LED Shift Knob

[Obicoke]

I can't remember. I have an E86 3.0si . I don't have the original shift knob, but was it LED? As I was looking at a new LED knob and wondered if it had the cables under the gaiter etc. If not how would I connect the new knob up. Where would I need to attach new cables to etc. Your help would be appreciated. Thanks

 

[Mr Tidy]

Hi there, 3.0Sis didn't have an illuminated one - only the Ms did.

So you won't have the wiring there. You'd need to find a feed that is live when the lights are on. I can't remember if the lighter socket is illuminated but if it is you may be able to tap into that.

 

[Rsipad]

Thought about doing this a while ago but ultimately decided against it. During my research, I found that the wire for the hazards runs next to the foam under the shifter and can be used if tapped into. It should work as the hazards illuminate when the headlights turn on.

I haven't done it so I cannot 100% confirm that it will work, but it might be worth a shot.

 

[Ed Doe]

Thought about doing this a while ago but ultimately decided against it. During my research, I found that the wire for the hazards runs next to the foam under the shifter and can be used if tapped into. It should work as the hazards illuminate when the headlights turn on.

I haven't done it so I cannot 100% confirm that it will work, but it might be worth a shot.

The Hazards don't illuminate when the headlights are on in the UK I'm afraid!!

If you google 'Illuminated ZHP install' you'll find plenty of threads where people have installed them on non-M cars - looks like the Ashtray light 12v feed is fairly popular from what I can see....

 

[darich]

12v socket is permanent live so you'd need to be aware of that.

Re the hazards illuminating......yeah, the outside indicators do not light up, but doesn't the small triangle on the button light up? could you tap that?
You could also tap the cables that power the heated seats or DSC button....they light up with side lights.

 

[Barty]

Out of curiosity; are there any 6-speed illuminated ZHP-style knobs that don’t have the M-logo on them?

 

[Ed Doe]

Out of curiosity; are there any 6-speed illuminated ZHP-style knobs that don’t have the M-logo on them?

I don't think so, but you CAN retrofit other inserts fairly easily I believe.

There was a gent on here who had a Grey Supercharged 3.0si who did it - Link to the relevant pics in his thread - https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=74659&start=450

 

[Obicoke]

Thanks guys!! I think I'll link it to the hazard light. I've seen some similar retrofits on YouTube who have done it this way. I was after an orange LED knob that kept the same internal colour to the rest of the dash etc. So will do that shortly. See how it looks.

 

[Obicoke]

Out of curiosity; are there any 6-speed illuminated ZHP-style knobs that don’t have the M-logo on them?

bespoke

 

[Obicoke]

Fitted and happy with the orange LED.