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

Very nice. All looks straight forward, other than the wiring. A cool mod for when I have some time. Thanks for posting.

No problem. Yeah it wasn't bad at all. The wiring wasn't hard either, essentially you are just tapping into the two wires in the center console. The harness just lets you do that without cutting the wires or using taps, so it's 100% removable. For the paddles, you take the black wire from each and ground it to the ground screw in the steering wheel, and the yellow and blue wires plug into the slip ring.

If I remember right it was the red wire, not 100% sure. It is very easy to check because it is the one that powers the lights of the buttons.

Maybe in the future I do it also in the X5. First other mods to go.

Thank you, I'll have to take a look. I'm so used to disconnecting the battery when removing the airbag, but I guess I could just pull the fuse so I can still have power to other areas. Is it safe to just remove one pin at a time until the steering wheel button lights go out?

Great work!

Would any paddles work? Or are there only a certain few that will work?

I can't speak for all paddles, but the all paddles I have seen are essentially just switches, so electronically any should work. These AMG Paddles seem to be popular for retrofitting because you only have to cut out a shallow oval of foam from the steering wheel, and drill a hole in the metal support for the screw. Some have drilled another hole for the wire, but with my steering wheel the oval overlapped where the metal ends, so I just drilled another passage through the foam within the oval.

Removing the airbag is no problem. Just don't put the ingnition in position 2.

relentlessone -- would you be interested installing this kit in my car (2006 bmw x5 4.8is) since you already did this & worked out the proper way to install?? I can def reimburse you for your time - and being your in NJ - its only a little drive from me (NYC). Let me know if your up for it :) The pictures seem easier then it really is - but if you did this I know you know what to do and what not to do.. Let me know if you interested.. I can buy the parts - but need someone to execute the work & make this work.. Let me know :)

I would also like to know what wire you tied into the LEDs

Where did you purchase the LEDs?

damn i really want to do this, but I NEVER use tiptroic, it doesnt react that fast....

Under hard acceleration even in manual mode the transmission won't upshift until the RPMs get to max shift point. Around town or under moderate acceleration it shifts very quickly. I use the paddles all the time---worst case lots more fun.

I just wanted to let everyone know that the wire you want to tap is the grey one, or at least it was on my US-spec 2006 4.8is. Also, make sure to tap it between the two sets of buttons where the wires run underneath the bottom of the steering wheel trim. The LEDs will come on whenever the rest of the dash is illuminated.

Hope that's helpful!

What was your source for the LEDs?

I got them off of eBay a couple years back when I had my 330ci. This isn't the exact seller, but the same type of LEDs I used. They come with the resistors pre-wired so all you have to do is hook them up to a 12v source.

Qty 10 LED 5mm Pre Wired 12 Volt LEDs 12V Amber USA | eBay

In additon, I used little black plastic collars to hold them in place, available at Radioshack.

http://www.fischerelektronik.de/file...gen/PM_LED.jpg


How they look from behind:

relentlessone,

Thanks for the link and the rest of the story.

Would these work on an 01 X5 w/ the heated steering wheel?

You would have to pick either heated steering wheel or paddles, can't have both. They use the same 2 pin connector. The good news is that if you wanted paddles you wouldn't need a new slip ring, just the paddles and wiring.

damn. I was so excited to do this as I LOVE using tiptronic... but I really prefer a heated sport steering wheel, so no dice.

Was just talking about this with a friend yesterday. I REALLY want to upgrade the wheel in my X and this is a must.

do you have access to the MB parts numbers? I found what SEEM to be the same paddles you used.
AMG A2125450068
AMG A2125450168

What a great mod. I really love the "button" paddle shift in my CL55AMG it is great fun! Yes please post all part numbers and my guys will do this mod soon! I just pay and than play!

The button "paddle" shift in your AMG can be upgraded to paddle shift with these paddles according to many videos on YouTube showing its quite easy!

Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk