Steppers: Reversed Pattern Shifting DIY here!!! ;)

[Mr Paddle.Shift]

Despite my "Alpina" toys taken away due my liking of the E65 at LA AutoShow today, I still find time and passion to write up a DI. This is the kind of dedication you find from your fellow BMW pal.... sniff...sniff...

So there you are! :) Click on it. Let me know if there are any unclear instructions or points.

Post a reply after this if your DIY is successful!

http://downloads.members.tripod.com/FAC183/reversed/reversedshiftpattern.htm

<b>ADDITIONAL INFO:

I have taken down the DIY site due to an unpleasant experience. Someone tried the DIY, broke a pin and decided to take it out on me. He said that I should be responsible for his mishap and that I should pay for the BMW part and what his dealer is charging him. DIY means Do-It-Yourself and you will be responsible for any thing you do with the car. So in order to waste my time dealing with morons like him, I will not be publishing the website anymore. Thanks for reading</b>

[alee]

Originally posted by VinceTopasBlau3

So there you are! :) Click on it. Let me know if there are any unclear instructions or points.

Post a reply after this if your DIY is successful!


Damn Vince, that almost looks TOO easy!

Find me the bezel part #, and I think I may have just enough balls to try it.

dang. If it weren't 30 degrees and dark outside, I might even be trying it now.

-Al

[LilEccentricJ]

I'll prolly do it too if I can do the bezel at the same time. It would drive me crazy to have the label wrong and I am the only one that drives my car, well out side of some teen kids I know that just got their licenses and like to drive it too.

It's like I have a little scratch on the wood in the back armrest and can't get it out of my mind and I never sit back there or see it. :(

But hey Vince, great write-up, very clear and concise instruction with illustrative pictures!

Thanks so much and enjoy the mod!

[Mr Paddle.Shift]

lol!!

You can always make it more challenging by doing it blindfolded!! lol!

Actually come to think of it, BMW mechanic wanted an hour's job for this, which is a rip-off!

Originally posted by alee


Damn Vince, that almost looks TOO easy!

Find me the bezel part #, and I think I may have just enough balls to try it.

dang. If it weren't 30 degrees and dark outside, I might even be trying it now.

-Al

[alee]

Originally posted by VinceTopasBlau3

Actually come to think of it, BMW mechanic wanted an hour's job for this, which is a rip-off!


Ok let's make it a business. You can put on Alpina parts and reverse steptronic patterns, and I'll detail. We'll charge just under dealer rates. :)

-Al

[mkg]

Looks like I have a Sunday morning project!

[Mr Paddle.Shift]

Should have posted just now... ;)

Well, after the modification, I pasted post-it notes around my apartment just to remind me that the pattern is now REVERSED. Even brought one note and paste it in my car. Drove around the neigbourhood last night and confirmed that the shifting is working fine.

On my way to the show, I try to adapt to the reversed shifting. Traffic on I-10 was rather sparse. Not much of a problem.

After the show, I drove the car instinctively with the new shifting pattern. And...I do like the reversed shifting pattern much better. Though I know this is not everyone's cup of tea. Still, I suggest you try it and if you don't like the reversed pattern, simply interchange the cables. ;)

[Mr Paddle.Shift]

I see what you mean... ;) but...

Ahh, the reversed pattern does feel a LOT better...hmm...will take my car out for a night's drive again. On the free and lonely highways, I scream to the world that I am now, RIGHT NOW, shifting with the reversed pattern. Aye! The lure is there, LilEccentricJ (and Alee you too), and you know it. I forsee that this Sunday morning I will find both of you in your car fondling the cables...yup... ;)
=========

LilEccentricJ, I have got an idea about your kids driving the car. Give them the key that only allows "D" mode. Ah-ha! Problem solved.

Scratch on wood trim? Hmm...any idea who did that?


Originally posted by LilEccentricJ
I'll prolly do it too if I can do the bezel at the same time. It would drive me crazy to have the label wrong and I am the only one that drives my car, well out side of some teen kids I know that just got their licenses and like to drive it too.

It's like I have a little scratch on the wood in the back armrest and can't get it out of my mind and I never sit back there or see it. :(

But hey Vince, great write-up, very clear and concise instruction with illustrative pictures!

Thanks so much and enjoy the mod!

[LilEccentricJ]

Originally posted by VinceTopasBlau3
...LilEccentricJ, I have got an idea about your kids driving the car. Give them the key that only allows "D" mode. Ah-ha! Problem solved.

