+1 here. It is one of the reasons I did not get my X5 yet. I love the X6 paddle shifters, but hate the styling. I wish the X5 would offer it as an option as part of the sport package. Hey Barcius, any news on this retrofit?

I received an email from them, they have abandoned the project.

:wtf: Are they stupid? I think it is the greatest mod. Maybe Vinny @ mrpaddleshift.com may be able to do a retrofit for us.

The problem they face it the X5 must have the module 255, which is a paddle shift steering wheel. Even if you put the module in from the X6 plus the X6 paddle shift steering wheel the X5 does not know what do do with it.

When you replace even a faulity module of any type in a X5 the whole X5 must be reprogramed. That is done via your VIN number code, they enter your vin number and all the programs that your car has are downloaded from BMW to match your X5 and it's options.

Now, with the X5 M V8 coming in Oct it will have option code 255, Paddle Shift, then we might have a chance of buying the steering plus module and getting the code!

reviving an old thread..... any new developement on this? I would love to have the x6 shifter paddles.

Why cant we just wire the paddles in parallel with the limit switches of the step up/down on the shifter on the console? Anyone have schematics of the sensors of the step up/down shifter? The only thing I can think of why this mod isnt possible is that the limit switches are not mechanical switches and are more proximity type switch that steps the signal down to low voltage.....

Would be a sweet mod to have for the e70 folks...

Hi Redridge,

Read my thread above yours, it answers the question. When the X5 M comes out you may have a chance then to put paddle shift steering wheel on then!

Dont know about the M in OZ, but its already here in the states.... I think utilizing the shifter in the x6 would be the same as using the M.... its prob the same setup w/o the M logo on the wheel.

Once the M was released that meant the software code is now available for the X5 to have a paddle shifter. Not only do you deed the steering wheel with paddles but you need the steering wheel module as well so in has physical connections to the paddles.

Then you have to upload the software code for it to know it has a steering module 255 and not the other standard steering module.

So now you can buy the steering wheel, the module to connect the steering wheel and the code is available. The problem is now is how are you going get the code for it to be uploaded. When ever your X5 gets re-coded they enters your VIN number into the computer which is connected to BMW direct, the computer knows what software codes to upload as it corresponds them to your VIN number when your car was manufactured.

This mean someone has to manually add the code for 255 to your upload, I don't think your average BMW service tech will have the clearance to do this or even have the brains to do it.

Unless this becomes a spare parts option or an upgrade that the dealer can install I don't think its going to happen real soon.

wow, thats alot of work...

The funny thing is... the steptronic is already there on the center column. All you really need to do is to duplicate the sensors the the shifter has that tells the tranny to step up/down.... gonna look into this further. Im sure there are simpler way to do this besides adding modules and reflashes.... There should be a way to do this mod the same/similar way the E53 guys are doing it.

Any updates? I had the M3 paddle shift tri color steering wheel in my E53 4.8iS. I miss it.