[Thumperx]

Ok, this mod has been on my mod list for a while and I don't know why it has taken me so long. I thought I would share my experience in how to alter the left side SSG paddles wires and make it work like DCT paddles and what was the outcome.

One of my gripes was that I needed to "pull" the lever towards you for upshift and "push away" from you for down shift on both paddles. I was accustom to the typical DCT or PlayStation gear selection, "pull" for upshift on the right and downshift on the left.

I got my information from Kentgr whose a member of N54Tech.com. The right paddle lever selection is fine. So the left side needs its selection to be reversed. This morning I did the wiring swap in approximately 15 minutes. Mind you, I'm quite familiar taking my steering on and off quickly. If you're interested, follow this thread for more info: http://www.n54tech.com/forums/showthread.php?t=699

Driving in the DS mode and at moderate speeds, it's great to do downshifts while lane changing or down shifting through the off ramps. I haven't ripped it up yet, but it has been definitely enjoyable so far.

The negative so far is when in the middle or somewhere in tight turn and need to gear change. It may be quite difficult to do or manage when the steering wheel is 180 degrees from the original position, and then one needs to think "where is the upshift" lever again? Not good. It may be quite confusing for some.

Overall, it was quick and simple to do. Here a link to how to remove the steering wheel's air bag (follow pics 6-10) http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=11825

*Note: perform this at your own risk*
• Medium length flat screw driver to release the air bag.
• Use a very small screw driver or a jeweler's small flat screw driver to pry and disconnect the air bag plug.
• Carefully pull the paddle shifter molex from the left side (this I did for my setup), which is on the back side of the MF switch housing (see pic #2).
• Again, the use the jeweler's small flat screw driver and pry the mid section cap open and release the in-cased wires.
• Using a sharp end probe, push downwards on the outer pin ends at each of the two section openings (sounds complicated but makes sense once one sees and performs this task).
• Pull out the other pins (do not remove the middle wire)
• Swap them. (Or follow Kentgr directions)
• Lightly tug on ends to make sure wires are seated and secured.
• Plug the molex back.
• Reverse the disassemble sequence.
• Test the operation of the paddles.

[Thumperx]

One more note, if you decide to do this, you do not need to remove the steering wheel or trim cover. Just remove the air bag and follow the wiring steps stated above.

[Thumperx]

Update:

Ok, I've been using the paddles lately, and using up-shifting on the right and down-shifting on the left. It has been quite entertaining. Although gear selection has not been lighting quick like the DCT, but still enjoyable.

[theblotted]

good mod, makes sense, didn't know it was possible.

imho, i prefer the former way cuz you can do all shifting (and turn signals) with one hand..

[Thumperx]

Originally Posted by theblotted

good mod, makes sense, didn't know it was possible.

imho, i prefer the former way cuz you can do all shifting (and turn signals) with one hand..

If the original method works for you, then great.

[Thumperx]

Another update*

Man, I cannot wait to try out shifting in the manual mode at the track. Acceleration is more brisk than standard automatic. Over taking is awesome on the highway. Now, I'm contemplating getting the LCI paddles.

[ChasVS]

Originally Posted by Thumperx

Another update*
Now, I'm contemplating getting the LCI paddles.

Do it!

[Thumperx]

Yeah, I may do it. The shorter paddle travel plus positive "click" feels much better than SSG paddles.

[ChasVS]

Yeah, the fit and form is much improved. I use these much more than I did the old paddles because of the way they work and feel!

[Thumperx]

Originally Posted by ChasVS

Do it!

OK, Done! I scored a set of the new paddles. These are going feel far better than the original SSG one. I'll keep you posted when I install them. I love driving & shifting in the DS mode along with the paddles -slammin'!

[KA SHING]

I know this is a old post, but i need help. I had a 2008 135i with SSG paddle, i order a steering come with DCT paddle, how should i let the DCT paddle work on my car

[Thumperx]

Originally Posted by KA SHING

I know this is a old post, but i need help. I had a 2008 135i with SSG paddle, i order a steering come with DCT paddle, how should i let the DCT paddle work on my car

You mentioned you ordered a "steering wheel with DCT paddles", correct? I assume this steering wheel is from a E90/92 M series vehicle. If so, yes it will work. The M series molex female plugs should simply plug into the legacy SSG male plugs.

