Abbizle

Hi Guys,

Have read the various post and people mention it can't be done but don't go into detail. They just assume it won't work due to mechanical vs electronic. But BMW themselves will have just changed the mechanical part which we can do as well.

Remember, the transmission and parts are exactly the same, so all BMW have done is change the shifter, and add a module underneath, which I guess controls the gear electronically.

All I need to know is can I get this shifter and the module underneath:



and either attach it to this or do I have to take the mechanical part out and the above will sit in its place and also get some wiring done and add ECU and reprogram the car:



I need to know pretty quickly, as my car is booked in for a reprogram next week, so need to get the necessary parts.

Thanks guys.

bruce_miranda

You'll be the first when you suceed. Next stop putting the CID into a pre-LCI car.

mop

Not quite..

Member BenAnd has made the gearchange and the CID are on its way.. Look at his signature!

CID

Abbizle

Ben usually posts his retrofits on the forum, but hasn't mentioned the LCI shifter mod.

Hopefully it's straight forward. Or he may use it without the P button and keep the car in neutral and put the handbrake on.

Anyone else know of or have knowledge of what I want to do?

Richard in NC

I don't know this for a fact but it's my understanding the LCI Steptronic is an updated version of the transmission. Apparently the updated model was first used in the '07 X5. It's possible the connections into the transmission are now electronic instead of mechanical. That would make it impossible to retrofit.

However, the 3 series has a mechanical linkage yet with paddles on the steering wheel. Its transmission is similar yet a lower torque rated model. Maybe the linkage to the transmission is the same but the 5 has an additional module somewhere.

Has anybody researched it on RealOEM ?

EDIT: It DOES look like BMW has used electronic transmission control modules since 1986 See BMW Electronic Transmission Modules
Also the model shown for the E60 LCI, GA6HP26Z, is the same as the 2004 E60. However, the BMW part numbers have changed. BTW, the core price is $5,876.67!!!
I have only found one doc in the past indicating an actual change in the transmission in LCI models. Nothing I've found can answer the OPs specific question.

Abbizle

Now this is what I'm trying to find out.

Is there a module that sits between the gearshifter and transmission that converts it from mechanical to electronic.

That would be the most cost effective approach for BMW in a facelift model. Otherwise why would they spend gazillions to make a totally new system in a facelift model that already has factories, templates, robots etc. setup up for an existing series.

Maybe wrong, but this mod, ifdone, would spread like wild fire me thinks.

spediegunz

just wondering is this still undo able?????

spediegunz

?? bump i mean is this still not possible to do

BlaSTiWi

Seriously? Step back and re-think ... for a moment ... pre-LCI is mechanical linkage while LCI is electronic link ... the two are not interchangeable.

If you wondering 'bout what member BenAnd is what most members here done ... just simply replace the shifter stick.

spediegunz

Alright thanks bro