I wish there was such a thing! Maybe we can find a wire in the schematics to switch... lol

Scratch on wood trim? Hmm...any idea who did that?

NO COMMENT! :D

[Cowboy]

I have step in my 2002 and I definitely appreciate the "reversed" shifting.

Test-driving a 2001 a few months ago was a little weird, because both my brother and I instinctively wanted to pull the shifter back to upshift. At least we knew then that the 2002 was going to be "reversed" and didn't worry about it.

At the time though, it was definitely one of the things that convinced me to buy a 2002 vs a 2001.

:)

- Cowboy

[alee]

So where do we find the part # for the bezel? I've decided I'm gonna do it, but not until I get that stupid part. :)

-Al

[LilEccentricJ]

Alee, for us Ci's, is the part the same in a 2002 Ci Step? Did they reverse it in those?

[Kaz]

Originally posted by LilEccentricJ


I wish there was such a thing! Maybe we can find a wire in the schematics to switch... lol


Was I dreaming or did I read int he Bentley last night that the valet key does this?

[johnlew]

Vince, I noticed in step 7a you referenced the 325i model. Do you think the 330 is the same? Also, all this +/- anxiety...the car won't let you wreck it, so what's the big deal? Truth be known, I really never paid any attention to it. Great DIY, very clear. Will probably give it a whirl tomorrow. Thanks

[Mr Paddle.Shift]

If I am not wrong, all 2002 E46 steptronics have reversed shifting...yup.

Originally posted by LilEccentricJ
Alee, for us Ci's, is the part the same in a 2002 Ci Step? Did they reverse it in those?

[alee]

Originally posted by LilEccentricJ
Alee, for us Ci's, is the part the same in a 2002 Ci Step? Did they reverse it in those?

I would imagine he part # would be different, but it is reversed on the '02.

-Al

[LilEccentricJ]

Originally posted by Kaz


Was I dreaming or did I read int he Bentley last night that the valet key does this?

Wishful dreaming? dunno? If you saw it, you think you could find it again? I was joking about it the other day but I'll look in the owners manual and the Bentley, maybe it's so.

[Mr Paddle.Shift]

Same here...I thought he mentioned the valey key does that... hmmm..:confused:

Originally posted by Kaz


Was I dreaming or did I read int he Bentley last night that the valet key does this?

[alee]

Originally posted by LilEccentricJ


Wishful dreaming? dunno? If you saw it, you think you could find it again? I was joking about it the other day but I'll look in the owners manual and the Bentley, maybe it's so.

That would be pretty neat. Don't the Corvette valet keys shut down cylinders?

-Al

[LilEccentricJ]

Originally posted by alee


That would be pretty neat. Don't the Corvette valet keys shut down cylinders?

-Al

RPM limited

[Mr Paddle.Shift]

Hey pple, here's what we should do now. Why don't we each call the dealers (or Circle/Pacific) next week to find out the p/n for the -/+ bezel? And perhaps find a consensus when the part is arriving. ;)

The last time I asked was almost a month ago and the parts manager said they have yet to receive the ETK/TIS CD update for 2002.

Here's the p/n for the 2001 bezel, +/-

<b>51 16 82 57 117 Pre-select Lever Cover Step </b>

This should be useful if the parts person on the other end of the line is confused.

[LilEccentricJ]

Originally posted by VinceTopasBlau3


<b>51 16 82 57 117 Pre-select Lever Cover Step </b>

This should be useful if the parts person on the other end of the line is confused.

But that is for the 4 door model, right? Ci's have only 4 window switches, no lock-out.

[johnlew]

Originally posted by LilEccentricJ


Wishful dreaming? dunno? If you saw it, you think you could find it again? I was joking about it the other day but I'll look in the owners manual and the Bentley, maybe it's so.




I'm too lazy and am pretty much the only driver of my car, but why don't you just get the valet key and go for a ride and find out what limitations may be in effect?

[Mr Paddle.Shift]

John, thanks for pointing that out.

This is for sure: the electrical wiring diagrams in the Bentley is the same for 330 too. Perhaps you can try to lift up the bezel and take a quick picture, that would be great.

Good Luck!


