Diesel w/ Paddle Shifters?

I have searched, and found one post from an owner saying his '12 diesel came with paddle shifters. Does anyone know what options are required to get this, or if it's even possible on the diesel? It would be nice to have them when towing.

Edit - Here's the owner who mentioned paddles on his X5d: http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...7&postcount=11

Originally Posted by shaunatl

It would be nice to have them when towing.

IMO paddle shifters are when you are steering SO HARDbthat you cannot afford to take you had off the wheel

Towing isn't a situation in which you are making massive steering inputs...

Originally Posted by ard

IMO paddle shifters are when you are steering SO HARDbthat you cannot afford to take you had off the wheel

Towing isn't a situation in which you are making massive steering inputs...

Thanks!

I've had BMWs with paddles, and I've spent many miles towing in an X5 without them, and I miss them when towing. Whether making "massive" steering inputs or not, I prefer to have the option of keeping both hands on the wheel.

my jan built 2012 sports package 35d does not have paddles.

according to the 2012 X5 ordering guide, the paddle shifters were only on the 35i sport activity and M Sports.
so unless there was a mid-cycle production change, paddles are not and option for the 35d.

My 6/12 2012 35d with sport package also does not have paddles.

Thanks - I took a look at a number of 2011-2012 35d pictures on AutoTrader as well, and I couldn't find one with paddles - everything seems to indicate that it's not possible on the diesel.

Originally Posted by shaunatl

I took a look at a number of 2011-2012 35d pictures on AutoTrader as well, and I couldn't find one with paddles - everything seems to indicate that it's not possible on the diesel.

I performed similar searches and came to the same conclusion, at least for US models. The high performance diesels available in other markets might have paddles available.

It might be possible to retrofit paddles (with enough time and money), but it would be very difficult unless the option exists in some market.

I have become very comfortable using paddle shifters on other BMW models, so it would be nice to have them. Although after driving the X5d for a few months, the characteristics of the engine (low rpm, high torque) does not seem to "need" paddle shift compared to other BMW models.

Originally Posted by Nonsuch

Although after driving the X5d for a few months, the characteristics of the engine (low rpm, high torque) does not seem to "need" paddle shift compared to other BMW models.

Thanks, this is a great point.

You could always buy paddles at the parts dept and hot glue them to the steering column.




Kidding.