Replacing shift knob in F55 Manual Cooper
 

So I really don't care for the knob on my brand new F55 Manual (BRG w/ white roof/mirrors) and have purchased a nice wooden one to install. I wonder if anyone has direct experience with this change. I watched a Youtube video on replacing shifter handles with interest. It is very well done but doesn’t explicitly address my vehicle.

1) I am under the impression that the shifter knob on my Mini simply pulls off, by lifting straight up, with some force - is this more or less true?

2) I also understand that it is not mechanically connected to the leather(-ish) skirt/boot thingy below and that removing and replacing a knob is a question of butting the two elements up against one another - is that right?

Thanks in advance for any experience anyone is willing to share.

Yeah, just give it a good yank. But the boot is attached to the knob. So first, pop off the driving mode dial, and disconnect the wire from it. So that you don't yank that too when the knob comes off.

Once you get the knob / boot off, you have to take the boot off the knob. There is a plastic ring held on by 4 clips. Use a 17mm socket to push the 4 clips in at the same time, and then pull the ring off. It's a total pain.

HTH!

See the following thread ...
 

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...m/IMG_3953.JPGJ_L This does help, but raises another question. Is there a way that the boot will "stay up", adjacent to the new knob if it isn't attached by the ring?

Yeah, with a zip-tie. turn the boot inside-out around the shift lever, and snug one on there. It'll slide if you push down on it, but I'd imagine it stays up. Actually, with my craven speed knob, I have the boot slid down... I think I like the look. And I know I like the boot not being where my fingers tend to land.

Definitely use a zip-tie. Position the boot where you want it, height-wise, and tighten the zip-tie as tight as possible. Snip off excess zip-tie material. You're good to go at that point.

If you're looking for a nice shifter ball replacement, check out CobraBob's new Craven shifter ball. He has the dark brown interior so he went with their brown cap. The black and brown combination looks awesome IMO. https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...hift-knob.html

Our new knob does have a spot designed to hold the boot in place on the bottom. I am taking this as a opportunity to share our new video...

How you supposed to shift with the top of the knob in flames?

Much like the F56, boot is attached.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...l-shifter.html

http://c1552172.r72.cf0.rackcdn.com/640598_x600.jpg

F55 stock shift knob assembly
 

I want to change out my shift knob, and have a question. Is the Chrome piece and knob one unit or 2 separate pieces?
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.nor...8b27de9225.jpg
F55 Stock boot and shift knob