I'm picking up my new 2013 MC in a few days and asked my MA if he could swap out the shift **** with another one (since I am not really strong enough to remove it) and he said that they don't install parts that they don't sell.

Huh? It's a Mini shift ****, swapping out for another direct-from-the-factory Mini shift ****. Anyway, I guess I thought it would be nice if they could do this one little thing (I offered to pay for the installation too) for me.

What do you guys think? I'm literally not strong enough to remove this thing. Of course I understand that they have a business to run, and make money on marking up parts prices, etc. I'm not an unreasonable person and understand how businesses are run. That's why I requested a price for the time it would take to do swap.

Anyway, i recall someone saying they put a board across the seat and then used a right angle crowbar type of thing to pry it off, I think I will try that. Any other suggestions?

Thanks for listening,

LG

It is not uncommon for places to not do this. Even places outside of dealers will tell you that they will not install parts that they don't sell. The main reason for this is liability. If you are driving down the road and the **** comes off, you could try to sue them because of it.

So are you being a little unreasonable.

That being said, find a strong friend to help you out.

Ok thanks, I see your point. I just wish they had told me that when I originally asked because i would have just purchased the parts through them. Lesson learned.

Ok, I'm simmered down now. I think the rental for 10 weeks has taken its toll.

LG

If it is a MINI brand OEM part I don't see why they wouldn't do it for a fee. Look at it as an opportunity to meet some people in your local MINI club. Find the club and i'm sure someone would help you.

You SHOULD BE THANKFUL!!
THEY MIGHT CHARGE YOU A HALF HOUR MIN TO DO A 2 MINUTE JOB....
Tip...for $20, most any person or mechanic will twist it off...and pop on the new one...
Gen1 was a stright yank it off....
But gen2 is a twist...
Heck, at a mini event, somebody will likely do it for free....its just that simple and fast!!

Twist? Never heard the twist mentioned before. Can you elaborate? I always just heard about pulling straight up. I have two to choose from, one OEM new one with rod attached and then the old one from my wrecked car that came off without the rod (guy at wrecking yard did it for me)

Thanks!

LG

Well I wouldn't say it's that easy on a MCS or 2nd gen in general. The **** is built into the damn **** boot also so the whole damn center ring has to come off too.

But either way, you should really find the DIY thread because it's really easy to swap it yourself and shouldn't require no more than 20mins to do it. Why have someone else do it and get charged when you can DIY it? Don't have time? Well, everyone can spare 20mins of their time in a 7day week. No excuses

Besides, I would rather not have the dealership touch my car nowadays unless it's absolutely necessary.

Are you just trying to swap the end/**** or trying to get a shortshifter installed? Changing the entire metal rod IS more work....
To elobrate...gen one, PULL stright up, gen2 is a twist..it is threaded like a bolt. 90+% sure on this cause it does cause some confusion, and is one of the little differences....
Guess it takes a couple minutes longer from the prior post, but still just a few minutes.

Yeah I hear you, so true!!!! Maybe this is a blessing in disguise. I also have to swap out all the trim and the steering wheel along with the controls, so that should be interesting. I'll video the whole thing either for a good laugh down the road on my first project, or to actually help other folks who are looking to do the same thing.



LG

Also, FYI, this is the automatic shift **** if that helps. I think you guys are describing the manual **** with the boot and all that.

If its the auto **** then that changes everything lol

I've never heard of an automatic shift **** change...
Pics?

Yup....auto is a WHOLE new ballgame...
Bet the dealer has never done one...never heard of a auto **** swap...

For gen 2 standard there is not twist for just the shift ****, I installed a boost gauge and had to remove te center console and to take the **** off I pulled straight up, with a good amount of force

Back to the original post, I've bought plenty of things on the Internet, MINI of San Diego has always treated me respectfully and installed anything I asked them to (OEM stuff, I don't really install anything else). If they didn't, I assure you, I would vote with my wallet and /never/ come back. Luckily, I have choices in San Diego, and if MINI of San Diego didn't treat me right, I'd travel to MINI of Escondido.

I swapped out the auto **** on my 2011 and it was a pull straight up, no twist. I used the board/prybar method that you mention - it worked really well and didn't take much strength. Just be sure to use a towel or something to protect the **** from being chewed up by the prybar. It sounds a little scary but just lever it slowly and firmly and it'll pop right off.

When you put the new **** on be sure to give it a firm smack to seat it in place. When it's set properly it shouldn't twist and you shouldn't be able to move out of park without pushing the button.

Good luck. You can do it!

Thanks Kirby!

Ok, so when you pulled up, did the rod come out with it? The new **** I bought OEM has the rod attached, should I disconnect the rod and if so, how?

I'm making a bigger deal about this than I am about the steering wheel I'm swapping! And the **** doesn't even involve exploding airbags or electrical stuff!

Also, interesting note about the San Diego vs. Escondido dealers and that you have had OEM stuff installed by a dealer. I normally get all of my service done at a different dealer out of state anyway because they have always been very good to me and do nice work, and it's more convenient for me. (plug for Mini of Ramsey, NJ!)

I'm still game to tackle both of these things....

LG

Yep, the rod is connected and will come out with it. Hopefully it will be the same length as your new one - otherwise you'll have to swap it out and that's a little tricky. What did you get for your new one?

Funny, I want to get a custom wheel wrap but I'm way too scared to mess with the steering wheel!

More on the auto swap here: https://www.northamericanmotoring.co....php?p=2096758

If you're local to north jersey, let me know if you need help with the wheel install. It is actually a really easy mod but messing with the airbag is what usually puts a lot of people off.

Thanks SO much for your kind offer NJ Mini! I might take you up on it! Will PM you.

Best, LG

I have no idea what somebody above is talking about vis-a-vis the manual shift **** twisting off. It pulls straight off. Mine came off rather easily. When I picked up The Dread Pirate, I had the dealership install front/rear light bezels and scuttles that I had vinyled by Lyle at Vinyl Styles. They also installed an Out Motoring grill badge holder without taking off the grill (tight squeeze!!!). They charged me nothing. The SA bitched about it (she was new, now working elsewhere) but the techs had no issues. She had kind of the same arguement but threw in that they HAD to deliver it to me the way I had ordered it. The sales manager finally shut her up.