MINI2

TheBigNewt · Jun 8th, 2007, 05:32 PM

I ordered one recently with the Whalen adapter on it. Any tips regarding removing the R56 shift knob easily are very much appreciated. I have seen photos of the removed knob complete with the white plastic sleeve that is attached to it. I undersand that there is a black plastic ring around the top of the boot that attached to the white knob. My question is: when you use a lot of force pulling straight up on the OEM knob to remove it, what happens to the boot when it comes loose? I would think it would tear apart. Or do you have to remove the trim ring at the bottom before you remove the knob? If someone could go through the way they did it step by step I would appreciate it (I don't need photos of the parts thanks). Thank you very much.

anduril11 · Jun 25th, 2007, 10:54 PM

I've looked everywhere for how to do this too. I can get the knob loose from just pulling but can't get it detached from the leather boot.

here's the best i can find:

http://www.mini2.com/forum/2nd-gen-i...ml#post2972785

But I can't get the trim ring to come off.

anduril11 · Jun 26th, 2007, 07:34 AM

I take that back, I finally got the shift knob off this afternoon.

The method that worked for me is to first pull that knob firmly upward so that it comes loose from the metal rod (probably best to have it in neutral so can pull straight up). Then, you have to separate the knob from the leather boot. It snaps into the plastic ring at the top of the boot, which causes the most problems. If you pull the knob up enough to get it off the top of the metal rod (stretching the leather to the limit) then, with the knob loose beside it, use the top of the shifter to push in one of the four plastic clips protruding from the underside of the ring and simultaneously pull the knob out. I hope that makes some sense, i attached a beautiful drawing too.

I guess you could theoretically just pull it out, but it seems like you risk ripping the leather.

Also, it's important to line up the notch in the boot ring with the groove between clips on the knob when replacing.

dalboyne · Jun 26th, 2007, 07:46 AM

Nice one!

I hated the standard knob from the first moment I started my test drive - another item that has to change!

Ian

TheBigNewt · Jul 3rd, 2007, 04:54 PM

I got it off. I tried anduril11's method. The bottom of the whit plastic flange that holds the black semisphere under the knob and then the black ring that holds the boot leather up is really hard to get off, it only protrudes about 1/4" below that ring at the bottom. I tried to push it in and pull up and could not get the lower ring off of it, but the boot material did separate from it and the entire shift knob unit came loose with the black ring still attached to the flange. Even with it off the car it took a screwdriver to pry that ring off. I put that ring on the shift lever, stuffed the boot into it, and attached the Whalen adapter and screwed the new knob on. I'll attach pix when I get home. Looks great, but removing that boot is not easy at all IMO. Thanks for your help.

ScoobyDoo · Jul 3rd, 2007, 11:51 PM

To change mine all I did was put the gear in neutral and pulled it off - replaced with JCW one in about 60 seconds & the leather just pushed firmly into place.

ru81 · Jul 4th, 2007, 09:30 AM

Does anyone know if the JCW gear knobs will fit both the 1st and 2nd gen Minis or are there different size knobs for each model?

Simz · Jul 4th, 2007, 09:53 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by ScoobyDoo (original)

To change mine all I did was put the gear in neutral and pulled it off - replaced with JCW one in about 60 seconds & the leather just pushed firmly into place.

wow - excellent..can you post a pick please. How much is the JCW unit?

KenL · Jul 4th, 2007, 01:21 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by ru81 (original)

Does anyone know if the JCW gear knobs will fit both the 1st and 2nd gen Minis or are there different size knobs for each model?

I believe the fixing for the knob is different as I can't fit my R50 knob in my R56.

Kaine · Jul 4th, 2007, 08:18 PM

great post anduril11 - much appreciated

ScoobyDoo · Jul 4th, 2007, 10:10 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Simz (original)

wow - excellent..can you post a pick please. How much is the JCW unit?

Voila......... as requested.
Bought it off a fellow MINI2'er off E-Bay, about £60 off MINI?? not too sure.

Simz · Jul 4th, 2007, 10:27 PM

thanks Scooby - looks the part and I just know it feels infinitely better than the stock item

The price from Mini is £55. I just need a little bit of confidence I can install it. From your earlier post, you made it sound so easy.

does your have leather or alcantara on the front? And does it make the overall length of the gear stick longer. Maybe it's the pic, but the top looks rather large!

