Hello

My shifter has the chrome insert sandwiched between leather sides (07 550 w auto tranny). That center chrome piece has a clearcoat that has been worn through (or picked) on the top...not a great look.

Can you buy just the center chrome piece (or get it dark poplar) or does it requie buying the entire knob assembly?

Thanks!

 

not sure if it's replaceable but if you have to replace the entire knob, may be look into this

https://5series.net/forums/topic/991...-retrofit-kit/

not sure how much the OEM knob cost though...

RCT

 

I have an 06 530 with the same problem - the metallic coating is flaking off. I've been told you need to buy the entire shift knob.
I've tried to learn to live with it but every time I touch the shifter I'm reminded of the issue. :thumbsdown:

 

I am going to look for what essentially amounts to very thin chrome "veneer"...but it would need to be perfectly flexible on a few dimensions which could be a deal breaker (on two or three axis - around the knob longitude then also around the vertical axis slight curve if ya know what I mean). I have some buddies who are bike and custom car restorers/builders who may have some tricks.

Will advise.

 

This is definately a common problem as my shifter has blemishes also and it bugs the hell out of me. If you want to swap the entire shifter out for one with a dark poplar wood inlay, you can get this from the dealership for around $245.00. I've also seen them on eBay for around. $170.00. www.realoem.com probably lists them also although I doubt you could purchase just the center strip. As Sgnden suggests, a DIY mod may suffice.

 

If your shifter looks like this picture you can probably find a replacement by posting a WTB in the Forum. My car had the wood and leather shifter so a while back I saw someone wanted to replace theirs and sold them mine for a lot less than the retail price at a dealer. That said, you can always call Garry at Newport BMW for his price on a new one!

 

If you can remove it you can probably paint or vinyl that piece...

 

One other thought ... if your dealer relationship is amicable ... some wear on a part like that is expected, especially if you "row" the shifter as if it were a manual. However, an '07 550 isn't a Kia and I would expect the materials to be of sufficient quality to stand up to reasonable use and wear.

Your car is probably under original warranty - maybe, just maybe, your dealer service and parts department would "offer" you a replacement part. Last month I had all four of my wheel roundels replaced because the coating was peeling and the center part faded. I simply showed and asked at my recent service and they replaced them w/o question. And I have a rinky-dink 530xi