Is it possible to change direction on Steptronic??

**helvetica** · 03-01-2009, 12:19 PM

The BMW steptronic in my 528i and most of yours probably goes like this,
Up is upshift (+)
Down is downshift (-)

Would it be possible to switch the direction to
Up is downshift (-)
Down is upshift (+)

I think i would like that better. I dont see why its not impossible since its only a switch and nothing mechanical, i just dont know where to start. Any idea or lead?

**RJLupin** · 03-01-2009, 03:00 PM

Yep .. there is a great DIY by senor Jackcat

DIY: Steptronic +/- Switch-a-roo: The Whole Story

**OJwerks** · 03-01-2009, 03:15 PM

I believe euro spec cars and american cars are different ... or am I wrong?

**Gumbi4u** · 03-01-2009, 03:18 PM

My car is the way i want it where yoo push forward to down shift and pull back to up shift. My e46 is the opposite and would love to change it to my e39 configuration. Its a simple mod!

**racerx0911** · 03-01-2009, 04:58 PM

even going from X5's to 3 series its different...

**andyffer** · 03-01-2009, 05:06 PM

i like the pull down to upshift and push to down shift.

I think they did it that way because thats around the years they had the paddle shifters on the SMG trans. If you know about the SMG... you pull to upshift, I guess you do on the downshift too. But like in the paddles today, you push to downshift and pull to upshift.

Think about when you are being pushed in the back of your seat, which is it easiest to do..? Pull back. Your whole body is being pushed. Imagine pushing against gravity to upshift.
And when you slam on your brakes, your whole body goes flying forward. To slow your car, you downshift. So you push.

**Qsilver7** · 03-01-2009, 05:25 PM

See #5 and #8...there is a gear shift select plate for both directions:

**helvetica** · 03-02-2009, 02:13 AM

oh WOW it is possible. i will venture on this. Yes the idea came from the SMG and sequential transmission. i just feel more comfortable when i go up a gear by pulling down on it.

**andyffer** · 03-02-2009, 03:00 AM

Originally Posted by helvetica

oh WOW it is possible. i will venture on this. Yes the idea came from the SMG and sequential transmission. i just feel more comfortable when i go up a gear by pulling down on it.

Same

**helvetica** · 03-02-2009, 11:14 AM

so ok i've done the switch and for Indonesian made cars the tab is not redish pink but yellow and the 2 wires in the middle that need to be switch are green and black.

**epeppino** · 03-02-2009, 12:24 PM

yes, there is a diy i believe for it.

**helvetica** · 03-03-2009, 10:22 AM

until i have the chance to pick up a 530i shifter cover, this would do. I make sure they're big so i can see them at night

**Critter7r** · 03-03-2009, 01:22 PM

My '01 E46 was push to upshift/pull to downshift. My '05 E46 is the opposite. So I think it's a model year thing, as opposed to just a model thing.

**Jackcat559** · 03-03-2009, 06:19 PM

Check ebay for the covers. They pop up ever so often, and are usually cheap $$$$

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