07 mini cooper S convertible R52 , just about to pick up a new chili red shift **** for my mini , I have looked & can not find , how do I change it out??

 

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...need-help.html

Your 52 is also a GEN1

search in GEN1 for 'shift ****' and you'll find answers

but the short answer is pull straight up .... HARD .... but be aware that when it comes loose it is common to whack yourself in the head....

ouch
do not twist

if the new one is a genuine MINI part, you simply align with the groove in the shifter and then press straight down until it 'pops' down. I ended up beating it with my fist hammer like. If it is not MINI then how it goes on will vary (but the cleanest mount I've seen is on the Whalen ... Had one on my 02 and it was very nice)

 

I wonder how many noggins have been whacked by MINI owners with their shift lever *****.

 

I've never hit myself in the head with it, but...

One time I was removing the shift **** from a BMW E30 convertible with the top down. When it finally broke loose, I ended up throwing it 15-20 yards into the woods behind the garage.