Originally posted by johnlew
Vince, I noticed in step 7a you referenced the 325i model. Do you think the 330 is the same? Also, all this +/- anxiety...the car won't let you wreck it, so what's the big deal? Truth be known, I really never paid any attention to it. Great DIY, very clear. Will probably give it a whirl tomorrow. Thanks

[johnlew]

Originally posted by VinceTopasBlau3
John, thanks for pointing that out.

This is for sure: the electrical wiring diagrams in the Bentley is the same for 330 too. Perhaps you can try to lift up the bezel and take a quick picture, that would be great.

Good Luck!




If I do it, I will gladly take a pic:)

[Mr Paddle.Shift]

Well, this part is one I am lifting up in the second picture of the DIY (http://downloads.members.tripod.com/FAC183/reversed/reversedshiftpattern.htm) NOT the one with the holes for the window switches. ;)

So, the question is whether this part is the same dimension despite the 4 window switches for sedan, 2 switches for coupe.



Originally posted by LilEccentricJ


But that is for the 4 door model, right? Ci's have only 4 window switches, no lock-out.

[Mr Paddle.Shift]

I am going out for a drive now..woohoo! ;)

Catch ya all later!

[LilEccentricJ]

Originally posted by VinceTopasBlau3
Well, this part is one I am lifting up in the second picture of the DIY (http://downloads.members.tripod.com/FAC183/reversed/reversedshiftpattern.htm) NOT the one with the holes for the window switches. ;)

So, the question is whether this part is the same dimension despite the 4 window switches for sedan, 2 switches for coupe.



Gotcha.. didn't notice the separation there. I would assume they are the same but we all know where assumptions can get us...

[johnlew]

Done...simple, if I had to redo it, we're talking 10 minutes. Vince notice in the pic the green circle, wires are the same as yours. I have a 2001 330cic step. Also, notice in the pic the loom in the yellow circle. I didn't see this in your pics and looked all over for what it came from. Ended up deciding it was an option I didn't have. Put the whole thing back together and noticed the orange gear (P,R,N,D) indicator light was not on. Took it apart and sure enough, it had unplugged from the right underside of the boot plate. I had very little slack and just lifting the boot unplugged it. Reassembled and all was A-OK. Started the car without moving went through the manual pattern, it's now pull for higher gear and push for lower, feels much better...maybe I'll use it more now. Didn't drive, roads damp, car clean. I'm sure it shifts fine. The yellow arrow points to where the gear light loom originates from and the red circle is the right side window switch loom. Thanks. P.S. My biggest problem was getting the black cover off the magenta wire loom, had to recheck your instructions! Also, the wires don't pull out so easily, I broke the toothpick. The whole thing is smaller than the pics indicate.

http://members.roadfly.com/thelews/reverse.jpg

[johnlew]

Originally posted by johnlew
Also, notice in the pic the loom in the yellow circle. I didn't see this in your pics and looked all over for what it came from. Ended up deciding it was an option I didn't have. Put the whole thing back together and noticed the orange gear (P,R,N,D) indicator light was not on. Took it apart and sure enough, it had unplugged from the right underside of the boot plate. I had very little slack and just lifting the boot unplugged it. Reassembled and all was A-OK.

Here it is, big blue arrow...looks so different plugged in:D

http://members.roadfly.com/thelews/vince.jpg

[alee]

Originally posted by johnlew
Put the whole thing back together and noticed the orange gear (P,R,N,D) indicator light was not on. Took it apart and sure enough, it had unplugged from the right underside of the boot plate.

Are you talking about the PRND indicator under the tach? If so, it would be neat to see what else you could do with that display. always wished I could make that into a virtual V1 remote display :)

-Al

[johnlew]

Well, looks like I'm talking to myself and my wife's waiting in bed for me. I better get up there or it looks like this month will be out the window...

[johnlew]

Originally posted by alee


Are you talking about the PRND indicator under the tach? If so, it would be neat to see what else you could do with that display. always wished I could make that into a virtual V1 remote display :)

-Al

No, the p,r,n,d to the left of the shift lever. Nothing to do with the dash.

[alee]

Originally posted by johnlew

No, the p,r,n,d to the left of the shift lever. Nothing to do with the dash.

Oh well the dream continues. Have a good night John.

-Al

[Mr Paddle.Shift]

Hey John,

Come to think of it, yes, I did accidentally disconnected that while lifting up the console too high. ;) Yup, it's to light up the gear indicator.

Glad that you did it under 10mins!

