Xoutpost.com - M3 SMG II Wheel on X5

Contributed by: TQ2K

M3 SMG II Wheel on X5

"The VS Paddle-Shift Kit"

Here's the wheel before installation...

http://www.xoutpost.com/images/articl...X5DSC02928.jpg

http://www.xoutpost.com/images/articl...X5DSC02929.jpg

The original Sport Wheel with Light Poplar wood trim.

http://www.xoutpost.com/images/articl...X5DSC02931.jpg

http://www.tayam.net/x5/images/SMGII...X5DSC02935.jpg

Removed the airbag from the Sport wheel.

http://www.xoutpost.com/images/articl...X5DSC02936.jpg

Without the wheel...

http://www.xoutpost.com/images/articl...X5DSC02937.jpg

http://www.xoutpost.com/images/articl...X5DSC02938.jpg

The newly installed M3 SMG II Steering Wheel with the VS
Paddle-Shift kit.

http://www.xoutpost.com/images/articl...X5DSC02939.jpg

http://www.tayam.net/x5/images/SMGII...X5DSC02940.jpg

http://www.xoutpost.com/images/articl...X5DSC02941.jpg

http://www.xoutpost.com/images/articl...X5DSC02942.jpg

The Verdict...

Upon installation and with the

shift boot and lower steering wheel still opened-up, I had to test if the
paddle shifting function worked by actually driving it. Drove around
the apartment complex and all I can say is "this is pretty
neat!!!".

After closing-up everything that I dismantled, I
just really had the urge to try this thing over a longer period of time
and a lot of spirited driving. So I went out with my wife and just
drove away from our apartment and tried the paddle shift system. An
hour later... all I can say is: "Wow!!!"
Now I can enjoy the Steptronic system much more via the paddle shifters;
moreover, this mod should have been available much earlier!!!

My wife after seeing me enjoy the paddle shifters wanted to try it
herself... Back in our apartment complex she tried it and at this point I
think it was a wrong decision to let her drive... She was so into paddle
shifting that she was literally running over speed bumps and we were just
bouncing around in the X5...

Some more info:

Price: $840.00(shipped via USPS)

Kit Includes: M3 SMG II Wheel and VS Paddle-Shift Kit

Where to get the Kit: http://www.bmw-paddleshift-retro.com/

Install Time: Approximately 2hrs.

Installed on: 2001 BMW X5 3.0i; PP, SP, CP

Is it worth it? OH Yeah!!!

Thanks Vince for your really quick email tech support
and quick delivery of the package!!!