Steppers: Reversed Pattern Shift Bezel Part Number!

[Mr Paddle.Shift]

This bezel has the reversed signs (-/+) and is from 2002 E46.

<b>51 16 70 60 677 Pre-select Lever Cover Step </b>

I called Pacific BMW and they say part costs about $85. New Century BMW says they need 2 weeks to order it. Both dealers couldn't verify whether this is the same part for coupe and convertible. But I don't see why it shouldn't fit.

If you do order, remember to verify with the parts dealer first. ;)

Good luck!!

[alee]

Hey Vince,

I meant to ask you... when you pull off the top of the gear selector, do you have to do anything special with the push button lock when you're removing and putting it back on?

-Al

[alee]

Oh, and is this sedan or coupe (or does it make any difference at all)?

-Al

[Mr Paddle.Shift]

Hmm...not sure what you meant by "anything special". Are you referring the push button lock as "door lock" switch?

Wait..are you referring the shift knob as the gear selector? And the push button lock as the shift knob trigger? If so, nothing special. All you need is strength to pull out the knob. Doesn't matter if the trigger is depressed or not. Careful not to hit your face and I do mean that. ;)

Good luck!

Originally posted by alee
Hey Vince,

I meant to ask you... when you pull off the top of the gear selector, do you have to do anything special with the push button lock when you're removing and putting it back on?

-Al

[jw]

What entails the changing of the bezel? Can it be easily reversed? I'd hate to buy another one to get the car back to the way it was OEM for selling/lease termination.

[Mr Paddle.Shift]

Ah..

When I queried just now, I mentioned 2002 E46 325i. Since you're dropping by the dealer, I am sure you can speak to the parts manager and gather more.

Don't think there is a differnce. Coupe may share the same part number. If you do gather any new info, post here! ;)

Originally posted by alee
Oh, and is this sedan or coupe (or does it make any difference at all)?

-Al

[alee]

Originally posted by VinceTopasBlau3
Wait..are you referring the shift knob as the gear selector? And the push button lock as the shift knob trigger?


Yep, that's what I meant. When I finally do the mod, look for the photos of my bruised forehead. :)

-Al

[johnlew]

Originally posted by alee


Yep, that's what I meant. When I finally do the mod, look for the photos of my bruised forehead. :)

-Al

Nothing special on the gearshift knob removal, just watch your eye when it lets go.

FWIW, I'm not changing my bezel. + means more power (lower gear) - means less power (higher gear)...should anyone ask.

[johnlew]

Originally posted by jw
What entails the changing of the bezel? Can it be easily reversed? I'd hate to buy another one to get the car back to the way it was OEM for selling/lease termination.

Bezel change... remove gearshift knob, lift bezel free by pulling on boot, unplug wire to prnd light indicator (if it didn't already), remove...reverse with replacement bezel.

[Mr Paddle.Shift]

Hey John,

Having fun with the reversed pattern aye? ;)

Originally posted by johnlew


Nothing special on the gearshift knob removal, just watch your eye when it lets go.

FWIW, I'm not changing my bezel. + means more power (lower gear) - means less power (higher gear)...should anyone ask.

[alee]

Ordered the new bezel. It will be in my hands Thursday. :D

Now come more stupid questions... if I'm replacing the bezel, how difficult is it to swap the leather boot to the new bezel?

-Al

[vexed]

Originally posted by alee
Ordered the new bezel. It will be in my hands Thursday. :D

Now come more stupid questions... if I'm replacing the bezel, how difficult is it to swap the leather boot to the new bezel?

-Al

For most people easy, for you an all day job:D

Is that boot leather? Feels like ette to me.

[alee]

Originally posted by vexed

For most people easy, for you an all day job:D



So true. :) I think it's leather. I haven't bothered to bend down and smell it yet. I guess I'll have to do that too.

-Al

[vexed]

Originally posted by alee


I haven't bothered to bend down and smell it yet.
-Al

Ewwwwwwww.

[johnlew]

Originally posted by alee
Ordered the new bezel. It will be in my hands Thursday. :D

Now come more stupid questions... if I'm replacing the bezel, how difficult is it to swap the leather boot to the new bezel?

