X5 4.8is with AMG Paddle Shifters
 

I know, I know. Mercedes parts on a BMW is blasphemy, but these are very generic looking, so it doesn't bother me.

I wanted paddle shifters. SMG and SSG paddles were going to involve much more cutting than I was comfortable with, so I had to find another route. After some researching, I came across the Mercedes AMG paddle shifters, reasonably priced around $100. They required minimal cutting, were a nice, heavy aluminum, and would wire up just like SMG paddles. I'm very happy with the results. The paddles, slip ring, and parts for the wiring harness, came to about $260 after shipping from ECS. I haven't had a chance to utilize them much since I just installed them today, but everything works well.

http://www.nickmerola.com/bmw/x5/x5_paddles01.jpg

http://www.nickmerola.com/bmw/x5/x5_paddles02.jpg

http://www.nickmerola.com/bmw/x5/x5_paddles03.jpg

http://www.nickmerola.com/bmw/x5/x5_paddles04.jpg

http://www.nickmerola.com/bmw/x5/x5_paddles05.jpg

looks neat, nice work

Wow, great job! Do the paddles attach firmly to something metallic in the wheel?

Part numbers?

Thanks!

Thanks. Yeah there is a single screw (not supplied) that attaches each paddle to the steering wheel. I didn't take a picture of it, but if you look at the second photo, I drilled a hole through that exposed metal and used a screw and washer to attach the paddle from the front side.

Sorry for not listing the part numbers, I'm having trouble posting and editing threads, so I wasn't able to add it to the post above, but here are the part numbers for the slip ring and paddles:

AMG Paddles: 1712670046
BMW Slip Ring: 61318379091

I referenced these two threads before tackling the job:

HowTo-> Paddle shifters from Mercedes on a E38 and yes it works! (long)

DIY: Harness for SMG paddle shift retrofit (for steptronic auto) - E46Fanatics

The second thread lists the part numbers you will need for the wiring harness. If you are using the AMG paddles, you will have to get another 2-pin connector to attach the paddles to the slip ring. I didn't get one but had a one lying around that I rigged to work.

That is killer! Nice work!

Looks very nice. hows the clearance from the wiper/turn stalks? Does cleaning the windscreen make you shift up a gear?

Nice job!

I have them in my E38. Also put some leds in.

http://i212.photobucket.com/albums/c...1649Medium.jpg

http://i212.photobucket.com/albums/c...1694Medium.jpg

Uh ♥ ! Great job!

..Must have!..

Thanks for the positive feedback everyone.

There is about an inch of clearance front to back between the stalk and the paddle, so that is plenty of room. I don't think accidental shifting is likely, especially because the car has to be in S mode for the paddles to do anything.


That looks awesome! If you don't mind I think I might do the same. I even have some amber LEDs laying around. Do you happen to know which wire to tap into in the steering wheel. I imagine it would be the one that lights up the steering control buttons, but I don't know what color that is.

very nice. Leds are also hot