LEMON Manuals: Even more car manuals for everyone: 1960-2025
Home >> BMW >> 2003 >> M3 2D Convertible >> Repair and Diagnosis >> Transmission >> Automatic Trans >> Gear Shift Mechanism - Repair >> Adjustments >> Interlock Cable
April 5, 2026: LEMON Manuals is launched! Read the announcement.

Interlock Cable

NOTE: Numbers in text refer to numbers in figures.

Do not turn handle when pulling off as this would shear off the turning lock in the handle. Pull off handle with a forceful tug. See Fig 1. During installation, attach handle to selector lever. Align handle and press on until it can be felt snapping into place.

Fig 1: Removing Handle
G00390931Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Pull trim (1) out of center console. See Fig 2.

Fig 2: Pulling Trim Out Of Center Console
G00390932Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Disconnect cable plug. See Fig 3.

Fig 3: Disconnecting Cable Plug
G00390933Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

During installation, to adjust display slide of trim:

Fig 4: Adjusting Display Side Of Trim
G00390934Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release screws. See Fig 5.

Fig 5: Identifying Screws
G00390935Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Lever trim (1) out of center console, disconnect cable plugs (2...3) and remove trim (1). See Fig 6.

Fig 6: Removing Trim From Center Console
G00390936Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Remove storage tray (1). See Fig 7.

Fig 7: Removing Storage Tray
G00390937Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release screws. See Fig 8.

Fig 8: Identifying Screws
G00390938Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Pull support member (1) slightly out of center console. Depending on equipment, press fitted switches (2) forwards out of support member (1) and disconnect. On rear side of support member (1), disconnect cable plug from cigarette lighter and ashtray light. Remove support member (1). See Fig 9.

Fig 9: Removing Support Member
G00390939Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Move selector lever (1) to "P" position (front stop of shifting gate). Release screw (2). The cable (3) must remain easily movable axially in the holder (4). Move ignition key to "0" position and remove. Press interlock lever (5) downwards as far as it will go. To check interlock adjustment: Turn ignition key to "ignition" position and then turn back to "0" position. Interlock lever (5) must rest on contact surface in selector lever (1). See Fig 10. If necessary, adjust interlock cable again.

Fig 10: Checking Interlock Adjustment
G00390940Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.