90% will order one from Mini

ScoobyDoo · Jul 4th, 2007, 11:34 PM

Def. feels better than the original - in fact so much better when changing gear. Not too big though I must admit the angle of the pic makes it seem slightly larger than it actually is. Mine is the leather one. Actually today my car has been at BMW having the JCW steering wheel & handbrake grip fitted, so will post picci's of those tomorrow.

I was worried about fitting mine and debated whether to take it to a 'professional' to do it for me, but it took about 2 mins to fit and over a minute of that was getting the old one off. Like I said just pop it into neutral and pull as hard as you can on the original should come off after a couple off good tugs, then just pull over the leather and line up the gearknob and push into place.

But you won't be disapointed with it - but just buy the part from MINI & fit it yourself saving your self about £30 in fitting charges.

Simz · Jul 5th, 2007, 06:41 AM

thanks scooby. I will order it today...excited now!! your advise has given me the confidence one needs. Def DIY job. Oh, I checked ebay and tracked your buy - you did so well bud - talk about half price summer sale!!

Griffer · Jul 5th, 2007, 11:06 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by Simz (original)

thanks scooby. I will order it today...excited now!! your advise has given me the confidence one needs. Def DIY job. Oh, I checked ebay and tracked your buy - you did so well bud - talk about half price summer sale!!

I sold the R56 bits after trading it in for a GP. I could of got more by not offering a Buy It Now and the only one bit that got bids on sold for £36 instead of the £30 Buy It Now! I always try and offer good prices.

ScoobyDoo · Jul 5th, 2007, 10:25 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Simz (original)

thanks scooby. I will order it today...excited now!! your advise has given me the confidence one needs. Def DIY job. Oh, I checked ebay and tracked your buy - you did so well bud - talk about half price summer sale!!

Did you order it?

Simz · Jul 6th, 2007, 07:24 AM

yes bud, ordered through my local mini dealer - the cost, £57....but I'm well happy....be even more pleased once I install it (without drama I hope!!). pick it up sat morning.

ScoobyDoo · Jul 6th, 2007, 11:52 AM

Good news! Fittings a doddle...... though TBH i was more worried about breaking a nail than harming the car. lol...... (women, eh? lol)

Simz · Jul 6th, 2007, 03:12 PM

Hi Scooby,

I'll def post a pic once i've installed it (prob. sunday pm)- I've already been on the phone to BMW (9.30am today!!) and confirmed the part is waiting for me....wicked!

thanks a million - owe you a drink for all the invaluable advice

Simz
ps. apologies for referring to you as 'bud'- bad habit of mine

, my lady

Simz · Jul 7th, 2007, 04:46 PM

Here it is, and it looks swoosh. Best part, it took 2 mins to install including removing the stock unit. Big thanks to scooby for her no-nonsense advice

And i love the way the red JCW graphics links in with my redwood interior.

Best of all, it feels so so nice compared to the stock item. I now have my hand permantly on the gear lever and the gear changes are sweet...

interesting, it has made the lever marginally shorter overall, so it feels stubbier - another positive!!

Jun 8th, 2007, 05:32 PM	#1
TheBigNewt MINI2 Newbie Join Date: May 2007 Location: Arizona Local Time: 07:52 AM Posts: 38 Offline	Replacing the R56 shift knob? I ordered one recently with the Whalen adapter on it. Any tips regarding removing the R56 shift knob easily are very much appreciated. I have seen photos of the removed knob complete with the white plastic sleeve that is attached to it. I undersand that there is a black plastic ring around the top of the boot that attached to the white knob. My question is: when you use a lot of force pulling straight up on the OEM knob to remove it, what happens to the boot when it comes loose? I would think it would tear apart. Or do you have to remove the trim ring at the bottom before you remove the knob? If someone could go through the way they did it step by step I would appreciate it (I don't need photos of the parts thanks). Thank you very much.

