Ok so I pulled it apart and found 3 cables attached to the shift plate. I assume the largest of the 3 ribbons is for the sport shift. I unplugged it then re-attached making sure it was snug. I wound up with the same result as previously described. And other possibilities? I was thinking that possibly the loose ribbon could be from the other side? Thoughts?

 

...I unplugged all 3.

 

I noticed you have an 07 530. do you have paddle shifters as well? It's definitely a cable issue somehwere. track it down.

 

I do not have paddle shifters. I will take the center console apart this weekend to figure it out hopefully it's just the ribbon. By any chance do you have the schem of the shifter? I had to locate the how to get to those ribbons and it showed the e39. Still dont know how to remove the shift handle....

 

To remove the shift handle pull straight up with all your might! It sounds crazy but I have an 07 530i also and that's how I got mine off when I pulled my CCC to do my audio upgrade. It will come off as long as you don't have weak little string bean arms .

 

Does it need to be in Neutral or can it be in any gear?

 

I did it in Park. I'm not positive if it can be done in another gear but I really don't think it matters. Just do it in Park ( I know that works). Pull straight up towards the ceiling and it should pop off.

 

hey. did you solve your problem ???
i have the exact same problem. but mine came after i was trying to retrofit the M Paddles.
maybe i broke something ?? :-S

 

hey. i tried with a new shift plate, and it still dosent work. so its not that.
some people say that there is a switch on the gear lever. maybe its that one ?

 

After I went throught all of the trouble shooting in the previous posts (inspecting cables), I had the center console shifter replaced. I don't have paddle shifters so that could possibly be something else. My recommendation is to save yourself a headache and buy a used functioning shifter if you can. I saw 1 on Ebay for $125 and other BMW junk yards. Good Luck to you!