Paddle shifter mod... talk to me

[Haadkoe]

I've seen a few people adding paddles to their steering wheel, and it got me thinking. Pretty sure it's a mod reserved for the steptronic equipped cars, correct? I'm assuming that is the case, but then again, steptronic can be retrofitted.

...so here's my question. Assuming I wanted to retrofit but never planned to use the OEM steptronic shifter since I'd have paddles, what exactly needs to be retrofitted? In other words, shift lever aside, what is it that electronically controls steptronic gear changes? Is it just a module or something that controls it all? Possibly swap out just the module and wire in the paddles and perhaps a switch to toggle between auto and steptronic, without ripping the console apart and installing the shifter, gate, cable, etc, or is the complete retrofit mandatory?

I clearly don't know how it works... Just wondering out loud.

[andsteve]

As someone who's driven a car with paddle shifters and a selector on the shifter (steptronic), the paddles are a waste of time. Sure they look cool and some people may prefer them but you'll find yourself using the shift lever more often because it feels more natural (like a true manual) and it's more intuitive.

[Haadkoe]

As someone who's driven a car with paddle shifters and a selector on the shifter (steptronic), the paddles are a waste of time. Sure they look cool and some people may prefer them but you'll find yourself using the shift lever more often because it feels more natural (like a true manual) and it's more intuitive.

Fair enough. I was just thinking of ease of install compared to the full swap. Now that I really think about it though, I wouldn't want to give up my heated steering wheel for the needed slip ring connections. Also, the only car I've driven with paddles was an 03 G35, and being exclusively a manual driver at the time, the slow as molasses gear changes of the auto were no replacement for a true stick shift.

Damn I want a 6mt, lol.

[EisnerRacing]

I know a company called super muscle car smc they build old 60-80 muscle cars with all push button shifting
check into what they use

[andsteve]

...old 60-80 muscle cars...

Why would they build something for a 7 series?

[DUDMD]

It should be possible to use a steptronic computer, then wire up a switch to engage sport mode and wire up the shifter paddles. You'd have to make a stopped for the normal shifter to keep it from going any past D. Prevent it from going into 4 or lower. So it is possible, but you might as well do the shifter assembly for the updated look as well.
I did Euro TCM, 540i E39 shifter, E38 boot/plate, and e46 m3 smg steering wheel with OEM paddles shifters on my 98 750il. It's the 2nd prefacelift 750il in the states with steptronic, and probably the first with SMG wheel and paddles shifter. I love that way it feels, especially during aggresive cornering/twisty roads. My euro TCM shifts unbelievably fast for an automatic, too. Those that seen it local will tell you that as well. I will make a video of the shifter/paddles/driving with it soon and upload it in my build log thread.

[Haadkoe]

It should be possible to use a steptronic computer, then wire up a switch to engage sport mode and wire up the shifter paddles. You'd have to make a stopped for the normal shifter to keep it from going any past D. Prevent it from going into 4 or lower. So it is possible, but you might as well do the shifter assembly for the updated look as well.
I did Euro TCM, 540i E39 shifter, E38 boot/plate, and e46 m3 smg steering wheel with OEM paddles shifters on my 98 750il. It's the 2nd prefacelift 750il in the states with steptronic, and probably the first with SMG wheel and paddles shifter. I love that way it feels, especially during aggresive cornering/twisty roads. My euro TCM shifts unbelievably fast for an automatic, too. Those that seen it local will tell you that as well. I will make a video of the shifter/paddles/driving with it soon and upload it in my build log thread.

...aaaannnnd I'm suddenly interested again. I look forward to seeing the video.

What do you figure would happen if someone were to enable sport mode by switch, and then shift below D? Just get the selected gear, or something more fantastically terrible?

I assume the M3 wheel is non heated, or were other slipring contacts used? Which begs the question, CAN other slipring contacts be used for the paddle retrofit assuming one were to keep a heated wheel installed? I'd gladly give up other button functionality (like the useless phone button or even the tuner seek buttons) to keep the heated wheel working.

Heated or not, you do make a good case for the m3 wheel. OEM fittament, and I'm sure its contours are nice to the touch.