Originally posted by johnlew


Here it is, big blue arrow...looks so different plugged in:D

[jw]

Great stuff Vince! The shifting patterns always bothered me as well. Eventually, I got used to it but am interested in making this change.

Do you mind if I post the .pdf on my server and add a link to my sig?

[LilEccentricJ]

And I don't sleep much... hope you didn't wreck your month johnlew... ;)

Now I want to go out and reverse mine! Thanks alot Vince and johnlew! :D

[Chipster]

Don't know that I'll do that, but an excellent write up!

[johnlew]

For the undecideds, it's such a small job if you're in the least bit mechanically inclined, ie. you know how to change a light switch in your home, you can fix your toilet, you're not afraid to open your computer, etc., that if you don't like the change you can switch back very easily.

Vince, it took me longer than 10min. the first time, but that's what it would probably take me now. Learning curve and all y'know:rolleyes:

Lilecc, month not wrecked, off to a good start:D

[johnlew]

Went for a spin with the reversed pattern...it's great! Far more intuitive, just feels right. Thanks Vince. +/- signs are a non-issue, as if anyone looked at them anyway. Anyone using the manual mode would move the gearshift and find out how it works at a non-threatening speed.

[Mr Paddle.Shift]

Hey JW, go ahead and post the PDF on your site. Make sure to credit me for the write-up and LilEccentricJ for the PDF. :)

Originally posted by jw
Great stuff Vince! The shifting patterns always bothered me as well. Eventually, I got used to it but am interested in making this change.

Do you mind if I post the .pdf on my server and add a link to my sig?

[Mr Paddle.Shift]

The +/- isn't much of an issue since whether you shift up or down after being at "S", the tranny will adapt itself to the appropriate gear shift. I will find out how much the bezel costs first. Our present bezel costs about MSRP $100!! ;P

Originally posted by johnlew
Went for a spin with the reversed pattern...it's great! Far more intuitive, just feels right. Thanks Vince. +/- signs are a non-issue, as if anyone looked at them anyway. Anyone using the manual mode would move the gearshift and find out how it works at a non-threatening speed.

[alee]

Originally posted by VinceTopasBlau3
The +/- isn't much of an issue since whether you shift up or down after being at "S", the tranny will adapt itself to the appropriate gear shift. I will find out how much the bezel costs first. Our present bezel costs about MSRP $100!! ;P



Are you sure the whole bezel needs to be replaced? The little + / - insert looks like it's just a fancy sticker.

-Al

[Mr Paddle.Shift]

Al,

Yes. I was with the parts manager when he did the search with his ETK CD. We both examined the assembly and it is indeed a part by itself. I am sure Kaz can verify this.

But on the other hand, I didn't observe the +/- that closely yesterday. Is it printed on or removal?



Originally posted by alee


Are you sure the whole bezel needs to be replaced? The little + / - insert looks like it's just a fancy sticker.

-Al

[alee]

Originally posted by VinceTopasBlau3

But on the other hand, I didn't observe the +/- that closely yesterday. Is it printed on or removal?


It looks like it's a little plastic insert which fits into the big bezel. I suppose I'll just bite the bullet and buy the $100 bezel when the part number is posted.

-Al

[Mr Paddle.Shift]

So how did the modification go?? :D

Originally posted by LilEccentricJ

Now I want to go out and reverse mine! Thanks alot Vince and johnlew! :D

[LilEccentricJ]

Originally posted by VinceTopasBlau3
So how did the modification go?? :D



I know.. I know... I'm pathetic! I have not done the mod :(
Maybe tomorrow ;)

[Mr Paddle.Shift]

I may get hold of a 2002 ETK CD soon. And that should have the part number for the new bezel. Keep checking back here! ;)

[DrRobert]

Hi, I'm new here. Nice board.
I couldn't get anywhere with the link to the DIY file but I really want to check it out, I've always thought they had it backwards. Can you repost the link or something?
Thanks!

[___lk___]

Originally posted by VinceTopasBlau3

http://downloads.members.tripod.com/FAC183/reversed/reversedshiftpattern.htm

"Sorry, but the page or file that you're looking for is not here. "

[GSR13]

Hey Vince,

I was interested in this DIY as well and see that it is not available. Any chance that it is on a different server and you can provide a current link?

Also, what is the likelihood that this modification would work on 2001 Z3 Roadster? Having it shift backwards from my E46 is a pain and I would love to switch it. I would guess it would be pretty much the same, but would really like to view your DIY before I try it out.