Retrofit e30 shifter to e28? How to?

[Tom4444]

Posted this on the general discussion but didn’t get any responses.

I purchased zhp knobs for my e28 & e36. It looks great in the E36 but definitely feels out of place in the e28

I wanted to get something else and wanted some opinions on the MTech options w/ the integrated boot + knob. Looks like it's for the e30 but has anyone installed on the e28? The Bimmerworld linked items don’t fit the e28 accordingly to fitment guide on the site.

https://www.getbmwparts.com/oem-parts/b ... 5112231562

https://www.classiceuroparts.com/produc ... el-mtech2/

https://www.bimmerworld.com/BMW-Interio ... 31562.html

https://www.bimmerworld.com/BMW-Interio ... 21901.html

After speaking with Bimmerworld & ECS tuning the issue seems to be w/ the shift boot plastic retention piece that secures the boot to the dash.

Is it possible to retrofit the existing retaining housing to the new boot? Or has anyone installed one of these knobs that has a workaround?

Appreciate the help.

[Blue Shadow]

If the gaiter on the shift knob can fit around the frame for use in the 5 then yes you can make an install work.

If the gaiter is not big enough, you would have to add material to it so that it would cover the frame or you will have an opening in the gaiter that would make the install look worse than the zippy knobs you tried.

The next issue is the height of the gaiter/knob. Is it tall enough to still have attachment to the frame or too tall leaving a big crumple of material to deal with.

Work out the issues and you are good to go. Get you some juice, maybe a window switch will have power or bring some in and get that shift knob insert all lit up.

links don't work, otto's bmw is cheaper for the shift knob with leather.

[Galahad]

you really goofed up those links btw

[Tom4444]

you really goofed up those links btw

Links are fixed, I didn’t realize they weren’t working.