Please note this is only for the G30/G31, G11, G01, G02... and the G38
We’ll start with the star of the show, the crystal knob.
There are 2 types: gear knobs without drive letters, and those with.
WITHOUT drive letters
When searching, this type is the most common. Has a static light-up character in the glass (5, 7, X3, M, etc.)
Although cheaper and easier to find, the installation requires more work.
Complete gear shifter unit must be taken out of the centre console and partially disassembled. This is required to swap out the ribbon connector. Removing the centre console top trim isn’t difficult. A few clip and screws, nothing technical.
Centre console trim removal video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QNlanprZaIA
The replacement ribbon connector contains a bit of circuitry to program out the drive letter lights. They should’ve integrated this into the gear knob PCB, but this is actually a cost saving measure so they can use the same PCB found in their crystal MGU gear knob; their hot seller.
Once the ribbon connector is swapped out, the new gear knob can be fitted as normal and the shifter unit reinstalled back into the centre console.
Ribbon swap and gear knob fitment video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eq22_ARsfjU
As well as the videos above, a
step-by-step PDF is attached.
WITH drive letters
Costs more, offering integrated light-up drive letters like OEM gear knob.
Depending on the brand it may not require a ribbon connector change.
MankaleiLab (MKL) brand: Ribbon change necessary similar to above, requiring trim and shifter unit removal.
Vstar brand: A much easier instal. Just swap out the gear knob.
No centre console trim removal needed.
All necessary circuitry is built into gear knob PCB. Does not require ribbon connector change.
No need to remove shifter unit or centre console trim.
iDrive wheel
Most gear knob sets include the circular crystal touchpad glass, and some also include the bezel ring for the wheel and other buttons for the dash.
Touchpad replacement
Touchpad can be swapped out easily.
No centre console trim removal needed. Simply unclip the top of the wheel, disconnect ribbon cable, warm up and remove top surface layer & adhesive residue. Stick on new crystal piece and clip it back in. Job done.
Wheel ring bezel
Requires the centre console trim to be removed. iDrive wheel/ switch unit will need taking out and partially disassembling. If you aren't fitting any other dials with the same matching bezel, then its not worth swapping out just the iDrive wheel ring bezel; too much effort and wont match OEM dial bezels.
The bezel ring is clipped in from the inside of the wheel, which is screwed down to the switch unit from the underside. Replacing it involves several steps, but nothing complicated.
Step-by-step PDF attached.
Video of complete bezel ring replacement and crystal touchpad:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tXmiZObpbSU
Summary
Its fairly easy for anyone with no car knowledge to swap out the gear knob and touchpad without the need to remove any car trim (Vstar brand)
Sometimes the brand name is stated in the product description, and if not, double check with seller before buying.
Do not rely on product photos as most listings use a mixture of stock images. Sellers intentionally don't mentioning trim removal and ribbon connector change. Some avoid showing you the included replacement ribbon.
The Vstar model is a hassle-free straight swap with the OEM gear knob. They’ve best sussed out the circuitry, so given enough time, the other makers will do the same.
If you prefer the look of the cheaper ones or the MKL brand, or fitting the wheel ring bezel, then be prepared to remove a few pieces of car trim.
RIGHT HAND DRIVE cars
If the product page doesn’t specify LHD or RHD, assume its for LHD cars.
Only difference is which side the ‘unlock’ button is on. Fitment is the same.
Finding a RHD version with light up drive letters at a reasonable price is a little tricky. I’ve asked a couple of sellers, who’ve said the LHD version can also be fitted to RHD cars. Shifter movement pattern is exactly the same for both LHD & RHD, and the placement of the ‘unlock’ button doesn’t make a difference in the real world.
Hopefully this info helps. I’ll revise and update it if needed.