[PiotrC70]

I've heard DUDMD's car in person and the shifting is ridiculously quick. It DEFINITELY didn't have the 1/2 second lag that I'm used to hearing.

[DUDMD]

M3 wheel is not heated, it's also not a direct fit and needs extensive work to attach the 750il heated clock spring to it. No other way to hook up paddles without the heated clockspring. Unless you remove the function of the wheel buttons to free up those wires. You just need 2 free wires to be able to send a ground signal to the TCM.
I would still recommend you get a steptronic shifter assembly, they're not expensive and are readily available.

...aaaannnnd I'm suddenly interested again. I look forward to seeing the video.

What do you figure would happen if someone were to enable sport mode by switch, and then shift below D? Just get the selected gear, or something more fantastically terrible?

I assume the M3 wheel is non heated, or were other slipring contacts used? Which begs the question, CAN other slipring contacts be used for the paddle retrofit assuming one were to keep a heated wheel installed? I'd gladly give up other button functionality (like the useless phone button or even the tuner seek buttons) to keep the heated wheel working.

Heated or not, you do make a good case for the m3 wheel. OEM fittament, and I'm sure its contours are nice to the touch.

[Jamos]

I was looking at doing this the other day. I browsed some builds but everyone seemed to go at it differently. DUDMD, do you have a rough ball park idea of what it should cost, using average prices of parts I guess.

I figure I need a TCM, Shifter bezel and linkages, but I'm not sure about the dashboard display functionality?

Looking at this on eBay for instance:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/BMW-E38-740i-740-750iL-750-740iL-AUTOMATIC-STEPTRONIC-GEAR-SELECT-SHIFTER-/140742875072?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item20c4edd7c0&vxp=mtr

Would that simply drop in to my '95 center console? I wonder why they changed the size of the lock button in later years, if it has anything to do with a different size shift bezel etc..

Sorry if this has been answered 100x over, but the few builds I saw were very much, "SO AFTER reading everything, here's what *I* did" which never explains the hows/whys.

[DUDMD]

I was looking at doing this the other day. I browsed some builds but everyone seemed to go at it differently. DUDMD, do you have a rough ball park idea of what it should cost, using average prices of parts I guess.

I figure I need a TCM, Shifter bezel and linkages, but I'm not sure about the dashboard display functionality?

Looking at this on eBay for instance:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/BMW-E38-740i-740-750iL-750-740iL-AUTOMATIC-STEPTRONIC-GEAR-SELECT-SHIFTER-/140742875072?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item20c4edd7c0&vxp=mtr

Would that simply drop in to my '95 center console? I wonder why they changed the size of the lock button in later years, if it has anything to do with a different size shift bezel etc..

Sorry if this has been answered 100x over, but the few builds I saw were very much, "SO AFTER reading everything, here's what *I* did" which never explains the hows/whys.

That would drop it no problem, may need a little fab work to attach the cable to the 5hp30. The hard part for you Jamos, is to source a 1995 m60 TCM that was optioned with steptronic, I don't even know if there's such a thing. If there is, it's definetely euro only.

Here's what I spent on mine:
E39 Steptronic Shifter: $100
E38 shifter surround plate/boot : $40
Euro 750il TCM with Steptronic for 1998 yr: $80 shipped (I was super lucky to even find it, I would've paid a lot more if I had to)
E46 M3 SMG without airbag: $280 shipped (again, a super cheap deal for a mint wheel. Usually $400 and up for this wheel)
Airbag is another $150 for that steering wheel.
I also already had a heated wheel in my car, so I didn't have to buy a clockspring.

[Haadkoe]

M3 wheel is not heated, it's also not a direct fit and needs extensive work to attach the 750il heated clock spring to it. No other way to hook up paddles without the heated clockspring. Unless you remove the function of the wheel buttons to free up those wires. You just need 2 free wires to be able to send a ground signal to the TCM.
I would still recommend you get a steptronic shifter assembly, they're not expensive and are readily available.

Noted, and thanks for the info. If I do pursue this mod, I'll be sure to try to obtain the euro TCM and will use the approved shifter assembly. Too bad the m3 wheel isn't a direct fit, but I imagine there are probably other paddle options, not that I've really looked yet.

