gear shift 'knob' IMPOSSIBLE to remove

[ColonelWatts]

First off, I don't have an M3 E92, just a normal one. Please don't hold that against me.

I'm trying to upgrade the gear shifter knob to the weighted performance one - primarily because the stock one is absolutely MASSIVE.

But honestly I can't get the bastard off. I even took it to a garage and the guy was afraid to try anymore for fear of doing some damage.

Basically I think some **** must've glued it on at some stage - I don't own the car from new, so can't be sure.

Just hoping someone will be able to give me some advice on what my options are for removing it.. I thought perhaps a hacksaw..

Thanks!

[pbonsalb]

You could just break it apart by sawing from the top down on one side of the shaft.

They are often on tight and people have bopped their head leaning over and pulling up. It suddenly breaks free and your hand smashes into your face.

Look at a picture of the shaft — typically there is a taper at the top. So you understand where to cut if you must cut.

[//steve\\]

It can just be that bad. I've had the same experience. Pretty sure when it finally let go I was going send myself through the roof. Try straddling the console so you have a leg on each side.

[Dpc2u]

This -

https://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=367673

I fought one and did something along the same line, same general idea.

[gridworks]

Sit in the passenger seat and put it in 6th, that way you're kinda pulling towards you instead of up. Should make it a bit easier.

[ColonelWatts]

Originally Posted by Dpc2u

This -

https://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=367673

I fought one and did something along the same line, same general idea.

haha crazy..!

christ.. I didn't think it was going to be this bad. Felt like I nearly pulled my shoulder out the socket trying..

the mechanic suggested I could try heating it up, and then giving it a go.. maybe that would work.. if not I'm gonna have to get the scaffolding out.

[e92ben]

Put it in second and grab with both hands. Don't knock yourself out lol

[neilum]

Originally Posted by e92ben

Put it in second and grab with both hands. Don't knock yourself out lol

put it in a gear where its kind of facing you, 2,4 or 6th and pull towards you in the direction it is facing... Don't put it in first or neutral and pull straight up towards the roof.

It has to be pulled towards you....

[ColonelWatts]

it's hard to not feel like it's gonna be causing damage to the gearbox by ragging away on the gearstick over and over. Gonna try heating it up to see if it helps a little, but if that doesn't work I'm hacksawing the bastard

[neilum]

Still no luck? Post a video of your technique

[akkando]

We're all rooting for you!

[Oreo Cat]

So what’s “a normal one” mean?

[GRUESOM3]

Get a pillow and pull up ,
Minimize the pain.

[Oreo Cat]

If you have a sun roof or convertible, open it and stand up through the sunroof or open top, leg in passenger and driver side footwell, grab the knob with both hands and use your legs to pull up

[yeedub]

No kidding but you can try to squat over it like you were trying to pick up Thor's hammer when it's in the 6th gear position. Use your leg muscles to stand up while pulling

If that doesn't work protein shakes and hit the gym