I did the Z4 short shifter mod today so decided to put my illuminated shift knob on as well at the same time.

Read this first http://forums.e60.net/index.php?showtopic=63345

Parts you need

1 x Illuminated 6 speed shift knob from any BMW. Don't bother getting the E60 M5 one because its just expensive for no reason. An older M3 one works just fine. The older one would normally come with a big plug on it. Like shown in the photo.



The following parts are needed to make this a plug and play solution using the MENU button light as the power source. That way the light dims with the rest of the car.

1 x Socket housing, black 2 POL. 61131378108
2 x Round receptacle 2.5 1,0-2,5MM? 61131376204 (or if you don't want to bother with crimping use 61130007450)
1 x Universal socket housing uncoded 4 POL. 61138380696
1 x Universal pin terminal uncoded 4 POL. 61136925611
4 x Pin-contact 0,2- 0,5MM? 61130005198 - these come with about 1 foot of wire attached (or if you want to crimp things yourself you need 8 x 61131383672)
4 x Bushing contact 0,2- 0,5MM? 61130005197 - these come with about 1 foot of wire attached (or if you want to crimp things yourself you need 4 x 61131383776)

Now you need to make up a junction to split the power from the MENU switch so that you get a new output to go to the shift knob.



What you are aiming for is a direct connection from the pin terminal uncoded 4 POL. 61136925611 to the socket housing uncoded 4 POL. 61138380696 for the pins you don't need (pin 2 and 3). And a branch out for the two pins you need. These are Ground on pin 1 and +ve is on pin 4.

Connect the power lines to 61131376204 and put them into the plug 61131378108 with Ground going to Pin 1 and +ve going to Pin 2.



That's it. You should now be able to plug your new shift knob into this wiring harness very easily.

 

I've not yet put this knob in but am having second thoughts. Its got the ///M sign on it and I feel like a poser. So I've found this http://www.innovativcar-tech.de/ any views on which knob is better, the left one (with a brushed steel circle) or the right one (with more brushed steel). The Right one seem more like the shape of the original knob. What's your view?

 

I'd go with the right hand one Bruce, looks a little classer.

p.s., nice diy

 

Any more suggestions or views. I too liked the Right hand one.

 

there's nothing wrong with an //m logo on your shift knob. the E39 sports package came with it and so did the e46s with the zhp package. personally i find there's no substitute for factory shift knobs.

also- is that m3 knob you bought shorter in height than the regular shift knob? I've been looking for a lit knob the same height as the ZHP weighted knob for ages.

 

Don't worry about it. The M sport package on the E60 has M emblems as well as any M designated wheel, M166, M172, etc. JMHO, if the part comes with an M emblem on it no problem. Adding an M emblem to a part to make it appear to be M is a no no.