E53 auto gear knob.

[chelsea]

Does anyone know if there is an illuminated gear knob available that fits the e53 diesel?
My old Z3M had one which I kind of liked and I reckon it would be a worthy mod.
Paul.

[X5-D-Sport]

The knob fitted has a very specific fitment, a large diameter shaft and tube requirement, and it is most unlikely you will find an aftermarket item to refit that will operate the plunger drop mechanism for Reversing/park button press requirements.
Additionally, very few aftermarket gear-knobs are as big as the auto shift knob in the X5.

You may be able to fit a brighter bulb or LED that illuminates the centre console from the roof console above - if yours is fitted with a roof console illumination feature !.

[chelsea]

lol.....it was a long shot and I have already looked everywhere....not even the chinese make one   

spoilers are going for painting next week so that will keep me busy for a while 

[X5-MK]

Hi All

Sorry to bring up such an old post but, do you think this wiil do the trick? thinking of getting.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/162299624226? ... EBIDX%3AIT

[Horizon]

[quote="X5-MK"]
Hi All

Sorry to bring up such an old post but, do you think this wiil do the trick? thinking of getting.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/162299624226? ... EBIDX%3AIT
[/quote]

http://xdrivers.co.uk/forum/index.php/t ... #msg133965

I've got the chromiumtech one in the E93 and it's easy to fit and looks great, and good quality
Make sure you get the RHD one or the push button will be on the wrong side.
The one in the eBay link looks the same but can't be 100%

I looked on chromiumtech site but they are on annual shut down until 28/05/17 you would be as well waiting as Jagr has one in his X3 and rates it

[X5-MK]

Thanks Horizon

You you mind if I ask how much you paid?

[Horizon]

[quote="X5-MK"]
Thanks Horizon

You you mind if I ask how much you paid?
[/quote]
It was around the £120/130 region, it uses the original gaiter and doesn't need cable ties. When you pull the original shifter up and out you will see the original gaiter has a metal ring that is like you find in a tent, where the guy ropes fasten on. The new shifter pushes through the hole and into the gear shaft trapping the gaiter into place as did the original shifter. Tap the gear shifter on the top to drive it home with the palm of your hand .
You grab the gaiter further don and pull it gaiter away from the console to access the wire that goes to the selector indicator  where the new wiring from the new shifter is plugged in. Push the gaiter back into position. Job done.

[X5-MK]

Silly not to

[Horizon]

[marinaman]

That does look very nice ,    might get one, theres a good fitting guide on the link as well.
The Ebay one is pre facelift and the link below for after
http://www.chromiumtech.co.uk/product.asp?pID=418&cID=1

[X5-MK]

That's where I purchased it from. Outstanding service

Also like the the look of the front strut bar they are selling.

http://www.chromiumtech.co.uk/product.asp?pID=93&cID=1

[marinaman]

Does the original selector postion on the console top still light up or is the lighting diverted to new knob

[X5-D-Sport]

I've been pondering & tinkering this pretty Gear-Knob concept for a while, as an addition to my D-Sport too.

Question... If I produced a part that fits to the EXISTING gear knob of the E53, that incorporates the legends, Illuminates them in RED/Orange, but has a Green illumination for the appropriate gear selection...
Would any one be interested at about £58 UK delivered ?

I've been quietly tinkering with Epoxy Castings that directly replaces either the WOOD or SILVER PLASTIC center insert on the E53 Auto gear knob.

This plastic/wooden piece is easy to remove & be replaced by the resin repro-part with the illuminations & wiring ribbon cable fitted, to simply plug into the Illumination loom for the Gear-Stick base surround... literally Plug & Play.... there isn't even the need to remove the existing Gear Knob, just ping off the center trim, Lift the plastic base surround for access to the wiring harness - plug new loom ribbon cable in situ & re-assemble as before - literally a 5 minute job

I've got the casting & mould tool pretty much sorted & reliably fitting to the existing Gear-Knob, & the right colour density in the moulded part, also had reasonable success with the illumination... I just need to get an LED set that I consider reliable, bright enough & similar Orange colour to the vehicles original Dash Colour... or maybe simply go RED/GREEN for the knob illuminations..

Penny for your opinions...
I was originally just going to make a few for me and a couple of friends, but if there is enough interest, I will put more work into it & make the part much prettier & make available to our venerable crowd here...

Any interest ?

Grant B

[X5-MK]

[quote="marinaman"]
Does the original selector postion on the console top still light up or is the lighting diverted to new knob
[/quote]

Both lights light up mate.

[marinaman]

Thats a lot less than the other so if it looks the part i would probably buy one,  i say get some photos on and and you may be in business, you may go worldwide