Dat color..... I want it sooo bad in the US! I suppose it was too BA for us.
On a side note about the paddles, it may be possible to use you current steering wheel by using mercedes paddle, SMG slip ring, and some wiring (
HowTo-> Paddle shifters from Mercedes on a E38 and yes it works! (long)) Although I dont know if the E53 wheel has the same location of the metal plate and i dont recall if anyones ever done it.
Or just take the M3 route on the X5 E53 tips 'n tricks.