If not, take pics of interior of steering wheel and DCT paddles and post pics for further instructions

[Mandinca]

Originally Posted by Thumperx

You mentioned you ordered a "steering wheel with DCT paddles", correct? I assume this steering wheel is from a E90/92 M series vehicle. If so, yes it will work. The M series molex female plugs should simply plug into the legacy SSG male plugs.

If not, take pics of interior of steering wheel and DCT paddles and post pics for further instructions

I'm reviving an old thread also Thumperx.
I bought an E90 wheel with paddles to replace my E88 wheel which doesn't have paddles as I read on the Burger MS site that its a pretty easy upgrade. However, now that I have bought my wheel with paddles BMS are telling me that I need to change my steering wheel controls by buying a new set, part number 61319123287 and that there is no other way to make the paddles, airbag and steering wheel controls (audio etc) work. That part number only seems to be available from dealers and is $200+.
What I want to know is - are they telling me that their harness conversion won't work with my current controls - or - my controls won't work with their harness converter.
The difference being that maybe there is a way to avoid using their harness ($99) altogether and wire this up myself.
I'm pretty sure I saw a DIY on one of the forums which included removing the shifter surround so I'm wondering if that DIY was what I am looking for, only now I can't find it.
I guess my question to you is, can I do this with the wheel I have bought, without buying the new controls and without buying the harness conversion from BMS. They are adamant that I need the new controls, but then they are also trying to sell me their harness. See what I mean ?
Hope you can help, thanks in advance.

EDIT - Found the DIY I mentioned. Any idea if this will work on the wheel I bought if I wire it like this and splice into the shifter harness under the boot ? (without buying the BMS harness and the other steering wheel controls)
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...=246114&page=1

I've included a picture of my "new" wheel with the paddles.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=0Bw...ZzMXRqdHF4ZDNj

[Thumperx]

Mandinca,
Sorry for the late response. For me, it has been a while regarding this task.

I need a close up pic of your paddle shifters unit's male plug.

I recall the the SSG plugs have 3 wire inputs (positive, negative, ground) and the the E82 (newer models) have 2 wires input (positive and ground).

The female plugs (receptacle in steering wheel's pocket) need to match with male plugs. If I recall correctly, I took the SSG plugs and switched it with the DCT plugs.

This process should work. I'm not familiar with BMS, but this is a simple Retrofit.

If you do not want to use your SSG paddles, you may need to track down either a E8x or DCT paddles or use the SSG and follow my original instructions.

Also, you may need to use a Dremel to contour steering wheel's pocket to fit & drop in newer type of paddle shifter units

[Mandinca]

Originally Posted by Thumperx

Mandinca,
Sorry for the late response. For me, it has been a while regarding this task.

I need a close up pic of your paddle shifters unit's male plug.

I recall the the SSG plugs have 3 wire inputs (positive, negative, ground) and the the E82 (newer models) have 2 wires input (positive and ground).

The female plugs (receptacle in steering wheel's pocket) need to match with male plugs. If I recall correctly, I took the SSG plugs and switched it with the DCT plugs.

This process should work. I'm not familiar with BMS, but this is a simple Retrofit.

If you do not want to use your SSG paddles, you may need to track down either a E8x or DCT paddles or use the SSG and follow my original instructions.

Also, you may need to use a Dremel to contour steering wheel's pocket to fit & drop in newer type of paddle shifter units

Sorry for the late reply, I had notifications turned off for this sub....
Anyway, I'm not sure what you meant by the "paddle shifter unit's male plug" so I took pics of everything.
My current wheel doesn't have paddles. I have not taken any pictures of what is currently on the car - do you need a picture of the male plug that plugs into the current wheel - ie, the plug on the car's wiring harness ?

I've attached pictures from the wheel I intend to put in the car. There are three other plugs which were visible in the original image I posted - I believe they are for the airbag ?

Airbag ?

https://photos.google.com/photo/AF1Q...VokNgzeZ30XzqU

Airbag ?

https://photos.google.com/photo/AF1Q...pHYK3ZCL6flr6h

Paddle connector

https://photos.google.com/photo/AF1Q...5FMoSGAyJ9idod

Paddle connector

https://photos.google.com/photo/AF1Q...KSf-OitgwkHyK6

Female plug all six pins being used.

https://photos.google.com/photo/AF1Q...OsE8ypjZZJjJGS