So I bought the new Craven shifter **** for my 2014 MCS (F56). The instructions were to pull up hard to remove the ****. Did that without too much trouble. But, what I have (see photo below) is the entire boot assembly still attached to the ****. I don't see any way of just removing the ****. Am I doing something wrong?

In the photo, the boot is turned inside out. The factory ball is still attached.

 

You just need to squeeze the 4 tabs and remove the ring. I used an appropriately-sized socket.

 

So you push the socket over the 4 tabs which compresses the ring enough to remove it?

I think the problem is that Craven's instructions are for the previous Gen Mini. They have none for the F56.

 

I do like the ball style.

 

Well, I really didn't think the socket thing would work. Tried a couple with no success. I then selected a 9/16" socket with an extension, pressed it on a BAM, success. Popped right off. Kind of surprised me. LOL. Thanks for that tip Kaz.

I finished the install, used a plastic locking wire tie to secure the end of the boot around the bottom of the shifter ball extender. I am more than pleased. Much more solid feel and it looks so much better than the factory ball. Here are some photos. Sorry for the quality. I was in my garage.

 

Glad it worked.
Dunno what instructions you were looking at, but the R56 **** uses the same clip so the process should be the same. In fact I put a R56 **** on my F55.

 

The instructions I used are on the Craven website. Here they are, without their photos. You can see that there are no instructions for removing the clip.

1. Remove OEM **** (PULL UP!)
2. Place shift **** core over shifter, slide down.
3. Place **** Adapter over shifter. You’ll notice a small collar on one end of the adapter, that collar will be facing DOWN, when you slide it over the shifter, it will click into the indented section.
4. Slide **** Core UP, but not off shifter, around **** core.
5. Place Shift **** over the core.
6. Make sure the holes in the ****, and core line up (You can grab the bottom of the core, and spin it.)
7. Place cap on your new ****, and install the 6 (2mm Hex) screws.

As you can see, they included nothing as far as removing the original retainer clip.

 

Looks great CobraBob. Can't wait to get mine.

 

Thanks for the compliment. The more I see it, the more I like it. I threw the stocker away. I love the weight and feel, and shifting itself is so much better due to the extra weight. Physics at work!

 

Very nice.

 

You are right, those instructions need some work. We will get them updated! Glad you all are liking the new design.

 

That looks great CobraBob. I had a cool brown African burlwood shift **** on my 2007 Mini made by a person on this forum. I think the pix are still in my gallery. Got a matching E brake handle too.

 

Installed mine after work today ....LOVE IT.. Hey @CobraBob I actually fitted the stock boot into the groove in the base of aluminum where the channel is. looks a little cleaner. Nice job @cravenspeed

 

Thanks for that additional info. I didn't know the stock boot should fit into the nicely done groove in the base. I popped off the boot assembly during lunch and pulled the top of the boot over the channel. It is nice and tight by design so no chance the boot will drop. And you're right, it does look a little cleaner. Well, actually a lot cleaner.

Thanks!

 

Regarding how to remove the ring, all you need to do is gently pry up the tab highlighted and a push. I did the Automatic Shift **** by CravenSpeed and I am happy with the results.