Reversing the Steptronic Direction


For anyone with a 2001 or 2000 X5

who is annoyed by the incorrect direction of the Steptronic and would like it
reversed, so that you pull back to up shift and push forward to downshift,
along with the momentum of the car.



The answer is yes, this can be easily done!!! This has been a big nit of mine,
both with my X5 and with my previous car (Audi). However, on a recent service
visit I noticed on my first shift in the 2003 325ix loner I got, that the
shift direction was "corrected"... I talked to my service dept. and the head
mechanic was very intrigued by my question, so personally took it on to figure
out if it can be done. During the same time I also found a tech tip out on
www.bmwtips.com.



Here's the Fix:

There is a four(4) pin connector into the shifter. The middle two pins are for
upshift & downshift (Blue gray & blue green accordingly). It's a purple
connector on the right hand side of the shifter. So, by simply swapping these
two wires in the connector you will reverse the shift direction.



Also, you can get a new trip plate with the Plus on the bottom and the minus
on the top, you can order Part # 51 16 7 060 445 from Crevier for $160 +
shipping.



Should be a relatively simple DIY fix, as long as you know how to get the trim
pieces off. My service dept said they would do it for only 1/2 hr labor, plus
then I get the full support from them on the fix and no possible questions
about warrantee, etc.

Those with a 2002 or newer that would prefer the shift orientation can accomplish this by doing the reverse of the above.


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4/7/2015 Update from Micah247

I read your write up about Changing the Steptronic Shift Orientation.
I have a 06 E53 I wanted to do the opposite. I purchased a used trim plate. I figured out the hard way that the connectors are different.
I figured out a solution. I disassembled both trim pieces. Then swapped just the small plastic part that has PNRD. Works perfect now.