I was able to install the craven short shifter over the weekend, I took some photos of the process to share. This took me 3 hours to do, I do not have photos of every step but this is an outline for those who are interested in DIY.

GOOD LUCK!!

Tools needed:
Torx bits
Metric Hex Sockets
Lithium Grease
Picks


Step #1

Remove the Seats (may not be necessary but I wanted to avoid working around them)

• 4 T45 screws per (Red Up Arrows)
• 1 Large yellow connector under seat

Remove the shift ****

• The **** pulls up with force
• The ring holding the base snaps up with a gentle pull

Remove the lower counsel trim pieces (L&R)

• There is a panel held in with a torx screw at the very front remove this first (red Right Arrow)
• The long panel (white outline) snaps out by hand, the rear of the long panel slides forward.

Step #2

Remove accessory cover

• The hole outlined in white is on the under side, it is a pain to release and you can use a large pick from the side to help.

Step #3

Remove the upper counsel panel (L&R)

• There are a total of 5-6 torx screws on each side
• Once the screws are out, swing the front out and pull it forward to release the clip on the rear. (White Arrow)

Step #4

Remove Media Control Panel

• This panel pulls straight up and has two connectors to remove

Step #5

Cup Holder Removal

• Remove 4 Torx screws and slide the part upward.
• ****There is a connector on the bottom of the tray

Step #6

Remove accessory Mount

• The two clips on the side hold it in place
• On removal rotate the face downward, from here you can access the connectors

Step #7

Remove wiring and rear storage

• Pull wiring hold pins
• Remove two screws shown with white outline and pull the rear storage under the arm rest

Step #8

Remove rear counsel Air Control

• Pull the rear cover off (it is held with snaps)
• Disconnect the wiring pin
• Remove the two nuts holding the frame down

Step #9

Remove counsel frame

• Remove two side bolts (L&R)

• Remove 4 torx screws

• Pull up and back on the frame
• Be mindful of additional wiring that is connected to the frame

Step #10


Remove the Rear Air Duct

• Remove the single torx screw
• Rotate the duct upward until it disconnects at the front

Step #11

Shifter Removal

• Disconnect the shifter ball joints (its a pain, I used the prying method with coolant hose clamps and an open end wrench, Good luck!)
• Remove the 4 screws
• Remove the wiring pin points

Step #12


Remove the Lever Arm

• Remove the retaining washer by carefully prying it off.

Remove the stock shifter

• The three snaps need to be disengaged at the same time
  • I did it without breaking it! it took 3 picks and a second set of hands

Step #13

Install the new Short Shifter and Reassemble

• I used lithium grease to ensure it is smooth for a long time to come.

 

Nice job! As one of the first F54 owners to install the cravenspeed shifter, I applaud you! I did the install without removing the seats. After we finished, we concluded that removing the seats would have made it a little bit easier. Enjoy! It made a tremendous amount of difference in the shifting action, both in travel and precision.

 

Thanks for this instructional guide! I've been slowly taking apart the console to replace the shifter as well and am getting down to dismantling the final bits around the shifter assembly. For anyone that's done this themselves, does the entire shifter need to be removed from the vehicle? Or can it be done like the instructional guide from Cravenspeed on the F56. See the attached image for comparisons:

 

Nice job! My mini mechanic did it for me. Took them 5 hrs and they had to cut and replace some carpet to do it.

 

To follow up on my question, yes you do have to dismantle everything around the shifter. I tried everything I could without taking out the console frame. The Cravenspeed instructions to "tap" the ball joint didn't work for me and I tried a bunch of different suggestions but I did not feel safe putting significant pressure on the shifter linkage and risk bending it. I've attached a info graphic to help with anyone attempting to try this themselves, it was hilarious how easily it came out.

Once you get the rear air duct out from around the shifter, you can access the rod from the passenger side. Drop a crescent wrench in around the joint and leverage it up against the wider section of the shaft, then push the shifter to the right and it will pop out with very little effort.

Thanks OP for the instructional!

 

What was the carpet replacement for? I checked and at the lowest setting for the short shifter, the linkage/shifter cables actually rub the carpet! Was it because they noticed this? Good thing I looked after seeing your post.

I raised the shifter about a 1/2 cm and it's not touching the carpet anymore.

 

I think that was probably the case. Glad my post helped.

 

I did the install yesterday. For step 2 the hole you have outlined (in my 2018) has the led in it.