New Mod...SMG Wheel
 

New Mod...SMG wheel was installed a few weeks ago just got a chance to post a pic. Although it doesn't handle the twisties like a 911 or M3 it deffinitely is much more fun to drive with the paddle shifters. :)

here we go again...

Nice and I totally agree that it's more fun driving with the paddle-shifters when on steptronic mode...

That looks awsome!!! I bet those paddles are a lot of fun...Congrats :thumbup:

Do you have a 3.0 or 4.4? I'm sure its more fun with the 4.4 than a 3.0...

Nice wheel. I really want that on my x but that damn airbag costs too much. Anyone want to trade...

Yeah I think the airbag is around $500...

He has a 4.6

Very nice steering wheel. Now it's time for some al pedals:)

Wha wha whaaat?

the paddles work?

Sorry guys I have been offline for a while...yes the paddles work. The shifting is not instantaneous like it would be with the M3 or M5 but its still quick. If I want to go really nuts I could buy the Dinan S2 package (everything except the supercharger) and that includes engine and trans software which would make the shifts lightning quick. For now its a lot of fun to drive...maybe I'll save my pennies for the S2. :-)

Jay's correct I have an '02 4.6is

I should have figured that one out by looking at his cluster but there are those who have done the cluster swap...

So basically the paddle just executes the shift just like pushing the gear shift would..?

To the transmission i presume that it can't even tell the difference...

I have it in mine...I really like it. It is more for show than go, but it is a lot of fun to shift with the paddle shifters.

Yes it is. Really more for show... I'm guessing it's more fun in the V8 models compared to the V6...

I think it would be just as fun in the 3.0, its just cool being able to shift in the twisties without your hands leaving the steering wheel.

Do the paddles work while in D,
or do you have to move the shifter over into manual mode first?

On the 4.8 you have to use the SSG wheel, no it will not work in D you have to move it over. I find that in my car it works quick i really like the SSG but havent tried the SMG

For the SMG wheel you have to move the shifter over to the manual position to operate the paddle shifters.

Same For Ssg

If you dont mind me asking, how much was just the wheel?

I paid $450 for a slightly used wheel which did not include the airbag...from the stealer the wheel plus the bag would probably run around $1,000 to $1,500

Very cool setup and great looking X5! I give it :thumbup: :thumbup:

Thanks Smoky

ljnlaw

Really good stuff for X5, I do want to install one for mine
However, pls adv if the air bag on the wheel still function after this mod

ljnlaw,

Great mod! Did you reuse the old airbag? Also, did you have to purchase additional kit or just followed mite46's post on the main page? Anyone know where to get a hold of one of these paddle wheels in SoCal (southern CA) beside dealer? Thanks for all the great posts, people!

First off, :welcome:

Second, you can reuse your old airbag so long as it's the round one from the Sport Package as opposed to the square airbag.

Third, check with Crevier BMW in Santa Ana for the parts. Tell them you're from xoutpost.com.

Finally, since you're in San Diego, get your butt out to WestFest IV and meet your fellow X5world members, check out some great X5's and X3's, and have a great time. :thumbup:

Yes I did reuse my old air bag they are interchangeable with the SMG wheel. The air bags go for around $500 and if you surf some message boards you should be able to find a used SMG wheel for less than $500. Good luck and welcome.