Paddle Shifters on non ///M

[FernMD]

Originally Posted by watrob

The problem lies in programming the Module 255. The X4 E70 does not come with paddles.

Yes you can buy the module, the paddles & steering wheel, but you cannot program the change to X5 firmware to work.

Whenever BMW loads new firmware or replaces a part in your X5 they connect it to a computer that downloads the firmware from the Central computer of BMW. They enter your VIN number and it load all the corresponding firmware, since your BMW did not have paddles it will not download the part of the firmware to activate the paddle shift.

Unless you get a very smart techician who can get hold of the correct firmware and add it in you have no chance of getting it to work.

Now that the 2012 X5 E70 comes with paddle shifters....there must be a downloadable program for the module on the E70...right?

[95wildtt]

I have a used ($100) Gear Selector switch on the way so I can investigate this further. Won't be here for a week or so.
There should be no programing involved, if the ideas work out.

BTW, no one thought making the Rear Fogs work was possible either...

More updates as I have them.

[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.

[NY-4.8IS]

Originally Posted by finagle69

Great investigative work. I look forward to the pics.

Looking forward to a solution.... Great initiative thus far!!

[sky-chicken]

Great work! Hope you find a solution for us :-)


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I am here: http://tapatalk.com/map.php?cybdrp

[95wildtt]

Not looking very likely at this point.

I would need a few high tech tools (scope and anlayizer) to be able to see what is going on, and I don't have access to these any longer.

[NY-4.8IS]

Originally Posted by 95wildtt

Not looking very likely at this point.

I would need a few high tech tools (scope and anlayizer) to be able to see what is going on, and I don't have access to these any longer.

We are so close yet so far.....

[95wildtt]

Taking me some time to reverse engineer their circuits, but still working on it. Have it pretty well nailed at this point, just need some time to test my circuit theory and build a prototype.

Hope to have some time again in the next couple of weeks...

More as I have it...