Paddleshifterz Aluminum paddle shifter retrofit and review

Jazima · 06-04-2018, 06:45 PM

As title states in this thread i'll discuss my experience installing and using Paddleshifterz Melbourne Red Paddle shifters

Install
They have a install video explaining the easiest way to install these but I will discuss the way I did it below.

1. Open trunk and front driver door and wait 5 minutes for the electronics to shut down then disconnect the negative battery terminal with a 10mm socket and put a towel between the contacts so they wont touch
2. Stick a flat head screw driver in the side holes of the steering wheel to pop off the airbag
3. Disconnect the the airbag wire and the two other wires that are connected (take off the wire with a blue circle first then take off the two others that are circled in green)
4. Use a 16mm socket to take off the steering wheel bolt and slide the wheel off
5. Use a tort bit to take off the screws at the back bottom of the steering wheel and inside the steering wheel (which will be circled in Red)
6. Take off the steering wheel trim
7. Disconnect the paddle shifters and use a t20 torx bit to unscrew them (circled in yellow)
8. Push the pin in the OEM paddle shifter to disconnect the shifter from the electronics (don't lose any parts inside especially the little spring)
9. Put the Paddleshifterz paddles into place and slide the pin back in
10. Do the same for the other side
11. Put the paddle shifters back in place and reconnect and screw them back in (don't tighten too much the screw is held by the plastic and once its stripped you are in trouble)
12. Put the steering wheel back on being mindful where it lined up originally
13. Torque the steering wheel bolt to 46 ft lb
14. Reconnect the wires and put the airbag back on
15. Reconnect the negative battery terminal and you are done

I am truly satisfied by these. The fit and finish is great. My original worry was that they were gonna be straining on the plastic of the paddle shifter since they are long but since they are metal they are solid and have a precise feedback all the way from top to bottom. The Melbourne Red is a nice touch as it matches my red start button and fire extinguisher. Im excited to try these out at my next autocross. Side note shipping was super fast from https://paddleshifterz.com

BEM-S4 · 06-04-2018, 06:54 PM

Why in the name of god did you pull the wheel off to do this? There's literally no reason to. Disconnect battery, remove airbag, undo torx for paddles. Unplug them if you want but hell you don't even need to do that you can swap the paddles with the wires still connected.

Jazima · 06-04-2018, 07:04 PM

Since my steering wheel didn't come with paddle shifters from factory I had to retrofit them. Due to this the screws aren't as easily accessible without taking off the trim. And I didn't want to strip the screw by trying to reach it. Also when I originally retrofitted paddles I tightened one side a little too much and almost stripped the plastic of the paddle shifter so I am extra cautious as its somewhat fragile. If this wasn't the case then yes I would do it the way you stated and that is why I started this post explaining they have a different way to install them but I am explaining the way I did it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by BEM-S4

Why in the name of god did you pull the wheel off to do this? There's literally no reason to. Disconnect battery, remove airbag, undo torx for paddles. Unplug them if you want but hell you don't even need to do that you can swap the paddles with the wires still connected.

BEM-S4 · 06-04-2018, 07:10 PM

That makes sense. Without your back story your method seems like doing a lot more work and risk breaking a lot more parts. Less steps = less risk IMO.

Jazima · 06-04-2018, 07:14 PM

Yes, I agree most of the time less steps= less risk but I prefer taking the airbag off to prevent scratches on the plastic and etc. In the 5th picture you can see the screws for the paddles and if the trim was in place they would be impossible to reach.

Quote:

Originally Posted by BEM-S4

That makes sense. Without your back story your method seems like doing a lot more work and risk breaking a lot more parts. Less steps = less risk IMO.

BEM-S4 · 06-04-2018, 07:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jazima

Yes, I agree most of the time less steps= less risk but I prefer taking the airbag off to prevent scratches on the plastic and etc. In the 5th picture you can see the screws for the paddles and if the trim was in place they would be impossible to reach.

Quote:

Originally Posted by BEM-S4

That makes sense. Without your back story your method seems like doing a lot more work and risk breaking a lot more parts. Less steps = less risk IMO.

You have to remove the airbag 100%. From there for folks without your special situation can remove the paddle torx, unplug the paddle module (optional) and remove the pin like you did to install the new one.

