Transforming the MG5 Gear Dial into a True Lever

[JagerPal]

MG5 Gear Selector – An Intuitive, Reversible, DIY Upgrade​

The factory rotary gear selector of the MG5 never felt intuitive to me.Whenever I turned around to reverse, I always had to think about which way to rotate the dial.So I created a simple but highly effective add‑on that turns the rotary dial into a lever‑style gear selector, making the movement far more natural.

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The add‑on consists of two inexpensive parts:

• a Dyson hairdryer nozzle (HD01–HD08 compatible) – 871 HUF
• a metal furniture handle – 500 HUF

Together they form a sturdy, ergonomic gear lever.

The lever is attached using a ~15 mm M4 screw, inserted from the inside of the Dyson nozzle into the furniture handle.This creates a solid but fully reversible connection.

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The add‑on consists of two inexpensive parts:

• a Dyson hairdryer nozzle (HD01–HD08 compatible) – 871 HUF
• a metal furniture handle – 500 HUF

Together they form a sturdy, ergonomic gear lever.

The lever is attached using a ~15 mm M4 screw, inserted from the inside of the Dyson nozzle into the furniture handle.This creates a solid but fully reversible connection.

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• total cost: ~1,400 HUF
• time required: about 1 hour
• fully reversible, the car remains in 100% factory condition

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My wife tested it as well, and she’s very happy with it.In daily use it’s much more comfortable and intuitive than the original rotary dial.

If anyone is interested, I’m happy to share exact measurements, fitment details, or additional photos.It’s a small modification, but it significantly improves the usability of the MG5.

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This is a tiny upgrade, but it makes a big difference in everyday driving.And the best part: the same idea works on any car with a rotary gear selector that feels unintuitive.With a bit of creativity and a few inexpensive parts, anyone can make their car more comfortable to use.

 

[MG Clive]

That's quite ingenious @JagerPal, thanks, and welcome to the forum.

 

[JagerPal]

Thanks, Clive!I’m glad you like the idea. It’s a simple mod, but it really improves the daily usability of the MG5.Happy to share more details if anyone is interested.

 

[MG Clive]

Oh look, the Mrs has got one of those, but she won't let me have it, well we'll see about that when she goes out to bingo.

 

[OriginalBigAl]

There is going to be a lot of Dyson hairdryers missing bits with all the confusion and anguish that is going to cause. In the 80s it was trying to find a pub pool table complete with the black ball when you put in your 20p / 50p.

 

[JagerPal]

Haha, brilliant!Looks like you’ve already got the key component — same ring I used!Now just wait for bingo night and strike. Let me know if you need any measurements or details.

 

[JagerPal]

There is going to be a lot of Dyson hairdryers missing bits with all the confusion and anguish that is going to cause. In the 80s it was trying to find a pub pool table complete with the black ball when you put in your 20p / 50p.

Just to clarify — no Dyson hairdryers need to be dismantled!This ring is only an attachment for the front, and it’s available in unlimited quantities on AliExpress and Temu.So no need to raid the Mrs’ hairdryer.

 

[salty]

That's very clever.

To the forum.

 

[MG Clive]

There's no need to post everything in bold @JagerPal, it just makes more work for me.

Thanks.

 

[JagerPal]

There is going to be a lot of Dyson hairdryers missing bits with all the confusion and anguish that is going to cause. In the 80s it was trying to find a pub pool table complete with the black ball when you put in your 20p / 50p.

This MG5 had to cross the border from France… only to end up in my garage for a little ergonomic upgrade.

 

[JagerPal]

There's no need to post everything in bold @JagerPal, it just makes more work for me.

Thanks.

Thanks Clive — noted!I’ll keep the formatting simpler from now on.Glad you liked the mod!

 

[JagerPal]

That's very clever.

View attachment 42689

To the forum.

Thanks, Salty!Glad you find it clever — it really makes daily use a lot more comfortable.