Paddles to facelift steering wheel
 

Has anyone added e46 smg paddles and slip ring to a facelift e53 x5 steering wheel. I know you can swap the steering wheels, but i prefer the look of the standard facelift x5 steering wheel.

Someone has had a go at doing this, as there is one on Ebay Aus for sale.

BMW X5 E53 Steering Wheel Paddleshift 4 4LTR 4 8LTR 3 0LTR 2004 2006 | eBay

Looks quite good.

There is a diy floating around where they bury Mercedes paddles into the rear of the standard steering wheel, then use the SMG slip ring and run some wires down to the center console to the shifters.

just found this as I'm interested in this 2

DIY: E39 - Mercedes/AMG Paddleshifter Retrofit - Bimmerfest - BMW Forums

Yup that's one of them.

I like the conversion with a module that allows you to enter step mode by pressing the paddles simultaneously. Pretty neat!

What is that? When you can press both at same time?

https://youtu.be/HZ5kxky7D4Y

Pull both levers to engage/disengage Sport mode.....without pushing to side the centre console shifter.

Had this on my E39....very good for spirited driving!:driver:

That's a nice touch!

Just seen this on eBay is it easy to fit rather than getting the Mercedes paddles as they cost 120 anyway thought might as well get full steering wheel.

BMW E46 Black Leather SMG Paddle Shift Multifunction Steering Wheel +Airbag B083 | eBay 189