How involved is the shifter assembly retrofit anyway? Couple hours, or a day of hell? Lol

[Jamos]

I thought the TCM was only tranny dependant, I.E. get a 750's 5hp30 TCM.

Drat.

[DUDMD]

Noted, and thanks for the info. If I do pursue this mod, I'll be sure to try to obtain the euro TCM and will use the approved shifter assembly. Too bad the m3 wheel isn't a direct fit, but I imagine there are probably other paddle options, not that I've really looked yet.

How involved is the shifter assembly retrofit anyway? Couple hours, or a day of hell? Lol

I didn't even remove the center console. Just the wood trim piece and was able to do everything that way, except for attaching the transmission bracket and cable of course. It took me longer to figure out the coding for the cluster to have it show me manual mode.
Even after programming my cluster for steptronic option, it wasn't enough. It would just show D S even when I manually shift. I had to reprogram my coding numbers to that of a euro 750il in order to have it finally show M mode. Then I lost MPG calculator, range, and check engine light function. I did a little more coding work to in the cluster to modify the euro programming. Now everything is back online and functioning, including manual mode display and paddle shifters.

I think I now need to do a 3.15 shorter differential to make it even more sporty. The main reason why I did steptronic is to have the ability to shift down to 1st gear while moving. With steptronic, at 30mph or less, I can easily engage first gear and let it rip, which sound awesome with a loud v12.

[AquilaBMW]

This is an interesting topic. I thought it was already documented somewhere. If memory serves me right, you need to have either a Paddle slip ring of a heated steering wheel slip ring. You then run a wire from the shifter to the slip ring and connect your paddles. For cars that already have Steptronic like the M-Sport, it is just an additional wire - is that correct?

[DUDMD]

This is an interesting topic. I thought it was already documented somewhere. If memory serves me right, you need to have either a Paddle slip ring of a heated steering wheel slip ring. You then run a wire from the shifter to the slip ring and connect your paddles. For cars that already have Steptronic like the M-Sport, it is just an additional wire - is that correct?

You need to find a way to run 2 additional wires. That's exactly where the heated slip ring comes into play. Each paddle has one wire going to the metal part of the wheel (ground). The other to the slipring. When you activate either switch, it sends the ground signal to the TCM, which gives it a signal to up/down shift. You need two extra wires in order to be able to send 2 signals, one up and one down.

[psjr]

Just got an idea - if you're into electronics and have 2 left side buttons you don't use (e.g. the two telephone buttons).
You can tap the paddle shifters into the left side buttons (since the wires run across the steering wheel, it would be more difficult to tap the right side button signals).
You can then read those signals from I-bus using a device hooked to the Steptronic switch (these even used to be sold, E-shift module, I think some guys still make their own).
I'm not sure how much delay would be introduced by using I-bus but probably not much.

Feel free to poke holes, but that seems like one way to have heating + paddles.

[DUDMD]

That would take quite a bit of work, soldering/testing. Ibus is a cool idea, but I'm sure there would be other issues to that or even extra lag.
Or go all out and use wireless transmitters, lol.

I'll try to take a video soon for you guys.

Just got an idea - if you're into electronics and have 2 left side buttons you don't use (e.g. the two telephone buttons).
You can tap the paddle shifters into the left side buttons (since the wires run across the steering wheel, it would be more difficult to tap the right side button signals).
You can then read those signals from I-bus using a device hooked to the Steptronic switch (these even used to be sold, E-shift module, I think some guys still make their own).
I'm not sure how much delay would be introduced by using I-bus but probably not much.

Feel free to poke holes, but that seems like one way to have heating + paddles.

[franco90]

here you go
http://www.bimmerboard.com/forums/posts/462216/

- - - Updated - - -

http://www.bimmerboard.com/forums/posts/600730

- - - Updated - - -

http://www.bimmerboard.com/forums/posts/793194

- - - Updated - - -

http://www.bimmerboard.com/forums/posts/610491

[board57796]

Mine

http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/board57796/9B931D4A-EA89-4561-A4D5-A2089E7273F9-675-000000F05043A97F.jpg (http://s222.photobucket.com/user/board57796/media/9B931D4A-EA89-4561-A4D5-A2089E7273F9-675-000000F05043A97F.jpg.html)

