Thanks for everyone's concern about my ability to find the gearstick - it's heartwarming but I'm pleased to say I've not had any problems so far.
I'm a bit concerned about the washer lights idea. Wouldn't I then have to re-upholster the interior in Burberry check? And don't even get me started on people driving with their front fogs on!!
And in my defence, I would like to point out that I didn't own, or even choose the B*W. I started work with the company, a director had recently left, and they gave me his car during my probationary period. I was planning on having an IS200. Had to wait a couple more years before that eventually happened, when I could actually afford to buy one myself :D
Pete