Correct Shift Knob

The top one is the closest. On early cars, up to 1971?? the top of the knob was more flat than the the upper knob. Last year I tried to find one, but could only find the upper kind which thus was as close as I could get. The lower kind with the embedded emblem was perhaps installed on later, 1974-75, cars???
 
So if my car is a 72, there seems to be no definite answer yet. When you said your's came with the lower one, was this from the factory? Would this change between Euro and US cars?

Thanks again
 
The top one is definitely correct.

I'm quite positive about this. A close friend is an original owner of his E9. Also, period sales literature confirm this.

Hope that helps.
 
It maybe the wrong answer but I'm pretty sure the bottom knob is not oem Bmw. I've never seen the plastic emblem on a wooden shift knob. This style of Bmw logo caps were first fitted onto the later smaller leather wrapped knobs of the late 1970's.

Some of the original sales literature pics show the original knob having a somewhat shallower head and a more pronounce dome liked the top pic unit as compared to most of the non original knobs which have a chunkier and flatter head that have been fitted to most coupes since.

Bert
82 CSi
88 M6
 
I am also sure that the top knob is the correct style. My '72 E3 was delivered from the factory with this knob as were E9s. The lower knob style started showing up in the 80's.
 
hdavis said:
So if my car is a 72, there seems to be no definite answer yet. When you said your's came with the lower one, was this from the factory? Would this change between Euro and US cars?

Thanks again
Click to expand...

Mine is a 72 and it had the top knob. I think everyone is correct. The bottom knob may or may not be OEM but if it is OEM it is from cars from far beyond the E9 production dates, possibly late 70's or early 80's.
 
My knob (1972 csi Italian delivery) has an almost flat surfaced rounded leather knob. Not particularly attractive. I assume it is the original. It has a small BMW logo on it.
Randy
 
shift knob

My 70 2800cs had the lower knob when I purchased it in 1983.
That said, that puts it in the time stated for change.
steve
 
My current very early 73 E9 came with a tulip shaped black leather covered tulip shaped knob with the cloisonne BMW logo. I had a 72 e3 that was equipped new with the bottom shift knob. I believe it was an option.
 
shift knob availability

Just as today, dealers of yesteryear supplemented available dealer options with aftermarket offers. Go back to the magazines of the day and you will notice these type of accessories. Villem Haan? MG Mitten? anyone?

The dealer could easily "customize" or "accessorize" an otherwise factory new car with or without advising the buyer. I well remember an unordered factory" (approved?)Pioneer radio found in an E-3 for which the dealer wanted an "undelete" fee. Lots of things happen to an original vehicle. Original is a matter of interpretation, selective or otherwise. :wink:
 
My '75 CSi has one just like the top one. And it's the original item. But the finish is cracked. How can I repair it?
 
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