Not trying to be a dick or anything just trying to save folks problems if they come here for DIY advice.

Sea-Tac · 06-05-2018, 07:08 PM

Interesting look.

CalCarNut · 06-06-2018, 01:32 PM

OP did a good job in the write up (as necessitated by his requirements). Not a huge fan of bright red paddles vs the stock subtle ones but then I'm not autocrossing my car and needing a larger piece to use either.....

What is the piece that's added on the console , right front? gauge pod?

XutvJet · 06-06-2018, 01:35 PM

Why the fire extinguisher?

Jazima · 06-06-2018, 01:52 PM

Thank you! The piece in the center console is a Kuda Mount with a Scosche Magic mount on it. It's where I mount my phone while driving.

Quote:

Originally Posted by CalCarNut

OP did a good job in the write up (as necessitated by his requirements). Not a huge fan of bright red paddles vs the stock subtle ones but then I'm not autocrossing my car and needing a larger piece to use either.....

What is the piece that's added on the console , right front? gauge pod?

Jazima · 06-06-2018, 01:55 PM

Future track day prep as some tracks have a requirement of having one. I use the car for daily use and motorsport activities. Also general safety. I know I am not saving any car but if I can save someones life or my own I am happy.

Quote:

Originally Posted by XutvJet

Why the fire extinguisher?

jmg · 06-06-2018, 02:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XutvJet

Why the fire extinguisher?

How else do you put out fires?

But seriously, if there was a fire in my car, I'd just gtfo and let it burn. Let insurance total it. Cars are replaceable, my ass isn't.

jmg · 06-06-2018, 02:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CalCarNut

What is the piece that's added on the console , right front? gauge pod?

That's a Kuda mount. Best mount for the F3X/F8X:

20180506_1630 - Shift Knob - IMG_4930_100 by JMG, on Flickr

PelotonToPodium · 06-06-2018, 02:33 PM

Nice write up. Took a quick look at their website; something about these paddles just look "off", even in anodized or black. For track purposes though...ehhhhh sure, why not.

That being said, OP's next mod should definitely be replacing the wood grain trim

Gen13 F36 · 06-06-2018, 10:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmg

That's a Kuda mount. Best mount for the F3X/F8X:

20180506_1630 - Shift Knob - IMG_4930_100 by JMG, on Flickr

Lol...to close the passenger ....i don't like them looking at my phone

Back to the paddle shifter....nice...love it. It look like it belong there

jmg · 06-13-2018, 06:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gen13 F36

Lol...to close the passenger ....i don't like them looking at my phone

Back to the paddle shifter....nice...love it. It look like it belong there

It's tilted towards the driver... and the cradle is nice because you can pull it out in one move. You don't have to unplug it, or separate the arms, etc...

