Quote:
Originally Posted by absentmathis
This is great feedback, thanks. I have a pre-LCI 48i, so sounds like maybe it won't work at all. It does have the sport package but not Msport. I agree that the paddles in this car aren't all that compelling, and the wheel is the same size and shape as I already have, but I could grab it for cheap and the leather is like-new compared to mine which is a bit worn. And I figured all else equal I might as well add the paddles.
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I've swapped out the steering wheels on all my BMW's, it's one of the best mods you can do IMO. I love a new steering wheel! So yah, if it's newer condition, I'd go for it too. What steering wheel is it? If it's an X5M or M Sport wheel, it would be different shape/thicker than your Sport wheel.
Also, I don't believe you can typically add the paddles to a steering wheel that doesn't already have them. You would need a steering wheel that already has/had them as the paddles fit into cutouts on back of steering wheel (paddles are a different/separate part # from the actual steering wheel). Unless somebody has retrofitted that too?
Quote:
Originally Posted by kaput
I realize it won't be like the M3 at all, but out of habit (owned the M3 for 7 years) I go to grab a paddle once and a while. I always thought it might be useful at times, or just useful for me honestly. I feel weird grabbing the alien penis we have for a shifter.
I however do not have the sport package. I have an LCI 35i from 2012, but no sport anything. I want the sport wheel because I hate the elephant man airbag. I know that I can swap it out for the cost of the airbag cover and wheel, but the only one I found that is heated at the time was from an X6 with paddles.
I might just fo for it. Wiring should be simple if I have to do it. Just wiring the paddles to the shifter. The buttons that shift in manual mode are like paddles, but on the shifter. EZ.
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I'd go for it too just for the better looking/thicker steering wheel. I know a few members on xBimmers that swapped in new steering wheels with paddles knowing the paddles wouldn't work, they just found a good deal on a better steering wheel.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bimmer360
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Yah, I think I should have differentiated plug 'n play vs. full retrofit...I only briefly mentioned this when I said 'direct wheel swap.'
I only clicked on the 1st link above, but it says 'retrofit requires new wiring harness installation and re-coding of several ECUs.' My post above and what vehicles it would work on was specific to direct wheel swaps, no other work required.