-Al

I didn't look that closely, boot doesn't come with bezel? My guess is the boot is 'ette, didn't see real hide on the back. Seems like much work for small detail that only you notice. Maybe get two small black or other stickers and put them over the +/- Also, if you want to see how the boot's attached, just pull on the boot until the bezel lifts and look underneath. Then just push back in, don't necessarily have to remove gearshift knob.

Vince, having fun with the reverso, much more natural, but finding a fall back to the sport automatic which shifts quite closely to what I do manually. If I had more exciting roads to drive I'd probably use the manual mode more, but I'm mostly commuting.

[ayn]

hmmm... maybe if I reverse the +/- I will feel better about my step? haha... I already got used to it so maybe I won't do it with you guys this time... enjoy! =)

--Andrew

[johnlew]

Originally posted by ayn
hmmm... maybe if I reverse the +/- I will feel better about my step? haha... I already got used to it so maybe I won't do it with you guys this time... enjoy! =)

--Andrew

Oh, you'll feel much better...more natural :p

[LilEccentricJ]

Originally posted by johnlew


Nothing special on the gearshift knob removal, just watch your eye when it lets go.

FWIW, I'm not changing my bezel. + means more power (lower gear) - means less power (higher gear)...should anyone ask.

That is a great way to look at it johnlew... maybe I have a chance at overcoming my OCD...

Let me see, + = higer gear ratio/more rpm - = less gear ratio/less rpm I've got it!!! Thank you! (Just save $80+ too :) )

[alee]

Originally posted by ayn
hmmm... maybe if I reverse the +/- I will feel better about my step?

If you close your eyes and make VROOM VROOM noises, you'd think you were driving an M3 with SMG II. :D

-Al

[johnlew]

Originally posted by LilEccentricJ


That is a great way to look at it johnlew... maybe I have a chance at overcoming my OCD...

Let me see, + = higer gear ratio/more rpm - = less gear ratio/less rpm I've got it!!! Thank you! (Just save $80+ too :) )




Anytime...I'm a pretty particular guy myself, just ask my wife, but for me, this is a non-issue. However, in terms of OCD on this board I may not rank too well.

[LilEccentricJ]

Originally posted by johnlew


...However, in terms of OCD on this board I may not rank too well.

What's that supposed to mean?!? :D

[Mr Paddle.Shift]

Way to go! More info!!

1) How much?
2) Part number for sedan/coupe/convertible?

Hmm..not sure about swapping the leather boot. Wished I had taken a close-up pic of that. Might be a clip-on kinda fastener. Anyway, when you get the part, be sure to take a pic so that I can include on the site. :)

Originally posted by alee
Ordered the new bezel. It will be in my hands Thursday. :D

Now come more stupid questions... if I'm replacing the bezel, how difficult is it to swap the leather boot to the new bezel?

-Al

[Mr Paddle.Shift]

ok dumb question..what's OCD?? :D

Originally posted by LilEccentricJ


That is a great way to look at it johnlew... maybe I have a chance at overcoming my OCD...

Let me see, + = higer gear ratio/more rpm - = less gear ratio/less rpm I've got it!!! Thank you! (Just save $80+ too :) )

[LilEccentricJ]

Originally posted by VinceTopasBlau3
ok dumb question..what's OCD?? :D



obsessive-compulsive disorder, type of psychological disturbance marked by persistent unwanted patterns of thought (obsession) coupled with repetitive, ritualistic behavior designed to alleviate discomfort or dread (compulsion). The individual recognizes the thoughts and rituals as unrealistic or even repugnant, but is still unable to control them, as in the case of a person who has such recurring fears about germs that he must wash his hands excessively throughout the day. Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder is a separate disorder characterized by perfectionism and inflexibility that interfere with a person's ability to finish a task.

[Mr Paddle.Shift]

But of course....

I will walk for 5mins and return to check whether I did lock my car. Or leave the apt, go driving and return in 5mins to check if I did lock my apt door, then go driving again. Same with my current lab door. Is that OCD then?

