I was detailing my car last week and noticed that the shifter knob now, for some strange reason, has developed horizonal cracks. They seem to have spread from the front to the back, 2 on each side. Anyone else had this problem? It is the woodgrain pattern. The knob has not been abused, or hit with anything, so I dont know why they have appeared. Our winters are not that cold, nor has it been hot yet, for a drastic change in cold/hot in the car. The car is a 2004 and these cracks have just appeared in the past month. Any thoughts? :dunno:
Shifter knob has cracks!!
Clarks2ndwind
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I was detailing my car last week and noticed that the shifter knob now, for some strange reason, has developed horizonal cracks. They seem to have spread from the front to the back, 2 on each side. Anyone else had this problem? It is the woodgrain pattern. The knob has not been abused, or hit with anything, so I dont know why they have appeared. Our winters are not that cold, nor has it been hot yet, for a drastic change in cold/hot in the car. The car is a 2004 and these cracks have just appeared in the past month. Any thoughts? :dunno:
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Yeah I had the exact same problem... I just simply replaced it with a leather shift knob... Pretty simple and easy to get off and put a new one on... Was pleased with the difference... the Woodgrain shift knob is pretty terrible IMO...
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I can't beleive BMW puts that horrible fake wood as standard...the Bimmer I'm looking at has that same style knob and trim; I'm hoping to replace it as soon as I bite the bullet and buy it, but holy cow its expensive! I might just paint it a piano finish...
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Uhhh...sorry, but I'm pretty sure what you are seeing is "actual" wood. The finish is pretty high, I admit, but I'm fairly certain it is wood. :dunno:
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Hm, I always thought it was fake since it was high-gloss. I don't remember the 7-series being lacquered like that. Either way, I don't really care for it.
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Well... I do like the wood grain, but disappointed in the longevity, considering it is only a 2004, and been well taken care of! Anyone know a discount place where I might get a replacement? Thanks kindly....
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That's actually an excellent price. It is well over $200 new. I didn't think they would replace mine under warranty, so I purchased a leather one, it is quite nice and cheaper. Maybe you should either purchase the wood one above, or a leather one, which is probably 1/3 less in price.
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Where did you find the leather shift knob? Thanks!
I had two cracks appear on my wood shifter knob. I am still under waranty so it was replaced no questions asked. Yours is a 2004 is it still under waranty?
However I have a crack on my door wood trim that has a small 1 inch crack. They can't replace that cause I think that was caused by a passenger.
However I have a crack on my door wood trim that has a small 1 inch crack. They can't replace that cause I think that was caused by a passenger.
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My 2001 actualy flaked a chip offfrom the knob. I can tell you from experience there is wood under all that finish!Its super glued and buffed for now. And yes my door trim has a hairline crack too. No one notices these blemishes once the BMW gets up to speed tho!
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A coupe I was looking at had a small hairline crack on the driver door trim...is this common with coupes with the wood?
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I found a seller who imports OEM from Germany on ebay, I'll look for him tonight and promise to get back to you whether I find him or not. Cheers.
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http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/BMW-...rksidZp1713Q2em153Q2el1262QQcategoryZ33703QQihZ007QQitemZ170202591235QQtcZphoto
This seller has other oem shift knobs in his store, only thing is, you have to wait a few weeks to get the knob, b/c he imports them from Germany. I purchased the one above, and then had the cracked knob replaced for free w/ another burl walnut knob, so I have an extra leather one when I decide to change (or if this new one cracks). Best of luck, this is one of the only stores on ebay that had the oem.
This seller has other oem shift knobs in his store, only thing is, you have to wait a few weeks to get the knob, b/c he imports them from Germany. I purchased the one above, and then had the cracked knob replaced for free w/ another burl walnut knob, so I have an extra leather one when I decide to change (or if this new one cracks). Best of luck, this is one of the only stores on ebay that had the oem.
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Wow! Thank you so much for the info on the leather shift knob, 330ximd. If you order them anywhere else they are $199.99 that I have found. Have you tried the leather one to see if it worked ok? Thanks again!
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My coupe had HUGE cracks in both door armrests and the shifter knob, as well as a chip in the trim right above the radio. I lucked out and found a complete set on ebay for 350.00, granted it was used but in much better shape, without cracks in the wood. When I installed it, it made a huge difference.
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Thanks for all the help!!! OK... stupid question... this would be for a steptronic automatic, so I know there is a difference in knobs, but how do they come off? Does the thing screw off? Thanks... Oh and 968Racer... thanks for the offer! I may take you up on that!
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