[Bluehighways]

I just couldn't handle the slime blue/green Shifter and Start/Stop Button and I didn't want to spend a small fortune on the replacements. So I bought a set that actually includes the iDrive Knob from AliExpress for $97.90. FWIW I received it in just 6 days. Search for <Crystal 3-Piece Set Gear Shift Knob Volume Button for BMW>
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I followed the video instructions on YouTube posted by a "Martin Thoren" see below:
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I removed the Shift Console from the car which makes this task far easier IMHO than trying to do it without removing it. I used another YouTube video for how to do this. The audio is in Chinese but the process is fairly straight forward. The one thing this video breezes over is just exactly how firmly the front edge of the Shift Console is snapped in. I've included an image that shows the edge I am referring to. I used a "J" hook plastic trim tool. I hooked the "J" under the front edge and was able to unsnap the Shift Console front edge. It is much tighter than I had imagined. Be brave! Just be sure that your prying action is pulling straight up on the edge of the Shift Console Surround. See below:
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ALSO! Be sure to disconnect the 12 volt Battery and the High Voltage battery before proceeding. At the very least, not doing so will set all sorts of Trouble Codes and warnings on the Instrument cluster. At the worst there are many horror stories on-line. So forewarned is forearmed.
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The kit I received.

The new Chrystal Shift Knob.

The "Before" Picture.

An "After" Picture.

Another "After" Picture.

The Front Edge of the Shift Console Surround.
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[generic.user]

Nice! Looks so much better! I’ll probably end up doing this as well. Why did you not change the iDrive controller? Do you know if the crystal one supports touch controls?

 

[Bluehighways]

Nice! Looks so much better! I’ll probably end up doing this as well. Why did you not change the iDrive controller? Do you know if the crystal one supports touch controls?

Good question! I looked at a video that showed how to remove the original disc and replace it with the chrystal one in the kit. First, unsnapping the ring around the original disk proved to be something more of a challenge than I wanted to pursue for the moment. Second, the means that BMW uses of attaching the original disk seems far more robust than the two sided tape used by the manufacturer of the chrystal. Third, I'm actually OK with the original black iDrive disc. If I had this to do over, I'd probably try and find a kit that included only the Shift Lever and the Start/Stop button.

 

[diddy]

We want the M seat belts for USA!!! Ahaha

 

[topdawg37]

We want the M seat belts for USA!!! Ahaha

BMW M Series Striped Seat Belt Webbing

Get custom BMW M series striped seat belt webbing for your BMW! Mail your original seat belt in and we'll replace it with custom M power striped belts.

www.safetyrestore.com

 

[diddy]

@topdawg37 thank you! But wow lol, gotta dismantle and send it to them and pay 150$ for a piece of fabric ouch

 

[cboodts]

I just couldn't handle the slime blue/green Shifter and Start/Stop Button and I didn't want to spend a small fortune on the replacements. So I bought a set that actually includes the iDrive Knob from AliExpress for $97.90. FWIW I received it in just 6 days. Search for
...

Gorgeous! And thank you for the elaborated instructions and tips!

Sent from my SM-S918B using Tapatalk

 

[gunnerx]

Does the crystal iDrive control support touch?

 

[pjbm4]

BMW M Series Striped Seat Belt Webbing

Get custom BMW M series striped seat belt webbing for your BMW! Mail your original seat belt in and we'll replace it with custom M power striped belts.

www.safetyrestore.com

$149 for a bit of blue and red thread. They may just take yours and run them through a sewing machine and charge you $149.

 

[Bluehighways]

Does the crystal iDrive control support touch?

By the looks of it, I'd say that it may not. OTOH, if the sensor is a Hall type sensor it probably will work. But without actually swapping out the original with the replacement I don't really know.

 

[Bluehighways]

I added, or rather replaced the Blanking Piece on the Shift Console with a Small Pocket. On my wife's X5 4.5e the Suspension Raise/Lower toggle switch occupies this real estate.
I purchased this through AliExpress. Cost for me was $9.74 + $4.48 shipping and it took 9 days to receive it.
Search AliExpress for this text string: <Central Console Gear Lever Modified Storage Box for BMW>
The pictures below are how I removed the original Blanking Piece and installed the Small Pocket in its place.
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[thev]

I added, or rather replaced the Blanking Piece on the Shift Console with a Small Pocket. On my wife's X5 4.5e the Suspension Raise/Lower toggle switch occupies this real estate.
I purchased this through AliExpress. Cost for me was $9.74 + $4.48 shipping and it took 9 days to receive it.
Search AliExpress for this text string: <Central Console Gear Lever Modified Storage Box for BMW>
The pictures below are how I removed the original Blanking Piece and installed the Small Pocket in its place.
.
View attachment 25123 View attachment 25124 View attachment 25125 View attachment 25126 View attachment 25127 View attachment 25128

That's really interesting! It's true that it's a bit of useless empty space currently for our cars.

