Auto Shifter (Lights) How to Fix?

[Bimmer4life]

Anyone know how to fix this yourself? I've only had this problem 1 other time about 1 year into ownership, I remember the dealer telling me that it was the plate under the shifter that either cracks or slides loose. I actuually think that all the lights are always lite but there is a plate under it that must have cracked to expose lights your not really on. As you can see I'm in park. :cry:

Could I fix this myself? Anyone give me details how to do it. Thanks

http://www.bimmerfest.com/photos/data/2/14326Image004a.jpg?769

1999 328i

[KP]

have you tried taking it apart? I'm guessing if you need to replace the plate, you can most likely do it yourself. Try taking out the console (if it's like the manuals, I'm thinking you have to pry out the black trim with a thin flathead and then unscrew the gloss trim), then I'm sure you can see the plate. I'd check with the parts dept. first to see if there is indeed a piece that is labeled as a "plate" or "reflector plate". If it exists, then I'm sure that approach will take care of it.

[Terry Kennedy]

Anyone know how to fix this yourself? I've only had this problem 1 other time about 1 year into ownership, I remember the dealer telling me that it was the plate under the shifter that either cracks or slides loose. I actuually think that all the lights are always lite but there is a plate under it that must have cracked to expose lights your not really on. As you can see I'm in park. :cry:

Could I fix this myself? Anyone give me details how to do it. Thanks I have the newer Steptronic, so I'm not sure. But I'd guess from what you say that the sliding plates are supposed to move with the shift lever and expose the appropriate light. That part should be 51 16 8 196 116, probably around $50 list. Confirm by taking apart the selector to make sure and check with the dealer before ordering.

[Bimmer4life]

Finally found some time to lift off that black cover, still don't know how I can fix this myself, any more suggestions???

The white plastic piece is screwed together by 6 small phillips screws, 3 on each side, but even if I unscrewed them HOW do I get the wood shifter knob off? Maybe the wood shifter knob doesn't need to come off?

As the photos will show the first thing I noticed was this thin tape (resembles feel of a video tape or cassette tape film) hanging down still connected to one end but loose on the other end, on one of these pics you can see me holding it up against the white plastic plate inside.

Also the black piece that is attached to the white plastic piece seems to move when the shifter is moved from P to R to D.

When I move the black slotted piece that is inside the white plastic piece the lights stay light only on 2, 3 & 4 on the shifter plate outside. SO it's got something to do with that black inner slotted piece that moves each time you shift from P to R to D & so on.

I wish I could fix this myself. Just an annoying cosmetic fix.

[Bimmer4life]

2 More photos

[Bimmer4life]

I was hoping there might be some BMW "mechanics" that visit this forum (anonmously)that might shed some light on this?

[Mr Paddle.Shift]

You can remove the shift knob by pulling it out REALLY hard.

It could just be an easy fix. That is if you're confident about taking everything apart. I am guessing that even though the knob moves, the light that is attached to the shifter mechanism isn't. That means a broken piece of some sort.

The other really easy option is just to buy the trim and replace it.

[LiquidCool]

I'm working on my second broken panel right now. On the first one, the tape you described just wore out and broke. This time a plastic piece is broken. The only way to fix it is to replace the whole assembly. "Terry Kennedy" is right on the mark with the part number. I took mine apart and there are two part numbers, 51 16 8 196 116 and 51 16 8 196 114. The 51 16 8 196 116 part number seems to be the right one. The cost should be around $50.

To replace the panel you have to remove the shift knob. To remove the shift knob just pull straight up (don't twist it). It takes about 90lbs of force, so be careful not to hit yourself in the face when it comes flying off. Then pry off the panel and remove the power wire for the light. Reinstall in reverse order. Hope this helps!

[Bimmer4life]

Well Guys I Fixed it myself. You were right with the part # 51 16 8 196 116 BMW uses these exact part #'s with exact spaces.

Took me about 10 minutes to install, the knob was the hardest part. as you can see from the picks now when I'm in Park it lights only in P.

I think I saved alot of money doing this myself. Here are pics as I was working on it. You can see the new plate vs the old plate with strip broke.

Total cost-$55.00 :thumbup:
Labor-$0

:)

http://www.bimmerfest.com/photos/data/2/14326Image010.jpg
http://www.bimmerfest.com/photos/data/2/14326Image011.jpg
http://www.bimmerfest.com/photos/data/2/14326Image0121.jpg
http://www.bimmerfest.com/photos/data/2/14326Image013.jpg
http://www.bimmerfest.com/photos/data/2/14326Image015.jpg

[LmtdSlip]

Just another reason to buy a manual tranny. :p

[Bimmer4life]

Just another reason to buy a manual tranny. :p


Yeah, right...when your clutch goes out, I'll be driving by you. Hee Hee :wave: