Can the X5 be retrofitted with SMG shifter/paddle steering wheel?

[DrewX5]

I was wondering if anyone has retrofitted the SMG steering wheel w/ paddle shifters from a SMG M3 onto a X5? If so does the paddles work to allow the shifting in the X?

[haigha]

Umm... did you look at the home page? :p

http://www.xoutpost.com/articles.php?...rticle&artid=9

[X5Jay]

Originally Posted by DrewX5

I was wondering if anyone has retrofitted the SMG steering wheel w/ paddle shifters from a SMG M3 onto a X5? If so does the paddles work to allow the shifting in the X?

Yes - a few folks have already done it, but I forget exactly who. Take a look at this site for starters - don't know if these folks are recommended or not, but you can certainly get some good info here...
http://www.bmw-paddleshift-retro.com/

[PersonaNonGrata]

I almost did it because an offer I almost couldn't resist was presented to me by the guy in SoCal who does this mod. I opted not to do it because there really is no benefit to it. It sounds cool but Steptronic isn't the same as SMG. IMO, it's not really worth it.

[vendettabmw]

Originally Posted by PersonaNonGrata

I almost did it because an offer I almost couldn't resist was presented to me by the guy in SoCal who does this mod. I opted not to do it because there really is no benefit to it. It sounds cool but Steptronic isn't the same as SMG. IMO, it's not really worth it.

i put one in my e46 323 and its awesome...way motre fun, easier , as yr hands are on the wheel...when shifting on hills and corners all yr attention is on the road...highly recommend it!!

and i'm selling one!! parting out my cabrio....

$450us shipped, perfect shape, tricolor m3 smg paddle shift steering wheel..just swap yr air bag....THIS COMES with NO AIRBAG, you use yr stock round one.

[Guss]

The shifts from this trans are so slushy that it would take all the enjoyment out of a paddle shifter.

[jmh]

It is fairly simple to retrofit the SMG wheel on a Steptronic X5. You'd need a SMG steering wheel and also the steering column switch unit (Item '3' in the picture below) as the OEM unit does not have the connector for the paddles.
Vince from http://www.bmw-paddleshift-retro.com/ is selling a complete kit at a small premium but you would skip the part where you'd have to figure our the wiring etc.
As for using the paddles in my opinion you'll get the most use out of it if you have the Dinan transmission sw installed as it changes the shiftpoints (up and down) to be more of use in manual shift mode.
You should also be aware that some BMW dealers may not like this mod and try to "void" your warranty on transmission related issues (I know of one case with a Boston dealer where they refused to work on a X5 transmission issues as it the SMG wheel installed (and no it wasn't my car )....



Hth,

Jan