Vince step reversal done (finally)!

[alee]

Just a few quick notes... images will follow in a few.

The actual step reversal procedure is very easy to do. Just requires a little bit of patience.

If you change the bezel, you must do a few extra steps to get it going. Probably adds another 15-20 minutes of work because you have to swap a connector with the old bezel.

Anyway, it's done, and it works great. I didn't even hurt myself this time! :yikes:

Photos and other info shortly.

-Al

[Cyclone]

Originally posted by alee
Just a few quick notes... images will follow in a few.

The actual step reversal procedure is very easy to do. Just requires a little bit of patience.

If you change the bezel, you must do a few extra steps to get it going. Probably adds another 15-20 minutes of work because you have to swap a connector with the old bezel.

Anyway, it's done, and it works great. I didn't even hurt myself this time! :yikes:

Photos and other info shortly.

-Al
So how does it work?

Forward to +
Reverse to -?

(I believe my stock '02 is the opposite)

[The HACK]

Originally posted by alee
Just a few quick notes... images will follow in a few.

The actual step reversal procedure is very easy to do. Just requires a little bit of patience.

If you change the bezel, you must do a few extra steps to get it going. Probably adds another 15-20 minutes of work because you have to swap a connector with the old bezel.

Anyway, it's done, and it works great. I didn't even hurt myself this time! :yikes:

Photos and other info shortly.

-Al

How many horse powers did it add? :D

[alee]

Originally posted by The HACK
How many horse powers did it add? :D

If you concentrate really hard and make vroom-vroom noises, it feels as fast as an M3 SMG. :thumb:

[alee]

Originally posted by Cyclone

So how does it work?

Forward to +
Reverse to -?

(I believe my stock '02 is the opposite)

Stock 01 is upshift (forward), downshift (backwards).

It was changed for 02 so that you have downshift (forward), upshift (backward)

The mod I did swapped the 01 shifter cover to read - / + instead of + / - and swapped the shift pins so that it would work like 02.

-Al

[Mr Paddle.Shift]

Woohoo!! <img src="http://www.ethanwiner.com/Smileys/Beer%20Chug.gif">

Way to go, Al!! Actually all you need is post pics of the new bezel.

Ok..now that you have passed the first test. Wait for a while before you get back into the ring for the paddle retrofit! :thumb:

[fuselier]

I really completely fail to understand what this whole issue is about. There just isn't any such thing as an automanual tranny having the shift directions "wrong", as (presumably) you think your 2000 and 2001 Steps do. With a manual, some of your upshifts are forward movements, some of them are backward movements. Same with the downshifts (obviously).

So what the heck is the difference if the Step makes you tap forward or backward to upshift or downshift?

For instance, almost every stick I've ever driven (maybe all of them, come to think of it), have 2nd gear closer to the driver than to the dashboard. So to downshift and engine brake into a sharp turn, I'd pull the lever toward me, into the 2nd gear slot.

And that's exactly what my 00 Step makes me do. Tap backwards to downshift. Seems perfectly logical.

I've never had a second thought about the shift directions in my car. Until I had a 2002 loaner a couple of days ago, and had a panic moment, thinking that the Step was malfunctioning when I started rocking the lever and the tranny starting acting all wrong. Took me about 10 seconds (on the freeway, at rush hour), to figure out that the darn thing wanted me to shift the opposite way that my own car does.

Screwy.

[alee]

2002 Steptronic Bezel 51 16 7 060 677

http://staff.pop3now.com/alee/bmw/step/finished1.jpg

More photos and directions (http://staff.pop3now.com/alee/bmw/step/index.html)

Thanks Vince! :thumb: I thought the knob was going to be the hardest part, but that actually came off real easy. I did pull pretty darn hard though after everyone said it was really stuck on there. Boy was I surprised! :yikes:

-Al

[Edge/330ci]

Al!

I'm shocked at the amount of dust inside your car!!!! :yikes:

[alee]

Originally posted by fuselier
I really completely fail to understand what this whole issue is about.

It's all about what feels "natural". As you're accelerating forward, is it easier to push your hand forward, or pull it back to go into a higher gear? When you're braking hard, is it easier to push forward or pull back to execute a downshift?

Think about the forces involved.

For me, I had to "learn" the 2001 manual shift pattern. It always seemed backwards. Now, it feels perfect.

2002+ steptronics and all SMG cars shift now have a pull for upshift, push for downshift pattern... I think BMW made a good move here.

-Al

[alee]

Originally posted by Edge/330ci
I'm shocked at the amount of dust inside your car!!!! :yikes:

Me too. :D There was actually a big puff of dust when I pulled off the shifter boot. Aaaah, a whiff of German air.

[ayn]

Originally posted by fuselier
I really completely fail to understand what this whole issue is about.

me neither, these dudes think it's more natural, i'd say forget the step, get a 5sp for more natural feel... i don't want reverse shifting, I want a tranny swap! :cry:

--Andrew

[fuselier]

Originally posted by alee


It's all about what feels "natural". As you're accelerating forward, is it easier to push your hand forward, or pull it back to go into a higher gear? When you're braking hard, is it easier to push forward or pull back to execute a downshift?

