[Mr Paddle.Shift]

Posting here on behalf of Eugene Tayam, first X5 in the world to have a paddle-shift retrofit. :thumbup:

http://www.tayam.net/x5/smgwheelonx5.htm

The Verdict...

Upon installation and with the shift boot and lower steering wheel still opened-up, I had to test if the paddle shifting function worked by actually driving it. Drove around the apartment complex and all I can say is "this is pretty neat!!!".

After closing-up everything that I dismantled, I just really had the urge to try this thing over a longer period of time and a lot of spirited driving. So I went out with my wife and just drove away from our apartment and tried the paddle shift system. An hour later... all I can say is: "Wow!!!" Now I can enjoy the Steptronic system much more via the paddle shifters; moreover, this mod should have been available much earlier!!!

My wife after seeing me enjoy the paddle shifters wanted to try it herself... Back in our apartment complex she tried it and at this point I think it was a wrong decision to let her drive... She was so into paddle shifting that she was literally running over speed bumps and we were just bouncing around in the X5...

Some more info:

Price: $840.00(shipped via USPS)
Kit Includes: M3 SMG II Wheel and VS Paddle-Shift Kit
Where to get the Kit: http://www.bmw-paddleshift-retro.com/
Install Time: Approximately 2hrs.

Installed on: 2001 BMW X5 3.0i; PP, SP, CP

Is it worth it? OH Yeah!!!

Thanks Vince for your really quick email tech support and quick delivery of the package!!!

 

[The HACK]

:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

Congratulations Vince...This looks nice. I think anyone with a STEP transmission thinking of upgrading to the M steering wheel should seriously consider this mod in addition to just the plain wheel. Looks like the Paddle-Shift is really taking off.

Hopefully, you'll get more X5 folks to do your nice mod and just blow toadfly off. John is the same *ss that basically told me to shut the hell up and get off HIS board about a month ago (RevHIGH, if I'm not mistaken?). Have patience, and the word of mouth will get around town...And eventually X5 drivers will come begging for this mod.

By the way, how's the SSG retrofit coming along? Lunch this weekend (with Stuka and Raffi)?

 

[Mr Paddle.Shift]

Thanks for the support, HACK! X5 owners already filling up my mailbox from as far as Slovak Republic! :eeps:

Lunch this weekend ok. :thumbup:

 

[gunslinger1976]

Mr.Paddleshift - where's your website gone?

http://www.bmw-paddleshift-retro.com doesn't work..........

 

[dekil_3b]

can it work on E70 x5? damn i want one since i miss my m3 =(

 

[slickdog]

Tried http://www.bmw-paddleshift-retro.com it links straight to a search site, is there a bmw part no for the kit??

 

[bscarlett]

This is what you are looking for.

http://mrpaddleshift.com/

This is the kit I have for my 5 series. He also has a kit for the X5. there is no BMW part number for this. It is made up of a OEM paddleshift wheel, airbag, steering column switch and a custom wire from the column to the console shift.

 

[Jalli]

looks to be hideously expensive..wasn't there a DIY for this a while back..

 

[bscarlett]

If you have the SMG wheel, there is a DIY.

http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=63211

The only part that is custom is the cable and this site tells you how to make it. I ordered the kit only becasue the parts are more expensive from a dealer here in Canada. The airbag is $1,100 alone!!!