Worse...

Would be watching a movie with my other half and in the middle of it, ask her if I locked the car and apt door.

:confused:

Originally posted by LilEccentricJ


obsessive-compulsive disorder, type of psychological disturbance marked by persistent unwanted patterns of thought (obsession) coupled with repetitive, ritualistic behavior designed to alleviate discomfort or dread (compulsion). The individual recognizes the thoughts and rituals as unrealistic or even repugnant, but is still unable to control them, as in the case of a person who has such recurring fears about germs that he must wash his hands excessively throughout the day. Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder is a separate disorder characterized by perfectionism and inflexibility that interfere with a person's ability to finish a task.

[LilEccentricJ]

Originally posted by VinceTopasBlau3
But of course....

I will walk for 5mins and return to check whether I did lock my car. Or leave the apt, go driving and return in 5mins to check if I did lock my apt door, then go driving again. Same with my current lab door. Is that OCD then?

Worse...

Would be watching a movie with my other half and in the middle of it, ask her if I locked the car and apt door.

:confused:



You are a classic text book case!

[alee]

Originally posted by VinceTopasBlau3
Way to go! More info!!

1) How much?
2) Part number for sedan/coupe/convertible?


Ok, I paid $89.51 + $5.37 tax.

Now the dealer CLAIMS that sedan/coupe/convertible are identical. If it is wrong, I will have to re-order, that's all.

-Al

[LilEccentricJ]

Vince and others...

Have you seen the "interesting" comments by Mr. Howard (page 136 "End Piece" Jan 2002 Roundel) re. this subject?

It is under the paragraph, "Synch Steptronic and thumb paddles" He goes on to state that since BMW has introduced a new shifting patter, push=down and pull=up, that they should also retrofit any previous owners automobile should they purchase a new one while keeping the old.

I say they just retrofit everyones regardless, it just makes sense.

[Mr Paddle.Shift]

Haven't got my Roundel yet. Hmm...I believe BMW NA will do a retrofit if and only if there are a substantial number of 2000/2001 step owners who want their shift reversed.

I'd say go for a DIY project..instead of having to wait on a list at the dealer.. :)

Originally posted by LilEccentricJ
Vince and others...

Have you seen the "interesting" comments by Mr. Howard (page 136 "End Piece" Jan 2002 Roundel) re. this subject?

It is under the paragraph, "Synch Steptronic and thumb paddles" He goes on to state that since BMW has introduced a new shifting patter, push=down and pull=up, that they should also retrofit any previous owners automobile should they purchase a new one while keeping the old.

I say they just retrofit everyones regardless, it just makes sense.

[johnlew]

Originally posted by alee


Ok, I paid $89.51 + $5.37 tax.

Now the dealer CLAIMS that sedan/coupe/convertible are identical. If it is wrong, I will have to re-order, that's all.

-Al

Alee,
Now that you have the bezel, have you done the reverso? If so, how'd it go...if not, why not?

[alee]

Originally posted by johnlew

Alee,
Now that you have the bezel, have you done the reverso? If so, how'd it go...if not, why not?

Haven't done it yet, but I plan to when the part comes in. I figure I only want to take off the shifter knob once. 1 bruised forehead will be enough for me.

Unless you think I can do the mod without taking off the shifter knob. Then I'll probably do it this afternoon.

-Al

[johnlew]

Originally posted by alee


Haven't done it yet, but I plan to when the part comes in. I figure I only want to take off the shifter knob once. 1 bruised forehead will be enough for me.

Unless you think I can do the mod without taking off the shifter knob. Then I'll probably do it this afternoon.

-Al

I misunderstood, when you said you paid I thought you had the part. The shifter knob is a non-issue. We kid around about hitting ourselves but it really is nothing, just don't have your head directly above your hand. It would be unnecessarily hard to do the reverso without removing the knob. I removed the knob, did the job, replaced and then realized my mistake about the PRND wire. Took the knob off again and fixed the mistake. So, if you're so inclined, do the reverso now and then replace the bezel later.