Think about the forces involved.

For me, I had to "learn" the 2001 manual shift pattern. It always seemed backwards. Now, it feels perfect.

2002+ steptronics and all SMG cars shift now have a pull for upshift, push for downshift pattern... I think BMW made a good move here.

-Al


B.S. You're nothing but a sheep. A mere sheep, I say! Kind of like the fools who started in right away with "can I retrofit angel eyes on my older 5 Series?"

:p

[johnlew]

By Alee: The actual step reversal procedure is very easy to do.

See, I told you so :p

Feels RIGHT now. :thumb:

To all you non-steppers. I know it's difficult for you to understand but you just have to be there to know. Manualizing the step and actual manual shifting are two different worlds. You enjoy yours and we'll enjoy ours. ;)

[alee]

Originally posted by fuselier

B.S. You're nothing but a sheep. A mere sheep, I say! Kind of like the fools who started in right away with "can I retrofit angel eyes on my older 5 Series?"

:p

Don't start with me old man! Go drive your ugly 745i and be laughed at. :mad: :D

The real question should be, why does it bother you so much that people are modifying their shift pattern? :)

[fuselier]

Originally posted by alee


The real question should be, why does it bother you so much that people are modifying their shift pattern? :)

It bothers me because:

1. You obviously have WAY too much free time.

2. You obviously don't have enough real problems.

3. You obviously have WAY too much free time.

4. By devoting half a day and some amount of money to this project, you alone have probably disrupted the cash flows of Zaino to the point that the future of the company is in doubt.

5. You obviously have WAY too much free time.

6. Did I mention that you need to find a few real problems to worry about?

[Mr Paddle.Shift]

fuselier:

You blabber too much. Either reverse the pattern or just keep quiet. :tsk: If you completely fail to comprehend anything at all, I'd suggest that you don't try to, cos the upcoming paddle retrofit is going to confuse you EVEN more. <img src="http://homepages.compuserve.de/Susasami/Smiles/smiley1/sm-urk.gif">

Originally posted by fuselier
I really completely fail to understand what this whole issue is about. There just isn't any such thing as an automanual tranny having the shift directions "wrong", as (presumably) you think your 2000 and 2001 Steps do. With a manual, some of your upshifts are forward movements, some of them are backward movements. Same with the downshifts (obviously).

So what the heck is the difference if the Step makes you tap forward or backward to upshift or downshift?

For instance, almost every stick I've ever driven (maybe all of them, come to think of it), have 2nd gear closer to the driver than to the dashboard. So to downshift and engine brake into a sharp turn, I'd pull the lever toward me, into the 2nd gear slot.

And that's exactly what my 00 Step makes me do. Tap backwards to downshift. Seems perfectly logical.

I've never had a second thought about the shift directions in my car. Until I had a 2002 loaner a couple of days ago, and had a panic moment, thinking that the Step was malfunctioning when I started rocking the lever and the tranny starting acting all wrong. Took me about 10 seconds (on the freeway, at rush hour), to figure out that the darn thing wanted me to shift the opposite way that my own car does.

Screwy.

[Mr Paddle.Shift]

er...You obviously have WAY too much free time to post such opinions here. I pioneered the reversed pattern DIY, cos I love little challenges like these. That include understanding electrical diagrams in Bentley.

Wait a minute..is this what they call middle-age crisis? :confused:

Originally posted by fuselier


It bothers me because:

1. You obviously have WAY too much free time.

2. You obviously don't have enough real problems.

3. You obviously have WAY too much free time.

4. By devoting half a day and some amount of money to this project, you alone have probably disrupted the cash flows of Zaino to the point that the future of the company is in doubt.

5. You obviously have WAY too much free time.

6. Did I mention that you need to find a few real problems to worry about?

[DaveN323i]

Originally posted by fuselier



4. By devoting half a day and some amount of money to this project, you alone have probably disrupted the cash flows of Zaino to the point that the future of the company is in doubt.


That is the only true one. And you are speaking like a true transactional lawyer. As for the rest, physician heal thyself. :p

P.S. I think Fuse, as an overworked lawyer, is jealous of Alee's free time and wants to be Alee's lawyer.:rolleyes:

[fuselier]

Originally posted by VinceTopasBlau3
fuselier:

You blabber too much. Either reverse the pattern or just keep quiet. :tsk: If you completely fail to comprehend anything at all, I'd suggest that you don't try to, cos the upcoming paddle retrofit is going to confuse you EVEN more. <img src="http://homepages.compuserve.de/Susasami/Smiles/smiley1/sm-urk.gif">



Don't make me come over there and slap you upside the head with your old shift bezel, dude. You'll be reverse-shifting home to your momma, by the time I'm done with you. :yikes:

I myself would retrofit the paddles, if I could sneak the cost past my wife. Those things are cool. (But I'm way too scared of Mrs. Fuse to dare buy any of that stuff). :dunno:

[alee]

Originally posted by fuselier

Don't make me come over there and slap you upside the head with your old shift bezel, dude. You'll be reverse-shifting home to your momma, by the time I'm done with you. :yikes:

Vince is too good for the bezel. I think he uses a Post-It note with - / + written on it. :D

[alee]

Originally posted by fuselier
1. You obviously have WAY too much free time.