nicmin · 08-22-2019, 10:55 PM

Try this: https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1566558

06-04-2018, 06:45 PM	#1
Jazima Private First Class 119 Rep 152 Posts Drives: F30 335i M-Sport Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: Maryland iTrader: (4) Garage List 2013 BMW 335i [0.00]	Paddleshifterz Aluminum paddle shifter retrofit and review As title states in this thread i'll discuss my experience installing and using Paddleshifterz Melbourne Red Paddle shifters Install They have a install video explaining the easiest way to install these but I will discuss the way I did it below. 1. Open trunk and front driver door and wait 5 minutes for the electronics to shut down then disconnect the negative battery terminal with a 10mm socket and put a towel between the contacts so they wont touch 2. Stick a flat head screw driver in the side holes of the steering wheel to pop off the airbag 3. Disconnect the the airbag wire and the two other wires that are connected (take off the wire with a blue circle first then take off the two others that are circled in green) 4. Use a 16mm socket to take off the steering wheel bolt and slide the wheel off 5. Use a tort bit to take off the screws at the back bottom of the steering wheel and inside the steering wheel (which will be circled in Red) 6. Take off the steering wheel trim 7. Disconnect the paddle shifters and use a t20 torx bit to unscrew them (circled in yellow) 8. Push the pin in the OEM paddle shifter to disconnect the shifter from the electronics (don't lose any parts inside especially the little spring) 9. Put the Paddleshifterz paddles into place and slide the pin back in 10. Do the same for the other side 11. Put the paddle shifters back in place and reconnect and screw them back in (don't tighten too much the screw is held by the plastic and once its stripped you are in trouble) 12. Put the steering wheel back on being mindful where it lined up originally 13. Torque the steering wheel bolt to 46 ft lb 14. Reconnect the wires and put the airbag back on 15. Reconnect the negative battery terminal and you are done I am truly satisfied by these. The fit and finish is great. My original worry was that they were gonna be straining on the plastic of the paddle shifter since they are long but since they are metal they are solid and have a precise feedback all the way from top to bottom. The Melbourne Red is a nice touch as it matches my red start button and fire extinguisher. Im excited to try these out at my next autocross. Side note shipping was super fast from https://paddleshifterz.com Attached Images __________________ Instagram: BoostedF30 2013 F30 335i M-Sport 2002 E39 530i Last edited by Jazima; 06-05-2018 at 11:15 AM..
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06-04-2018, 06:54 PM	#2
BEM-S4 Major General 4516 Rep 8,942 Posts Drives: Dinan M235, Dinan Sport Wagon Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Philadelphia iTrader: (5)	Why in the name of god did you pull the wheel off to do this? There's literally no reason to. Disconnect battery, remove airbag, undo torx for paddles. Unplug them if you want but hell you don't even need to do that you can swap the paddles with the wires still connected. __________________ 2022 Macan S 2016 F31 328i xDrive Sport Wagon 2006 E46 330ci ZHP Convertible
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06-04-2018, 07:10 PM	#4
BEM-S4 Major General 4516 Rep 8,942 Posts Drives: Dinan M235, Dinan Sport Wagon Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Philadelphia iTrader: (5)	That makes sense. Without your back story your method seems like doing a lot more work and risk breaking a lot more parts. Less steps = less risk IMO. __________________ 2022 Macan S 2016 F31 328i xDrive Sport Wagon 2006 E46 330ci ZHP Convertible
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06-05-2018, 07:08 PM	#7
Sea-Tac Major 1453 Rep 1,487 Posts Drives: 2108 X3 xDrive30i Join Date: Apr 2018 Location: Bellevue, Wa iTrader: (0) Garage List 2018 X3 xDrive30i [0.00] 2016 328i xDrive [0.00]	Interesting look.
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06-06-2018, 01:32 PM	#8
CalCarNut Brigadier General 1061 Rep 3,258 Posts Drives: 2015 F36 Jet Black Sport Line Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Blue Skies iTrader: (0) Garage List 2012 BMW X3 [0.00] 2015 BMW 428i Gran ... [10.00] 1996 Chevrolet Impa ... [8.00]	OP did a good job in the write up (as necessitated by his requirements). Not a huge fan of bright red paddles vs the stock subtle ones but then I'm not autocrossing my car and needing a larger piece to use either..... What is the piece that's added on the console , right front? gauge pod? __________________ 2015 BMW F36 428i JetBlack. Sport Line Edition 25% 3M Tint\|
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06-06-2018, 01:35 PM	#9
XutvJet Major General 5551 Rep 5,369 Posts Drives: 2011 Cayman Base, 2016 M235 Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Kansas City iTrader: (-1)	Why the fire extinguisher? __________________ The forest was shrinking, but the Trees kept voting for the Axe, for the Axe was clever and convinced the Trees that because his handle was made of wood, he was one of them.
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06-06-2018, 02:33 PM	#14
PelotonToPodium Private First Class 59 Rep 121 Posts Drives: 335i M-Sport - GSM/Loaded Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Los Angeles, CA iTrader: (1)	Nice write up. Took a quick look at their website; something about these paddles just look "off", even in anodized or black. For track purposes though...ehhhhh sure, why not. That being said, OP's next mod should definitely be replacing the wood grain trim Last edited by PelotonToPodium; 06-06-2018 at 04:46 PM..
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08-22-2019, 10:55 PM	#17
nicmin Registered 2 Rep 3 Posts Drives: 2014 328d xDrive Sports Wagon Join Date: Dec 2018 Location: Michigan iTrader: (0)	Try this: https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1566558
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