[Wintonicus750]

http://i1297.photobucket.com/albums/ag35/brianwinton/SESFixed_zpsc299f091.jpg (http://s1297.photobucket.com/user/brianwinton/media/SESFixed_zpsc299f091.jpg.html)

[Haadkoe]

I didn't even remove the center console. Just the wood trim piece and was able to do everything that way, except for attaching the transmission bracket and cable of course. It took me longer to figure out the coding for the cluster to have it show me manual mode.
Even after programming my cluster for steptronic option, it wasn't enough. It would just show D S even when I manually shift. I had to reprogram my coding numbers to that of a euro 750il in order to have it finally show M mode. Then I lost MPG calculator, range, and check engine light function. I did a little more coding work to in the cluster to modify the euro programming. Now everything is back online and functioning, including manual mode display and paddle shifters.

I think I now need to do a 3.15 shorter differential to make it even more sporty. The main reason why I did steptronic is to have the ability to shift down to 1st gear while moving. With steptronic, at 30mph or less, I can easily engage first gear and let it rip, which sound awesome with a loud v12.

So I guess the shifter assembly install doesn't sound so bad after all. Out of curiosity, was the cable attachment and bracket part of the install easily accessible? Also, where is the TCM located, anyway?

The coding, on the other hand, sounds quite a bit more involved. Would you say it's doable for your average Joe?


Just got an idea - if you're into electronics and have 2 left side buttons you don't use (e.g. the two telephone buttons).
You can tap the paddle shifters into the left side buttons (since the wires run across the steering wheel, it would be more difficult to tap the right side button signals).
You can then read those signals from I-bus using a device hooked to the Steptronic switch (these even used to be sold, E-shift module, I think some guys still make their own).
I'm not sure how much delay would be introduced by using I-bus but probably not much.

Feel free to poke holes, but that seems like one way to have heating + paddles.

Since my car is a prefacelift, and I'm apparently unable to use any of those cool I bus adapters I see a lot of people using, I wonder if that would make this particular install easier for me. Ie: Locate the contacts for the phone or FM seek buttons on the wheel, and figure out where they come out the other side of the slipring. Cut, splice, enjoy.


here you go
http://www.bimmerboard.com/forums/posts/462216/

- - - Updated - - -

http://www.bimmerboard.com/forums/posts/600730

- - - Updated - - -

http://www.bimmerboard.com/forums/posts/793194

- - - Updated - - -

http://www.bimmerboard.com/forums/posts/610491

Thanks Franco, I will now do my due diligence. :)


Mine

http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/board57796/9B931D4A-EA89-4561-A4D5-A2089E7273F9-675-000000F05043A97F.jpg (http://s222.photobucket.com/user/board57796/media/9B931D4A-EA89-4561-A4D5-A2089E7273F9-675-000000F05043A97F.jpg.html)
Sweet!


http://i1297.photobucket.com/albums/ag35/brianwinton/SESFixed_zpsc299f091.jpg (http://s1297.photobucket.com/user/brianwinton/media/SESFixed_zpsc299f091.jpg.html)
Also sweet!

[psjr]

Since my car is a prefacelift, and I'm apparently unable to use any of those cool I bus adapters I see a lot of people using, I wonder if that would make this particular install easier for me. Ie: Locate the contacts for the phone or FM seek buttons on the wheel, and figure out where they come out the other side of the slipring. Cut, splice, enjoy.


The steering wheel buttons are the same (and use I-bus) from 97+. The thing that you're thinking of that changed for facelift is that the radio switched to using I-bus for more things, and those are audio system adapters.
So no, it would be no different for you. What I proposed was way too much work for most people, but the kind of thing I love to dream up.

[Haadkoe]

The steering wheel buttons are the same (and use I-bus) from 97+. The thing that you're thinking of that changed for facelift is that the radio switched to using I-bus for more things, and those are audio system adapters.
So no, it would be no different for you. What I proposed was way too much work for most people, but the kind of thing I love to dream up.

Ah, I see! Thanks for the clarification.

[Haadkoe]

By any chance, would anyone happen to have a part number for an appropriate EURO TCM with steptronic for my prefacelift 5hp24?

Realoem is completely useless from my tablet, and I haven't booted my pc in a month.