So it seems. (Unlike the steering wheel heating, which is defunct due to a lack of wiring and other electronics.)

Im still not so sure... I put the M paddle wheel in my E70 2007 X5 4.8i and it was not prewired... so the paddles did not function.
From what i've read previously on the forum... nobody has mentioned the newer X5s' having the existing module and wire connection.......:dunno:

i have an 35i with dame build date.. I will be interested in knowing the same as well. It would be great if the paddles can work without any modifications.
can anybody confirm?

Working Out Of The Box?
 

Wow that's really good to hear! Been dying to do it to my 2011 30d (prod. 01/2011). Could you provide us with some photos of the steering area with the airbag removed so we can see which wires we need to have "PRE-wired" for it to work straight away?

It would be much appreciated =) thanks!

Sorry, haven't got any photos. Anyway, there were no visible extra wires, the steering wheel is simply plugged into the steering column ( RealOEM.com * BMW E70N X5 50iX Switch cluster steering column )

I discussed this matter back in 2010 or 2011 with some guy from Norway (IIRC), and the paddles didn't work in his non-50, probably diesel. Seems the 50 is differently equipped in this regard.

Here is the (probably not really helpful) thread: http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...mount-e70.html

I had the wheel installed by a dealer; I didn't dare to unplug/remove the airbag myself. Also, the airbag allegedly requires some sort of reboot procedure which I wasn't prepared to do myself either.

(PS: Don't even think about the heating, this is a no-go if your vehicle isn't already equipped with steering wheel heating. This requires not only new wires to some control box, but also a new steering column, exchanging the "switch cluster" isn't enough, because the plugs don't fit. BMW refused to install the missing parts due to complexity.)

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According to the thread in the link you provided.... the paddles (gearing + / -) don't work.

Any update on this? I have a 2012 X70 (no cold weather package) and I'd love to have paddle shifters

dont have the e70 anymore, got t-boned and moved onto a jeep GC. but if your ecu compartment is missing the paddle module, you cannot retrofit steering wheel paddles.

I assume the dealer can tell me if I have the module. Is there any other way to find out, before I spend money at the dealer?