How to remove and replace a BMW E46 3 series gear surround trim. Useful if you want to carbon wrap your gear shift trim, or replace a broken part.

Removing BMW E46 330d gear select surround
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Tools Required


  • Medium sized Phillips head screw driver
  • Vacuum (optional)




Disclaimer: Any information given in this guide is to be used at the readers own risk. I take no responsibility for injuries to the reader or damage to their vehicles. If this guide is followed correctly, no harm should occur to either the reader or the car.

Please read through the entirety of this guide prior to undertaking any work, and do take care when following this guide.



Step 1

Squeeze the gear gaiter at the sides of the base, this should un-clip it from the gear surround trim. To know where to squeeze, you can see the two white clips in the image below. Once un-clipped pull the gaiter inside out as shown below.

BMW E46 330d gear shift gaiter pulled up

Step 2

Remove the gear knob using this how to guide: Gear Knob - Removal and Replacement. Then slide the gaiter off the gear stick and store safely.

BMW E46 330d gear knob and gaiter removed

Step 3

Using the Phillips head screw driver remove the two screw fixings at the car rearward edge of the gear stick aperture.

BMW E46 gear surround fixing screws



Step 4

The gear surround trim should now be free of the console, carefully pull it away. Do NOT pull the trim too far away as the wiring for the window switches (if you have them) will still be connected.

The switches are just clipped to the trim, un-clip them and the gear surround trim will now be completely free of the car and can be set aside.

BMW E46 gear surround removal
BMW E46 gear surround removed

Step 5

Replacing the trim is just a reverse of steps 1 - 4. Ensure everything is secured correctly, you may wish to vacuum out the area under the trim too whilst you have it removed, mine was quite dusty and crummy after 10 years of use.

BMW E46 Performance Gear Knob with Carbon Surround