Great DIY though!

Thanks Mr.5, it looks that way and could be from the angle of the photo but it fits nicely in your hand and feel great when shifting.

[txusa03]

the two faces have different shape...