Paddleshifters
05-11-2010, 06:51 AM
#1
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Is it possible to install paddle shifters on my vehicle if it doesn't have any already? I have an 08' sport 535i that didn't come with any, if its possible to install these what would I need? Is it an attachment that would go onto the steering column or would I have to install a totally new steering wheel?
Also to get paddle shifters does my transmission need to be an SMG or would it work with steptronic?
Also to get paddle shifters does my transmission need to be an SMG or would it work with steptronic?
05-11-2010, 07:56 AM
#2
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My Ride: 2008 550i M-sport, retrofitted heated M-sport steering wheel with paddles, Sport-auto transmission
Yes - you can add paddle shifters to an LCI model E60. See the "SAT retrofit" thread for more details. I completed the retrofit of sport-auto transmission and paddle shifters last week on my '08 550. I still need to get the final wiring write-up from my SA (as the BMW tech docs were not correct), but then all the info should be available for anyone to get this modification done - although it does require dealer programming.
You need to replace the entire steering wheel with one that has the connections for the paddles (although you can re-use trim, airbag and switches from your existing sport or m-sport wheel) and order the paddles separately, and you don't need SMG - they work with steptronic. There are also wiring changes required (at least there was for me with an early '07 build date) and dealer programming. When I did the retrofit, I also changed to the SAT shift-box/lever, but it might be possible to just add the paddles without that change (no one has attempted this so far... that I am aware of).
_______________________________
2008 550i M-sport (now with SAT + paddles)
2006 X3 2.5i
You need to replace the entire steering wheel with one that has the connections for the paddles (although you can re-use trim, airbag and switches from your existing sport or m-sport wheel) and order the paddles separately, and you don't need SMG - they work with steptronic. There are also wiring changes required (at least there was for me with an early '07 build date) and dealer programming. When I did the retrofit, I also changed to the SAT shift-box/lever, but it might be possible to just add the paddles without that change (no one has attempted this so far... that I am aware of).
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2008 550i M-sport (now with SAT + paddles)
2006 X3 2.5i
05-11-2010, 08:06 AM
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My Ride: 2011.5 Alpine White E90 M3 | Black Novillo Leather | Carbon Fiber Leather Trim | ZCP | ZP2 | M-DCT | Navigation | Moonroof | 6FL Mods: TMS 12.5mm spacers all around l Hawk HPS Brake Pads l OEM M3 Edition Grills l Paint Matched Side Gills l Key Hole D
https://5series.net/forums/topic/550...-sat-retrofit/
long thread, but great tech info...(including Wpg550's experience)
long thread, but great tech info...(including Wpg550's experience)
05-11-2010, 10:19 AM
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My Ride: 2008 550i Jet Black on Black Leather, SAT with Paddles, Logic 7, Comfort Seats, NAV, Sport Package, PDC, Xenons, Sirius, Trinity 12W LED Angel Eyes, RPi GT Exhaust, M rear spoiler, ACS Roof Spoiler, Tinted Tail Lights, Bimmian Carbon Fiber Pillar Trim, Bimmian Shadow 550i emblem, RPi Scoop, E60 Forum Cling, Mtec bulbs in fog lights, Mtec 2W LED for License Plate Light Bulbs, K&N Filter, Bimmian LED Smoked Side Markers, Blackout roundels, Carbon Fiber Kidney Grills.
Retired Rides - 1989 325i convertible, 1995 M3, 2002 X5, 2005 545i, 2008 X5 (Lemon)
I'd LOVE this Mod, but I am pre-LCI, so I will wait for it on my F10! 
05-11-2010, 08:42 PM
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11-18-2010, 10:24 AM
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My Ride: E61 535d carbon black m-kit panoramaroof with beige nasca interior and wood trim. 172m rims. DimSport Race, SB, SAT
Is it possible to install paddle shifters on my vehicle if it doesn't have any already? I have an 08' sport 535i that didn't come with any, if its possible to install these what would I need? Is it an attachment that would go onto the steering column or would I have to install a totally new steering wheel?
Also to get paddle shifters does my transmission need to be an SMG or would it work with steptronic?
Also to get paddle shifters does my transmission need to be an SMG or would it work with steptronic?
11-18-2010, 10:39 AM
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My Ride: 2011.5 Alpine White E90 M3 | Black Novillo Leather | Carbon Fiber Leather Trim | ZCP | ZP2 | M-DCT | Navigation | Moonroof | 6FL Mods: TMS 12.5mm spacers all around l Hawk HPS Brake Pads l OEM M3 Edition Grills l Paint Matched Side Gills l Key Hole D
11-18-2010, 12:37 PM
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My Ride: E61 535d carbon black m-kit panoramaroof with beige nasca interior and wood trim. 172m rims. DimSport Race, SB, SAT
I didn't mean to reopen an old (6 months) discussion, just admiring the signature picture of Persian_535i which is BRILLIANT
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