Jun 25th, 2007, 10:54 PM	#2 (permalink)
anduril11 MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Jun 2007 Local Time: 06:52 AM Posts: 2 Offline	I've looked everywhere for how to do this too. I can get the knob loose from just pulling but can't get it detached from the leather boot. here's the best i can find: http://www.mini2.com/forum/2nd-gen-i...ml#post2972785 But I can't get the trim ring to come off. Last edited by MINIAC : Jun 25th, 2007 at 11:46 PM. Reason: fix link

Jun 26th, 2007, 07:34 AM	#3 (permalink)
anduril11 MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Jun 2007 Local Time: 06:52 AM Posts: 2 Offline	I take that back, I finally got the shift knob off this afternoon. The method that worked for me is to first pull that knob firmly upward so that it comes loose from the metal rod (probably best to have it in neutral so can pull straight up). Then, you have to separate the knob from the leather boot. It snaps into the plastic ring at the top of the boot, which causes the most problems. If you pull the knob up enough to get it off the top of the metal rod (stretching the leather to the limit) then, with the knob loose beside it, use the top of the shifter to push in one of the four plastic clips protruding from the underside of the ring and simultaneously pull the knob out. I hope that makes some sense, i attached a beautiful drawing too. I guess you could theoretically just pull it out, but it seems like you risk ripping the leather. Also, it's important to line up the notch in the boot ring with the groove between clips on the knob when replacing. Attached Thumbnails

Jul 3rd, 2007, 11:51 PM	#6 (permalink)
ScoobyDoo Back in a first gen. My Classifieds Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: DBRally Local Time: 02:52 PM Posts: 1,396 Offline	To change mine all I did was put the gear in neutral and pulled it off - replaced with JCW one in about 60 seconds & the leather just pushed firmly into place. http://www.dbrally.net

Jul 4th, 2007, 01:21 PM	#9 (permalink)
KenL MINI2 Master Join Date: May 2002 Location: Edinburgh Local Time: 02:52 PM Posts: 5,105 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by ru81 (original) Does anyone know if the JCW gear knobs will fit both the 1st and 2nd gen Minis or are there different size knobs for each model? I believe the fixing for the knob is different as I can't fit my R50 knob in my R56. Red/Black R56 Cooper

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Jun 26th, 2007, 07:46 AM	#4 (permalink)
dalboyne Are we nearly there yet? My Classifieds Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Luxembourg Local Time: 03:52 PM Posts: 1,979 Offline	Nice one! I hated the standard knob from the first moment I started my test drive - another item that has to change! Ian

Jul 3rd, 2007, 04:54 PM	#5 (permalink)
TheBigNewt MINI2 Newbie Join Date: May 2007 Location: Arizona Local Time: 07:52 AM Posts: 38 Offline	I got it off. I tried anduril11's method. The bottom of the whit plastic flange that holds the black semisphere under the knob and then the black ring that holds the boot leather up is really hard to get off, it only protrudes about 1/4" below that ring at the bottom. I tried to push it in and pull up and could not get the lower ring off of it, but the boot material did separate from it and the entire shift knob unit came loose with the black ring still attached to the flange. Even with it off the car it took a screwdriver to pry that ring off. I put that ring on the shift lever, stuffed the boot into it, and attached the Whalen adapter and screwed the new knob on. I'll attach pix when I get home. Looks great, but removing that boot is not easy at all IMO. Thanks for your help.

Jul 4th, 2007, 09:30 AM	#7 (permalink)
ru81 MINI2 Regular Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Oxfordshire Local Time: 02:52 PM Posts: 271 Offline	Does anyone know if the JCW gear knobs will fit both the 1st and 2nd gen Minis or are there different size knobs for each model?

Jul 4th, 2007, 09:53 AM	#8 (permalink)
Simz MINI2 Regular Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Pinner, middlesex Local Time: 02:52 PM Posts: 54 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by ScoobyDoo (original) To change mine all I did was put the gear in neutral and pulled it off - replaced with JCW one in about 60 seconds & the leather just pushed firmly into place. wow - excellent..can you post a pick please. How much is the JCW unit?

Jul 4th, 2007, 08:18 PM	#10 (permalink)
Kaine MINI2 Regular Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: hills of shropshire Local Time: 02:52 PM Posts: 140 Offline	great post anduril11 - much appreciated

Jul 4th, 2007, 10:10 PM	#11 (permalink)
ScoobyDoo Back in a first gen. My Classifieds Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: DBRally Local Time: 02:52 PM Posts: 1,396 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by Simz (original) wow - excellent..can you post a pick please. How much is the JCW unit? Voila......... as requested. Bought it off a fellow MINI2'er off E-Bay, about £60 off MINI?? not too sure. Attached Thumbnails http://www.dbrally.net

