1996-01 BMW 7-Series Shift Boot

This product is handmade in Europe and can take up to eight weeks to arrive. No returns or exchanges accepted.

What This Is

A custom-sewn leather shift boot for your 1996-01 BMW 7-Series. It's the leather only: it installs on your factory frame or trim ring. It is not a complete shift boot assembly.

What's Included

• Included: 1 leather shift boot, cut and sewn to order in the material and colors you choose.
• Not included: shift knob, trim, frames or hardware. You reuse your factory parts.

Before You Order

• Fits 1996-01 BMW 7-Series.
• It's made to order, so it can take up to 8 weeks to arrive and can't be returned or exchanged. Please double-check your year, fitment, and colors before ordering.
• International shipping: every piece ships from Poland, so a $15 international shipping charge applies to each item at checkout.

Installation

Difficulty: Moderate  |  Tools: screwdrivers, basic hand tools, glue or a stapler depending on your frame

You'll remove the shift knob and trim, move the new boot onto your factory frame, and reinstall.

Generally, all BMW vehicles use a very similar mounting system for both shift and brake boots. The boots are glued to a plastic frame which, in turn, is just clipped into the center console trim and all it takes is some carefuly prying to detach it.

▼ Click to Open / Close Step-by-Step Installation Guide (7 Steps)

Step 1. First remove the shift knob by pulling straight up on the knob.

Step 2. Carefully pry along the trim along the edges of the boot to take it off. It is best to just use your hands. If your existing boot is soft you may be able to reach through it and grab the edge of the boot frame and pull the middle of it towards the middle slightly to release it.

Step 3. Now that the shift boot and its trim are out, carefully remove the vinyl boot from the frame (an x-acto knife will work great for that purpose). Clean the frame carefully with sandpaper of any glue/vinyl residue.

Step 4. To install the shift boot you must glue the boot in the plastic frame. You can use epoxy-based glue (3M makes some great glues for that purpose). Contact cement also works and makes it easier to keep the boot in position on the frame as you stretch it on. If using contact cement coat the inside edge of the leather boot with glue and the outside of the frame (follow the instructions with the cement for how long to let it set before proceeding.).

Step 5. Make sure the stitching is facing towards the rear of the car. Next, stretch the boot over the frame slowly working your way around and lining up the stitching at the four corners of the frame. With contact cement you will have to press the leather to the frame several times to make sure it is set. After the glue has dried (immediately with contact cement), be sure to trim the leather around the clips on the frame to make sure they will seat correctly.

Step 6. Slip the frame and boot over the shift rod and carefully press the frame down until it snaps in place. You may have to squeeze slightly in on the sides of the frame where the clips are to make it go down easier.

Step 7. Press the shift knob back on to the shift rod until it snaps into place. You may have to turn it slightly to line up the slot in the top of the shaft with the knob.

Leather care: apply a leather conditioner with UV protection every 4-6 weeks to keep it from drying out and cracking.

Options & Pricing

Choose your material, colors, and stitching color in the options above. Add-on prices are added in the cart.

Material

• Regular Leather
• Perforated Leather
• Nappa Leather +$15
• Genuine Alcantara +$25
• Faux Alcantara
• Carbon Fiber Vinyl

Two-tone: choose a second color in the options above.

Layout

• Default (Like My Factory Boot)
• 4 Panel (Stitching Forms An X) +$9
• Front to Back (Axis Of Car) +$9

Style

• Quadruple Thread +$9

Quadruple stitching color applies to the outer lines of thread.