However, I don't like having lidless storage in my car. It will look untidy if I put stuff there. Do you think there's the same thing, but with a lid that matches the plastic console? I imagine the lid hinge might eat some of the space, but it should still be enough for some coins or small items.

 

[gsbaker]

That's really interesting! It's true that it's a bit of useless empty space currently for our cars.

However, I don't like having lidless storage in my car. It will look untidy if I put stuff there. Do you think there's the same thing, but with a lid that matches the plastic console? I imagine the lid hinge might eat some of the space, but it should still be enough for some coins or small items.

That is a fascinating little space, like a miniFrunk. Or a console trunk. Or a crunk.

Now the question is, for what will we use the coins in our crunk?

Highway tolls cost more than a few coins will pay for, and are now collected electronically. New York City no longer has toll booths, or manual collection. You must drive through the gate and your transponder is scanned and charged; if you don't have one the license plate is scanned and invoiced.

 

[gsbaker]

In case you missed it, this is a nice little tray that fits well to subdivide your console hatch into two levels. And it does not replace anything, so can be removed if not needed


TTCR-II Centre Console Organizer... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08GPFB56N?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

 

[thev]

That is a fascinating little space, like a miniFrunk. Or a console trunk. Or a crunk.

Now the question is, for what will we use the coins in our crunk?

Highway tolls cost more than a few coins will pay for, and are now collected electronically. New York City no longer has toll booths, or manual collection. You must drive through the gate and your transponder is scanned and charged; if you don't have one the license plate is scanned and invoiced.

I have a plastic coin that I use to unlock shopping trolleys when I go grocery shopping, since that's how it works in my neck of the woods. Also, my local hand car wash takes cash/card and spits little car-wash coins that you need to insert and each gives you about 60 seconds of water at a time.

When going to France, I do indeed always pay highway tolls by credit card.

In case you missed it, this is a nice little tray that fits well to subdivide you console hatch into two levels. And it does not replace anything, so can be removed if not needed


TTCR-II Centre Console Organizer... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08GPFB56N?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Saw it but didn't like it. But thanks for pointing it out.

 

[gsbaker]

I have a plastic coin that I use to unlock shopping trolleys when I go grocery shopping, since that's how it works in my neck of the woods. Also, my local hand car wash takes cash/card and spits little car-wash coins that you need to insert and each gives you about 60 seconds of water at a time.

When going to France, I do indeed always pay highway tolls by credit card.


Saw it but didn't like it. But thanks for pointing it out.

Then this coin tray may be just the thing for you!
🙂

 

[kindofblue]

I added, or rather replaced the Blanking Piece on the Shift Console with a Small Pocket. On my wife's X5 4.5e the Suspension Raise/Lower toggle switch occupies this real estate.
I purchased this through AliExpress. Cost for me was $9.74 + $4.48 shipping and it took 9 days to receive it.
Search AliExpress for this text string: <Central Console Gear Lever Modified Storage Box for BMW>
The pictures below are how I removed the original Blanking Piece and installed the Small Pocket in its place.
.
View attachment 25123 View attachment 25124 View attachment 25125 View attachment 25126 View attachment 25127 View attachment 25128

Has anyone installed one of these and if so, can you fit an iphone 14 in it?

 

[Bluehighways]

Has anyone installed one of these and if so, can you fit an iphone 14 in it?

No, it’s not of sufficient size to fit an iPhone 14. It will not fit my iPhone 11.

 

[EagleWolfSparrow]

All those Add on so beautiful Q_Q

Should I order i4 Now or wait for i5? BMW just post about i5 on social media but did not show it...

 

[ssh]

All those Add on so beautiful Q_Q

Should I order i4 Now or wait for i5? BMW just post about i5 on social media but did not show it...

Order the i5... You should have it in a couple years...