I installed a new thermostat on my 2003 R50 today. While I had the airbox off and battery housing moved out of the way, I could see this (red arrow). A ring/wheel ended cable covered in an accordion-style "boot". What is this? I believe there are two similar parts. This would be above the gearbox close to the bottom of the PS pump I believe. I couldn't find them looking at diagrams. The rubber "boots" are very brittle and worn. Thanks for any help, just a weekend mechanic here.


The large red line at the bottom of the pic is the positive battery cable moved out of the way.

 

Fairly certain they are part of the shift linkage.

 

correct

 

Thanks. That makes sense given the location and the need for movement evidenced by the rubber boot. Any further clarification? Also I wonder if I should worry much about the deteriorating rubber on them-it's practically falling off.

 

coming from someone that just replaced their shift cables, it's not as easy as it would seem. in order to do so you will need to disconnect your exhaust from the cat, hoping not to break the bolts, otherwise you will need to buy new ones, and air hammer out the old ones. also dropping the rear support exhaust pan (6 10mm bolts) you will need to disconnect the heat shield from under the car, and slide the big one down the line of the exhaust to gain access to your shift cables that attach to the stick. you will also need to know if you have condition A or Condition B shift box so you will need to pull the ring and boot up from the stick to tell.

Pulling the cables off of the shift box is a pain in the A$$, one is pretty easy because you can gain leverage with a 14MM box wrench and just pop it off, the other you will need some channel locks, or vise grips, and some sheer force of pulling it straight down without breaking your knuckles or anything else. it's on a ball and socket system. There is also a special BMW took to pull them off so you don't "break them" but if you plan on just replacing them i wouldn't worry too much about it. It's just a really big pry bar that looks like a fork.

here are some part numbers if you want and some "approximate" prices from the dealer (just around what the price could be)

Condition A (Usually White and has 3 fins that create a slide look going to the front of the car)
Shifting cable, shifting shaft - 25117515455 -- $140.19
Shifting cable, selector shaft - 25117515456 -- $117.65

Condition B (Usually Black with a smooth surface sloping to the front of the car)
Shifting cable, shifting shaft - 25117547366 -- $104.87
Shifting cable, selector shaft - 25117547367 -- $81.75

Hopefully this info helps a little.

 

Thanks, Blckmorning. I've no immediate plans to replace them unless the wear I can see is a clue that repairs need to be made ASAP.
I've been following the thread about clutch replacement you've been contributing to, very informative stuff.

 

No problem that is a good thread to follow, i also have a TON of other links i've bookmarked for more information. Another really good site you might want to book mark for some tech docs is: http://www.bmw-planet.com/lib/mini/

For parts diagrams: http://parts.miniofsouthatlanta.com/default.aspx

i use it any time i need to go to the dealer, i just give them the parts numbers and they just pull them for me. Just make sure you check all the notes under the part numbers so it's accurate to your vehicle.

Sorry i didn't take any pictures of the shift cable replacement. i was in no mind set to do so at the time since i was so frustrated.

 

thanks again. I do look at miniofsouthatlanta for parts and diagrams. I think minimania has the same graphics for their parts inventory. Now that everything is back in place I'm going to try and forget I saw what I saw...

 

Is this site legitimate?:

http://www.bmw-planet.com/lib/mini/

I randomly clicked on the transmissions PDF and downloaded a document detailing the transmission choices and operations, but with every other picture being of brake work. Really.

You can go there, but download and use the information with care.

Val

 

Correction i just checked the transmission pdf, and i see your point. looks like some of the pictures are kind of messed up, the one i used was the Manual transmission overhaul for some pictures and reference. Otherwise yes it's pretty legit.

I also just checked a couple of the clutch docs and it looks like those might have some messed up pictures also.

But for Free documents can't really argue.