True.

2. You obviously don't have enough real problems.

False. I have too many problems. Just ask Mike 325xi. :thumb:

3. You obviously have WAY too much free time.

True.

4. By devoting half a day and some amount of money to this project, you alone have probably disrupted the cash flows of Zaino to the point that the future of the company is in doubt.

It's ok... before doing this mod I called Sal up and he told me it would be ok, as long as I was quick about it.

5. You obviously have WAY too much free time.

True.

6. Did I mention that you need to find a few real problems to worry about?

You don't want my problems dude.

[ChetG]

Hey fuse. I dont know you, and you dont know me, but id just like to point out that you could be a bit more subtle in giving your opinions., First you criticise the tit. trim, by calling it 'a piece of crap'. Alot of people have this 'crap' in their cars, and like it very much, so who are you to call it crap. Secondly, Vince came up with a brilliant and usefull solution to something that matters to anyone enthusiastic about their car (presumably everyone here), whats your problem if someone benefits from doing it?. Bimmerfest is great because generally we dont get idiots chatting crap about other peoples cars, parts, and ideas, thats one of the things that made the .org suck. So please try and be a bit more considerate.

Thanks.

[fuselier]

Originally posted by ChetG
Hey fuse. I dont know you, and you dont know me, but id just like to point out that you could be a bit more subtle in giving your opinions., First you criticise the tit. trim, by calling it 'a piece of crap'. Alot of people have this 'crap' in their cars, and like it very much, so who are you to call it crap. Secondly, Vince came up with a brilliant and usefull solution to something that matters to anyone enthusiastic about their car (presumably everyone here), whats your problem if someone benefits from doing it?. Bimmerfest is great because generally we dont get idiots chatting crap about other peoples cars, parts, and ideas, thats one of the things that made the .org suck. So please try and be a bit more considerate.

Thanks.


You really DON'T know me, do you?

Newbies. Sheesh.:tsk:


(I'm also not sure where you're quoting me as saying "a piece of crap." Don't believe I said that. I believe I called it "cheesy-a$$". Hey, if you're gonna flame me, at least get your research right....)

[alee]

Originally posted by fuselier

You really DON'T know me, do you?

Newbies. Sheesh.:tsk:

I dunno, us regulars that do remember you from .org were starting to worry too. :D

[fuselier]

Originally posted by alee


I dunno, us regulars that do remember you from .org were starting to worry too. :D

Call me crazy, I kinda figured the Zaino remark made it painfully obvious that I was jesting (with the insults, at least). I still genuinely don't understand the problem with the shift direction. You've had me shifting manually for the past day and half, and I just don't see the problem with the "old" shift patter. Never have seen the problem.

Ah well. I guess since you can't really wash the car twice a day at this time of year, your hobby needs to turn to the interior....

[ChetG]

Newbie?? hmmm, your chatting crap again, who's got like double your posts. hmmmm dunno, oh yes ME.

[alee]

Originally posted by fuselier

Ah well. I guess since you can't really wash the car twice a day at this time of year, your hobby needs to turn to the interior....

You'd be surprised my friend.

I simply couldn't stand leaving my car like this:

http://staff.pop3now.com/alee/bmw/dirtybimmer/d2.jpg

Who says you can't detail your car when it's below freezing? :D

[fuselier]

Originally posted by ChetG
Newbie?? hmmm, your chatting crap again, who's got like double your posts. hmmmm dunno, oh yes ME.


Yes, but insofar as most of us migrated here from bimmer.org, you'd have to go back to spring of 2000 in order to find my first communications with this bunch of yahoos.

[fuselier]

Originally posted by alee


Who says you can't detail your car when it's below freezing? :D



That, sir, is a desperate cry for help.

But I assume you already know that. :confused:

[ChetG]

ive been around too, just one of those lurkers, posting very occasionally. But calling me a newbie is a little harsh. No offence intended, but you could be just a bit more considerate in voicing opinions.

Thanks again.

[fuselier]

Originally posted by ChetG
ive been around too, just one of those lurkers, posting very occasionally. But calling me a newbie is a little harsh. No offence intended, but you could be just a bit more considerate in voicing opinions.

Thanks again.


I absolutely will NOT be considerate!

(I drive a BMW, after all. :thumb: )


And I didn't call you a "newbie." I called you a "newbie. sheesh. [rolly-eyes]." That ENTIRELY different.

Again, your attention to detail is sorely lacking! :rolleyes: