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My F10 M5 Shift Knob Install

20K views 49 replies 25 participants last post by  mattparsons 
#1 ·
So, I finally got around to installing my F10 M5 shift knob! I followed some of the other guys DIY threads on here and attempted to use the F10 shift boot with my E39 base plate. BIG MISTAKE! Not only does the F10 M5 shift boot not fit at all (sure, you can make it fit with tons of stretching, but even then it looks crappy at best), but even if you do get it to fit it just doesn't look right.

Instead I used my E39 shift boot and glued it to the F10 collar that clips into the shift knob itself. The end result is factory fit and finish! It looks spectacular, and the lighting is a dead on match for the stock interior lighting color.

I never knew what the hype was about with these ZHP weighted shift knobs, but now I finally get it! The shifts seem to be much easier and smoother to say the least, I absolutely love it!

Anyways, here's some pictures!
 

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#2 ·
Nice! Good idea on using the E39 boot instead of the F10 boot. So did you retain the E39 stick or put the E60 stick in that so many do? I put the E60 stick in one of my cars and now it pops out of reverse sometimes. The E60 stick is shorter below the pivot ball so less travel gets transferred to the selector rod. I'm going to replace my motor mounts and see if that improves things.
 
#3 ·
Very nice refresh to your knob and boot there!

Preferences and opinions aside, it only took me 10 minutes of stretching the f10 boot by hand to get it to fit onto the e39 trim a few years ago. Still holding up just fine.
 
#4 ·
Any pics? Wanting to do this for s while but have put off by reports of the base popping of in 6th and/or reverse. Some way it dies not if you don't fold the leather around the bezel and just go so far that the edge is hidden when clipped in place.
I hope this makes sense
 
#9 ·
It wasn't hard at all and it's definitely a worthwhile upgrade.

I've never compared the E60 short shifter to something like the UUC short shifter, but I'd be curious to know how much better (if any) a real 'kit' like the UUC one is when compared to the E60 shifter.
 
#10 ·
what glue did you use?
 
#13 ·
For some reason when a lot of the guys post pictures of their swap the lighting on the knob looks more 'yellow'. I can confirm that the lighting on the F10 knob isn't yellow at all, it's pretty much a dead on match for the interior lighting on the E39 M5. The only slight difference might have to do with the fact that these are brand new LEDs in the shift knob whereas the LEDs in the rest of the car are 14 or so years old.

Not sure if LEDs can slightly change color over time or not.
 
#15 ·
Compared to other sources of illumination, LEDs experience virtually no color shift. The differences you note have nothing to do with LEDs changing color in time and everything to do with different knobs being used. The old shift knobs, from the era when the E39 was new, either came with reddish illumination that was a shade or two darker, or some models or aftermarket options were a bit too yellow.

The F10 M5 was the first OEM knob to actually match the color properly.
 
#17 ·
It's actually pretty easy. You've got to break two little tabs on the underside of the knob, then the boot will detach, but not before you get the two wires out of their respective 'holes' in the shift boot collar. It's hard to explain what I'm saying without pictures, but once you see it you'll know exactly what I mean. I used a fine exact knife (hobby grade) and a very steady hand, and cut the wires loose from the plastic.

Once that's done you can peel the old boot (it's glued on) away from the collar (white plastic piece). Once that's done you can glue it to your old E39 boot.

I'm making it sound complicated, but once you get into the knob you'll see it's actually very easy and self-explanatory.
 
#19 ·
Looks awesome Chris! I think your set-up with the E60 shifter and that particular knob is great. I really want to drive an M5 with the E60 shifter. I've driven two with the UUC shifters with the DSSR, and I liked it, but I am curious what the E60 shifter feels like! I think that was a really nice upgrade and it looks much better than the stock knob your car came with, especially since it is leather now instead of wood. Enjoy it in good health!
 
#22 ·
Yes, I agree 100%! The stock shifter on these cars (and any older BMW) feels like an old man handle or something (I'm at a loss of a better word to describe it).

The F10 shifter feels much more modern. The knob is smaller and fits in your hand much easier. Again, hard to describe but you'll absolutely love it.
 
#26 ·
Looks clean can you explain how you removed each of the boots from the knobs?
 
#27 ·
Possibly the dimensions on some of those boots are a little different. I did not have any trouble fitting the F10 shift boot over my E39 frame. I'm also using the E60 shift lever. It did not really need any stretching. I just krazy glued the edge of the boot onto the outside of the E39 frame all the way around. I used binder clips to hold the leather to the frame as I made my way around. After install, the boot fits well, doesn't look too tight, and there's no popping out of R or 6th. It's warm here in California, so that may also be a reason I didn't need to stretch the boot much.

Also, 1st to 2nd now is smooth and quick.
 
#28 ·
#29 ·
ZHP shifter on Dinan SSK

I purchased a ZHP shift knob for my e39 M5 and love it!
I did not get an illuminated unit, but my hand is always covering the shift knob anyhow.
Instead of destroying my stock leather shift knob with integrated boot, I simply found a BMW parts recycler that had a beat up example that I used the frame from to attach a new leather boot from Redline Goods Shift boot store - RedlineGoods leather shift boots

The ZHP knob is not as tall as the stock knob, and is heavier, so it helps get the car into gear a little better...especially into 2nd ;)
 

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#31 ·
Here is the part number 25112284205 ordered last week and got it for £116. The leather boot doesn't fit the E39 frame properly and pops out in reverse and 6th. I am going to order a new boot which is a shame as the leather is good quality. I am a bit worried about detaching the original boot without damaging the wires.
 
#32 ·
As long as you straddle over the shift knob, with one leg on the driver side, and the other on the passenger side, popping your head out the sunroof, and tugging like your in some weird porn position, you should be able to stop the knob from flying off and ripping the wires in the process. It was very easy for me and as soon as the knob came off, my arms and body prevented it from traveling upwards.
 
#37 ·
I kept my stock knob for this reason as well. I went back to the stock as I liked the height of the shifter better than the zhp.
 
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