F10 M5 Knob installation: Fail!

[miamiflgator]

UPDATE: Fixed it: It snaps back in just like the stock does.

I read the DIY and gave it a go. I swapped the base and cut four holes (twice larger than needed after reading the posts). It didn't snap in at all.
Then I cut more and glued it so that it would be slimmer. Even worked out the edges. It does not even stay there.
Can anyone identify the problem just by checking the picture?

The base was did not come out easily by the way, it was snug.

It shifts very good by the way, better than what I was expecting. Of course it looks like crap.

I'm thinking about putting the stock back and change the knobs only, but wanted to check if there is any help...

My 2 cents: Do not change the base unless you have time to waste.

[Endless619]

I could use my Alcantara boot but I used the leather.

I would have to pry out the staples and pull apart the alcantara from the plastic. Then re-glue and staple to OEM plastic. Done.

[FogCityM3]

Damn, I just ordered the M5 shift knob thinking the DIY was easy...really not looking forward to a 2+hr PITA installation....maybe I'll pay to have some aftermarket shop deal with it.

[miamiflgator]

I'd just replace the knob and not the base, that seems much easier.

[miamiflgator]

I fixed it and took about 30 minutes. Good news I found a way so that it snaps back in just like the stock and won't move a bit. I trimmed everything so that the cut is not visible and glued the leather: not the sides but the top!
I can take pics and do a DIY but I don't if anyone will have the same problem. Plus IMO: don't swap the base.

[FogCityM3]

Is that easy to do? What about the electrical connector for the lighting? thx

Originally Posted by miamiflgator

I'd just replace the knob and not the base, that seems much easier.

[miamiflgator]

Connector is very easy to do, just look at the DIY.

Originally Posted by FogCityM3

Is that easy to do? What about the electrical connector for the lighting? thx

[Jaymax85]

I have the same issue, how did U fix it?

[FogCityM3]

Yes, as others have said, this is a PITA install. Not that it can't be done, just that it is rather cumbersome. I did stuff the boot underneath the ring, but not exactly satisfied with the fit....think if I glue it, it will fit perfectly!. The knob does feel better and I like the "rougher" leather vs the old m3 knob.

[Endless619]

Originally Posted by FogCityM3

Yes, as others have said, this is a PITA install. Not that it can't be done, just that it is rather cumbersome. I did stuff the boot underneath the ring, but not exactly satisfied with the fit....think if I glue it, it will fit perfectly!. The knob does feel better and I like the "rougher" leather vs the old m3 knob.

I just installed my F30 M Performance knob and brand new shift boot in 5 minutes. Not a PITA at all. I have gone through 5 OEM shiftboots/knobs..

Any shiftknob for the E9X M3 is 5-20 minutes max. I have done all of them. Not hard at all.

[FogCityM3]

You must be significantly more talented than I. It was going very quickly, ie 10 mins between the cutting of two boots, removal, plug in etc, it just was stuffing the M5 boot underneath..that was pretty difficult given the different shape and where the boot is cut, but again, if I glue it think it will be perfect.

Originally Posted by Endless619

I just installed my F30 M Performance knob and brand new shift boot in 5 minutes. Not a PITA at all. I have gone through 5 OEM shiftboots/knobs..

Any shiftknob for the E9X M3 is 5-20 minutes max. I have done all of them. Not hard at all.

[Endless619]

Originally Posted by FogCityM3

You must be significantly more talented than I. It was going very quickly, ie 10 mins between the cutting of two boots, removal, plug in etc, it just was stuffing the M5 boot underneath..that was pretty difficult given the different shape and where the boot is cut, but again, if I glue it think it will be perfect.

Not more talented just done a ton of them and got it down to a science now. lol I even traded a cut boot/shiftknob a few weeks back and the owner installed in like 2 minutes. lol

[FogCityM3]

How do you like the M performance one compared to others you tried? I almost pulled the trigger on this, but wanted the lighting effect of the M5 knob, but like the carbon fiber and alcantara look.

Originally Posted by Endless619

Not more talented just done a ton of them and got it down to a science now. lol I even traded a cut boot/shiftknob a few weeks back and the owner installed in like 2 minutes. lol

[Endless619]

Originally Posted by FogCityM3

How do you like the M performance one compared to others you tried? I almost pulled the trigger on this, but wanted the lighting effect of the M5 knob, but like the carbon fiber and alcantara look.

I like it. It's heavier than the E46 Performance shift knob. Other than that its pretty much the same piece with added carbon and darker alcantara.

[FogCityM3]

So I finally completed the M5 Shift Knob. Definitely worth gluing to the base to get the best fit (about 1 hr work in total). Cut the leather back as much as possible so that the leather boot goes just until the bottom end of the base. I used shoe glue (Shoe Goo brand), which worked perfectly as if you get some glue on the boot, it rubs right off. Used the binder clips as others have used to set the boot into the glue on the base. Once completed, snapped right into place and looks really good. In stuffing the boot under the base ring (before gluing), I never got a great fit and looked like there was too much "slack". By gluing, you can really control things nicely for a perfect fit and even if you mess up, because it's shoe glue it can peel right off. And as others have said, the shifter feels awesome!

[Endless619]

Originally Posted by FogCityM3

So I finally completed the M5 Shift Knob. Definitely worth gluing to the base to get the best fit (about 1 hr work in total). Cut the leather back as much as possible so that the leather boot goes just until the bottom end of the base. I used shoe glue (Shoe Goo brand), which worked perfectly as if you get some glue on the boot, it rubs right off. Used the binder clips as others have used to set the boot into the glue on the base. Once completed, snapped right into place and looks really good. In stuffing the boot under the base ring (before gluing), I never got a great fit and looked like there was too much "slack". By gluing, you can really control things nicely for a perfect fit and even if you mess up, because it's shoe glue it can peel right off. And as others have said, the shifter feels awesome!

Nice... Pics?

[bk20627]

if you use 3M super 77 Multipurpose Adhesive, than no problem.
took me about 10 min.

[Endless619]

Originally Posted by bk20627

if you use 3M super 77 Multipurpose Adhesive, than no problem.
took me about 10 min.

Looks good.

[miamiflgator]

I was going to post pics but someone beat me to it
First: not all the rings/boot are created the same, I have seen another car and you can take it out and put it back in a second. It's impossible with mine, no leather should be tucked in.
AND glue is a MUST. It looks much better also because you can cut the leather so that you will have no wrinkles etc. If you tuck it under, there is no way because M5 boot is larger on the base.
It's awesome by the way, the first mod I'd do.

[FogCityM3]

Here is one

Originally Posted by Endless619

Nice... Pics?

[pkimM3r]

I like the mperf one. Endless that looks nice. May have to do mine once the leather goes to shit.

[Grail05]

ive done this to my friends car and no issues. pretty darn easy to be honest. if your anal maybe 30 minutes but can be done less than that.