Knob Problems (HELP)

[Alan Slade]

Well, at least the title has got your attention and I know there is bound to be some banter.
Recently I have noticed that the gear knob on my Z3 has begun to rotate a few degrees on the gear stick. I assumed wrongly that the knob was broken internally and I would need a new one. I purchased a cheapo knob from eBay and today I investigated to find that the original knob had been glued on. I then cleaned all the glue or maybe filler off the lever to fit the new knob, only to find the lever is too short by about 25 mm. it may have been broken or deliberately cut off by a previous owner.
Any suggestions as to remedy appreciated. Alan

 

[Grumps]

I believe if you pull the gaitor out of the way you'll see the ball joint that sits in the top of the gearbox. Easy to remove and replace, maybe @spurs fan in a coupe could assist with a replacement Alan.

 

[DaveB with a Z3]

Interesting as mine keeps on coming off in my hand

 

[t-tony]

Sounds like you have an unreliable knob Dave.

Tony.

 

[DaveB with a Z3]

I won't tell you what the wife has just said as this is a family forum .

 

[t-tony]

You haven't read all the "Knob " threads from the past yet then mate?

Tony.

 

[DaveB with a Z3]

This could go downhill quickly

 

[t-tony]

It usually does ........................

Tony.

 

[Alan Slade]

This knob thread has been a slow starter.

 

[t-tony]

It has Alan, someone needs to get a handle on it ............................

Tony.

 

[handsomejackuk]

my knob is always coming off... when i use too vigorously.

 

[Grumps]

Filth I say, bloody filth the lot of you!

 

[Alan Slade]

Update:- The car is booked in for an MOT on Tuesday, I know the gear knob is not an MOT item but the garage probably won't test without one.
I can't obtain just a gear lever at present and to replace the linkage is a bit of a work up.
So I am looking at a replacement knob of the type that is held on with three grub screws and that should solve the problem easily. However, I can't get one of those before Tuesday, so I have reverted to the same solution the previous owner used and glued the knob back on. I used a two part Araldite type glue.Seems quite good. Hope it holds out until after Tuesday.

 

[Oddly Godly]

Probably been cut down by someone who thought it would be more sporty. There was a chrome knob for sale about week ago on here somewhere. It looked similar to the weighted storm knob I have that is held on by a grub screw. It has improved the gear change by making it feel less notchy.

 

[Oddly Godly]

Just seen the one for sale is now sold

 

[Dalek]

So sorry to hear about the problems with your knob Alan. I hear thats what you get when you play with your knob manually. I do not have that problem as my knob does everything either fully automatically or in sports mode.
Good luck with the MOT on Tuesday.

 

[Dalek]

This could go downhill quickly

Unlike his car at the moment!

 

[2DunnsZ3]

Interesting as mine keeps on coming off in my hand

 

[Z Victor 1]

You can get the 'grub screw' fit ones from most motor spares shops.I think Halfords have them.

 

[Alan Slade]

You can get the 'grub screw' fit ones from most motor spares shops.I think Halfords have them.

Thanks for that Ken, however, at this stage the araldite fix has worked, went out in the car this morning and you would never know there was a problem. Now for the MOT.