Paddle Shifters on non ///M

[95wildtt]

I'd like to do option 2, but is it as simple as the +_, or are these placed on the CAN bus by the shifter control. I need to look at the schematic for the shifter Pinout again... I didn't think this was an option.

[doni01]

Originally Posted by 95wildtt

I'd like to do option 2, but is it as simple as the +_, or are these placed on the CAN bus by the shifter control. I need to look at the schematic for the shifter Pinout again... I didn't think this was an option.

Comon guys, let's make this happen. Anyone has the schematics ??

[finagle69]

Originally Posted by 95wildtt

I'd like to do option 2, but is it as simple as the +_, or are these placed on the CAN bus by the shifter control. I need to look at the schematic for the shifter Pinout again... I didn't think this was an option.

There's 2 scenarios I can think of here.

1) the shifter is plugged into the comm bus via 1 single cable.

2) the shifter's + and - are physically wired to "something/somewhere"

If it's via the comm bus, then you won't be able to tap into that.

If it's just wired, then electrically, tapping those wires is no problem and will work just fine.

You don't need a schematic to do this. Lift the console trim, turn the shifter upside down and inspect the wiring. If you have a little V/A meter, you can put the car in DS, then hold the stabs of the meter on different wires while you upshift or downshift. Just keep your foot on the brake, or engage the auto-hold feature to keep you still.

[95wildtt]

This will be figured out. I still need the support of someone with schematics for an E70 with these shifters.

Thanks.

[95wildtt]

If we can tap into the two switches (+ -) inside the Gear Selector switch itself, we might have a winner!

Anyone have an old Gear Selector Switch they can part with?
Doesn't need to work...

Thanks,

[finagle69]

Originally Posted by 95wildtt

Don't NEED the schematcs, huh?

You ever worked with CAN or tried to decode it?
It's like hooking a red and green LED to the Ethernet pair on your PC and decoding/watching the traffic on your network based on the colors of the LEDs...

I really wish this was as easy as tapping into a couple of lines, but no such luck.

Based on the information in the attached schematic, there is no + - shift line to tap into...

I suspect that the information is encoded by a microcontroller in the shift knob switch and then placed on the CAN bus (PT_CAN_H, PT_CAN_L) for the rest of the vehicle to act on.

We will need the additional module (255? I seem to recall) that has been mentioned in other posts, plus the wiring harness(es), to encode the + - paddles and place that info on the CAN bus.

After we have this, then the question will be if the rest of the vehicle will recognize the new module and it's requests, or if there will be other issues.

This will be figured out. I still need the support of someone with schematics for an E70 with these shifters.

Thanks.

If it was just wired, then no you don't NEED schematics. That's what I said. If it's CAN, then what I said doesn't apply. Re-read my post...

Either way. I do feel that this is certainly doable, and I think you're on the right track.

[x5mad]

The coding may be possible. You will most likely need to update your software, add the VO code and then code the individual module that controls the paddle shift.

I have not looked at this yet as I have not had the need to. So far I have managed to code: digital speed display in dash, digital speed equals actual speed, brake force display comes on together with normal brake lights, got rid of I drive disclaimer, TV in motion, wipers parks itself even if engine turned off, 2 sec press on key turns off engine and ejects key as well as unlocking the doors plus a few others.

You will need:
- D+CAN coding cable available from one stop electronics (do not make mistake of buying cheaper imitations) approx $100
- b m w c o d I n g dot c o m . Read it thoroughly before coding!
- download coding software , the site above will lead you in the right direction

Remember it takes time and patience to learn how to code.

[finagle69]

^Kudos for taking initiative!

[95wildtt]

After tearing down the gear selector switch that I received, I can see why this is an $800 item. Lots of complicated mechanicals and LOTS of electronics!

There is a microcontroller performing all of the switch decoding and communications with the CAN bus. The mode is selected by one switch, and gear/shift direction selection is done by another. Both of these are magnetic switches with multiple hall effect transistors sensing the location of each. I believe they do this to provide the best wear and performance over time.

It's going to be tough to duplicate this function and tap into the circuit with no schematics for the PCB.

Top photo is of the PCB with switches/magnet sliders in place. The one on the right/vertical selects the mode (Automatic or Manual Shift) and the one in the center/horizontal is used to change gears in each mode.

Middle photo is showing the hall effect transistors that are mounted under the swicthes/magnet sliders.

The bottom photo is of the backside of the PCB, showing the microcontroller and other circuits.

[finagle69]

Great investigative work. I look forward to the pics.