dantheman1

The one option that my car does not have is the SAT. After looking at a video of how quickly the gear changes are with the "sport" button clicked, I've become very envious. I downloaded the pdf from rysed in austria about the parts needed and how to install the physical SAT shifter, electronics, etc., but I'd like to know whether or not I can retrofit the M5 "+/-" steering wheel with shift paddles instead of the regular SAT kit. Does anyone know if that's possible? And if not, do you know the part numbers for the regular wheel and paddles? I have a 550 sport with a heated steering wheel, so I assume the airbag and buttons can be interchanged between them. Thanks!

p.s. Does anyone have one of those BMW VO coders in the DFW area? I'd really like to avoid going to the dealer and explaining the modifications for them to code it correctly, not to mention the arm and leg they'll charge.

dantheman1

Never mind my post, after searching through some threads, found the answer:

"32-34-2-283-949 M Steering Wheel (NOTE: This one is heated, as I also retrofitted the heated wheel option)
61-31-9-115-638 Paddle shift lever L
61-31-9-116-317 Paddle shift lever R
61-31-6-976-397 Wiring set (for paddles to SZL)
61-31-9-204-093 Shiftbox Gear-selector
61-31-9-208-271 Handle (lever for gear selector)
61-31-9-142-869 Sport button
51-16-6-960-879 Cover - gear selector (trim piece to accomodate shifter/sport button)


If, after pricing out all of the above you aren't running as fast as possible away from this retrofit, the following general procedure for putting it all together:

Program car to latest level
Install steering wheel, paddle shifters and wiring to SZL
Install GWS shifter with sport button
Install single wire into pin 12 on SZL connector and run to ground
Install single wire into pin 13 on SZL and run to connector x6031 in ebox to pin 11 (red/white wire)
Adapt correct vehicle order with programming (ie. you need to have obtained an updated vehicle order that indicates your vehicle has the SAT and paddle shifter options, and removes the standard auto trans)
Clear faults and test


Wow... for all the challenges it took to get through this the first time, that all looks pretty simple - right? As previously mentioned, this is not a DIY -- you need to get a revised vehicle order and programming to get the paddles up and working properly, which probably means a dealer or a well-connected indy shop."

Looks like I'll probably not be attempting this mod.

NavarroOne

Don't get discouraged; the above was done when we collectively were still quite uncertain how to proceed. Now the full path is charted, incl how to code without bmw involvement so just press on, it's awesome.

dantheman1

I must have missed something, there is a way to code without BMW involvement? Also, do you know if the M5 "+/-" wheel will work and do you know the part numbers? Will the shift speed increase if I just get the console shifter, ecu, and sport button without getting a new VO? Lastly, what does pressing the sport button do if I don't change the VO? Thanks!

NavarroOne

If you have a laptop with wireless internet, the right plug, software and knowledge then you can code directly. Else, go to one of the forum members who know their stuff. They may even help you from remote if you have a laptop, buy or borrow a plug (about usd 100) and download the software which I believe is free. They may help you code other options like digital speedometer reading etc.

I understand the M5 wheel does work; that is to say I believe I saw that in quoted thread somewhere but do doublecheck; I dont have the M5 wheel myself.

https://5series.net/forums/topic/550...6#entry1367026

Without coding, you do get faster gear changes (200 ms) and this does not require a new VO - it is a 100% plug and play do-it-yourself 20 minute thing, but do remember to unplug the battery first. When you have this setup, pressing the sport button turns on the green led in the button, makes the steering considerably heavier, makes the accelerator pedal more aggressive (less input gives more output) and gearshifts are notably quicker and it also holds the gears longer when you release the gas. It's all in the thread listed above so I suggest you read it thoroughly.

dantheman1

It seems the only parts I need are as follows:

? 51166960879?Consolecover
? 61319142869?Sportsbutton
? 61319142950?SATShifter
? 61319165671?ECU

I can find all of the parts on bmw of south atlanta parts page, but the console cover is now discontinued. Only the glossy black cover is in existence, do you know anywhere I can find the aluminum cover?

Thanks!

dantheman1

Any idea on where to find the console cover in aluminum since it's been discontinued?

Wpg550

If I'm reading the parts on realoem correctly, the replacement cover from the one we used appears to be 51166985887.

As said above, this retrofit was worthwhile, at least from the perspective of the few of us that have done it fully -- even though it was a challenge to get it done initially.

As for the M5 +/- paddle wheel, I think you'd be charting new territory there... at a minimum you'd likely need to change the wiring between the steering wheel and the SZL to make sure the correct signals are being received, and not sure how the SZL would react... some of our earliest issues related to the car not detecting the paddles and dropping the transmission into a 'failsafe' mode.

dantheman1

I can't seem to find any online parts suppliers that carry 51166985887, http://parts.bmwofsouthatlanta.com/p...rm=51166985887. Where did you source yours from?

Wpg550

BMWPARTSFORLESS.COM is showing a 51166985886 cover which comes up when you search for the -879 part above. You might want to check with them if that might be the correct part.

My part was the -879 part sourced from my local dealer.