How to Install a B&M Sport Shifter - Shifting Into High Gear - Tech

Before the center fascia can be removed, the Torx-head screw under the ashtray/cigarette lighter door must be removed. The plate then is held by push-in retainers that allow the plate to be pulled away from the dash. Watch how you lay the center fascia. If left in a bind for an extended period of time, it will not fit flat on the dash again. I'm not talking hours, but when left for days in a hot car, the shape changes.

The shifter knob insert has four tabs around the perimeter that hold it in place. Work the insert upward from all sides to avoid breaking the tabs off. Be careful because it's easy to scratch or scar the leather.

Now for the tricky part of the install. The shift knob is held from turning by a wedge that fits tightly into the shifter handle. When you grab the wedge, watch the leather knob. Wiggling the wedge while pulling upward helps to loosen it. Prying on the shift knob is not recommended, but in some cases necessary. Use two wide-blade screwdrivers to gently pry upward.

The knob will then unscrew counterclockwise. When you reseat the wedge after reinstalling the knob, don't get too aggressive. The knob also doesn't need to be run down until it seats and then turned until it's tight. Run the knob down until it seats, then back it off if you need to line-up the wedge.

Remove the 10mm nuts to remove the shifter boot. The original shifter boot can be reused with the B&M Sport Shifter. The only concern is making sure it fits over the new shifter tower when assembled. The boot fits tight over the tower, but with some silicone spray it will go over the tower and seal properly.

Before the shifter is removed, there is a pin at the rear of the shifter (not shown) that should be set in place with the OE shifter placed in neutral. The pin locks the linkage in neutral to allow easy shifter installation.

Before you pull the shifter handle out of the shifter housing, blow any debris or dirt that has accumulated before pulling the shifter out. Simply pull the OE shifter straight up for replacement.

The original nylon isolator must be installed on the new B&M Sport Shifter. A dab of synthetic wheel bearing grease on the pivot ball and isolator helps keep the shifts smooth.

Reverse the removal process mentioned previously, and the shifter install is complete.