Jul 4th, 2007, 10:27 PM	#12 (permalink)
Simz MINI2 Regular Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Pinner, middlesex Local Time: 02:52 PM Posts: 54 Offline	thanks Scooby - looks the part and I just know it feels infinitely better than the stock item The price from Mini is £55. I just need a little bit of confidence I can install it. From your earlier post, you made it sound so easy. does your have leather or alcantara on the front? And does it make the overall length of the gear stick longer. Maybe it's the pic, but the top looks rather large! 90% will order one from Mini

Jul 4th, 2007, 11:34 PM	#13 (permalink)
ScoobyDoo Back in a first gen. My Classifieds Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: DBRally Local Time: 02:52 PM Posts: 1,396 Offline	Def. feels better than the original - in fact so much better when changing gear. Not too big though I must admit the angle of the pic makes it seem slightly larger than it actually is. Mine is the leather one. Actually today my car has been at BMW having the JCW steering wheel & handbrake grip fitted, so will post picci's of those tomorrow. I was worried about fitting mine and debated whether to take it to a 'professional' to do it for me, but it took about 2 mins to fit and over a minute of that was getting the old one off. Like I said just pop it into neutral and pull as hard as you can on the original should come off after a couple off good tugs, then just pull over the leather and line up the gearknob and push into place. But you won't be disapointed with it - but just buy the part from MINI & fit it yourself saving your self about £30 in fitting charges. http://www.dbrally.net

Jul 5th, 2007, 06:41 AM	#14 (permalink)
Simz MINI2 Regular Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Pinner, middlesex Local Time: 02:52 PM Posts: 54 Offline	thanks scooby. I will order it today...excited now!! your advise has given me the confidence one needs. Def DIY job. Oh, I checked ebay and tracked your buy - you did so well bud - talk about half price summer sale!!

Jul 5th, 2007, 11:06 AM	#15 (permalink)
Griffer Now Cooper D Clubman Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Somerset Local Time: 02:52 PM Posts: 569 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by Simz (original) thanks scooby. I will order it today...excited now!! your advise has given me the confidence one needs. Def DIY job. Oh, I checked ebay and tracked your buy - you did so well bud - talk about half price summer sale!! I sold the R56 bits after trading it in for a GP. I could of got more by not offering a Buy It Now and the only one bit that got bids on sold for £36 instead of the £30 Buy It Now! I always try and offer good prices.

Jul 5th, 2007, 10:25 PM	#16 (permalink)
ScoobyDoo Back in a first gen. My Classifieds Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: DBRally Local Time: 02:52 PM Posts: 1,396 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by Simz (original) thanks scooby. I will order it today...excited now!! your advise has given me the confidence one needs. Def DIY job. Oh, I checked ebay and tracked your buy - you did so well bud - talk about half price summer sale!! Did you order it? http://www.dbrally.net

Jul 6th, 2007, 07:24 AM	#17 (permalink)
Simz MINI2 Regular Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Pinner, middlesex Local Time: 02:52 PM Posts: 54 Offline	yes bud, ordered through my local mini dealer - the cost, £57....but I'm well happy....be even more pleased once I install it (without drama I hope!!). pick it up sat morning.

Jul 6th, 2007, 11:52 AM	#18 (permalink)
ScoobyDoo Back in a first gen. My Classifieds Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: DBRally Local Time: 02:52 PM Posts: 1,396 Offline	Good news! Fittings a doddle...... though TBH i was more worried about breaking a nail than harming the car. lol...... (women, eh? lol) http://www.dbrally.net

Jul 6th, 2007, 03:12 PM	#19 (permalink)
Simz MINI2 Regular Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Pinner, middlesex Local Time: 02:52 PM Posts: 54 Offline	Hi Scooby, I'll def post a pic once i've installed it (prob. sunday pm)- I've already been on the phone to BMW (9.30am today!!) and confirmed the part is waiting for me....wicked! thanks a million - owe you a drink for all the invaluable advice Simz ps. apologies for referring to you as 'bud'- bad habit of mine , my lady

Jul 7th, 2007, 04:46 PM	#20 (permalink)
Simz MINI2 Regular Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Pinner, middlesex Local Time: 02:52 PM Posts: 54 Offline	JCW unit installed Here it is, and it looks swoosh. Best part, it took 2 mins to install including removing the stock unit. Big thanks to scooby for her no-nonsense advice And i love the way the red JCW graphics links in with my redwood interior. Best of all, it feels so so nice compared to the stock item. I now have my hand permantly on the gear lever and the gear changes are sweet... interesting, it has made the lever marginally shorter overall, so it feels stubbier - another positive!! Attached Thumbnails

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