has anyone replaced their brake handle and shift **** and have any instructions and/or tips for doing this? Any advice would be appreciated before I go breaking things. Thanks.

 

The shift **** is easy... just kneel over it & give it a big tug upwards. It will come right off but be careful because you can easily konk yourself in the head

 

Yeah, I've done the **** three times now. I've put it in neutral, opened the sunroof, pull straight up - hard! The dealership said put it in second. I have no idea why. Maybe it's an easier angle to pull.
I've also had the e-brake handle apart twice. It's not real hard, but there is a little clip inside (after you romove the tip cover). You have to carefully pry it to get it to come apart. Then it all slides off. Putting it back together you just have to line up the groove correctly. There are probably instructions somewhere on NAM that explain it much better than I can. Good luck!

 

oh & p.s... there is absolutely no need to take your shift **** off unless you are replacing it with a Whalen

 

http://www.redlinegoods.com/MINIinstall.shtm

 

First time, OEM chrome bezel. Second time, blue leather shift and e-brake boots. Third time, Checkered Whalen. I guess what is often said is correct - "Third time is the charm!"