Looking for trim behind steering wheel after removing paddle shifters

GA328iT · 08-17-2021, 09:37 AM

I've searched google and see plenty on retrofitting paddle shifters or changing types of paddle shifters, but not much on simply removing them.

I had my auto transmission swapped for 6MT and had the paddle shifters removed, but there are big cavities behind the steering wheel where the paddles were. They are not really noticeable, but I can feel the gaping holes with my fingers.

Does anyone know if there are plate covers to go over these cavities? I searched parts diagrams on BMW Parts Direct and don't see anything.

This is a 2009 328i E91.

NYBulldog · 08-17-2021, 10:18 AM

I don't believe covers exist. Either you use one or another. You would have to make them yourself.

ppointer · 08-17-2021, 03:21 PM

I agree with Bulldog in that you would have to make these yourself, or retrofit another wheel from an MT car.

GA328iT · 08-17-2021, 04:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NYBulldog

I don't believe covers exist. Either you use one or another. You would have to make them yourself.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ppointer

I agree with Bulldog in that you would have to make these yourself, or retrofit another wheel from an MT car.

OK, thanks both! I assumed the steering wheels would all be the same, with covers for wheels that don't have shifters, but I guess It makes sense. There were probably comparatively very few cars with paddle shifters than without.

Perhaps I'll just take the paddles, cut off the top, thumb tabs, sand smooth and just put the lower part back in.

... or not worry about it. Being behind the steering wheel, you can't see them....

KKevin · 08-17-2021, 06:40 PM

You could tape the back with black tape, or if you really want to go extreme- 3D print a backing for that hole

NYBulldog · 08-18-2021, 10:41 AM

I can't imagine it would be terribly hard but you will have to take off the steering wheel to get it done properly. I would get a small sheet of ABS plastic and with a heavy shear cut it to the shape you need. Seal it with some 3M weatherproof sealant. Just take some cardboard to make a simple template.

GA328iT · 08-18-2021, 01:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NYBulldog

I can't imagine it would be terribly hard but you will have to take off the steering wheel to get it done properly. I would get a small sheet of ABS plastic and with a heavy shear cut it to the shape you need. Seal it with some 3M weatherproof sealant. Just take some cardboard to make a simple template.

Agree. I'm sure I can DIY something that works. Thanks!

jumaiza · 09-24-2024, 06:45 PM

Hey did u find a solution for this. Currently facing the same thing. Thanks

StradaRedlands · 09-26-2024, 08:02 PM

If anyone has done a 3D print of a DIY cover, I'd LOVE to see the file. I have a M Sport wheel I'd like to use, but has paddles I don't need.

ptpending · 09-27-2024, 04:39 PM

it is cheaper to source wheel without paddles , replace it and sell wheel with paddles

08-17-2021, 09:37 AM	#1
GA328iT First Lieutenant 683 Rep 326 Posts Drives: 2009 E91 RWD M Sport 6MT swap Join Date: Sep 2020 Location: Atlanta, GA iTrader: (0)	Looking for trim behind steering wheel after removing paddle shifters I've searched google and see plenty on retrofitting paddle shifters or changing types of paddle shifters, but not much on simply removing them. I had my auto transmission swapped for 6MT and had the paddle shifters removed, but there are big cavities behind the steering wheel where the paddles were. They are not really noticeable, but I can feel the gaping holes with my fingers. Does anyone know if there are plate covers to go over these cavities? I searched parts diagrams on BMW Parts Direct and don't see anything. This is a 2009 328i E91. Attached Images __________________ 2009 BMW 328i E91 Touring RWD /// M Sport \| 6MT Swap\| Alpine White \| Beige Dakota \| Apex SM-10 18X9 ET30 square \| BMW Performance BBK Bilstein B8 \| 3 SIM \| Euro airbox \| AA Headers and tune \| Paint correction and 5-yr ceramic coating \| LUX H8 189 Angel Eyes BimmerTech: Alpha One amp+10 speakers \| Backup camera \| CarPlay
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08-17-2021, 10:18 AM	#2
NYBulldog Specialist 1320 Rep 2,708 Posts Drives: Nikes Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: NuYawk iTrader: (19)	I don't believe covers exist. Either you use one or another. You would have to make them yourself. __________________
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08-17-2021, 03:21 PM	#3
ppointer Major 861 Rep 1,180 Posts Drives: '01 Z3M, '12 335is, '22 540i Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: FLL iTrader: (4) Garage List 2012 BMW 335i [5.25] 2012 BMW 335is [5.00] 2008 Infiniti QX56 [0.00] 1967 Chevrolet Corv ... [10.00] 2001 M Roadster [10.00] 2022 BMW 540i [0.75] 2009 528i [9.50]	I agree with Bulldog in that you would have to make these yourself, or retrofit another wheel from an MT car.
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08-17-2021, 06:40 PM	#5
KKevin Private First Class 91 Rep 196 Posts Drives: 2010 BMW E90 Join Date: May 2021 Location: Canada iTrader: (0)	You could tape the back with black tape, or if you really want to go extreme- 3D print a backing for that hole
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08-18-2021, 10:41 AM	#6
NYBulldog Specialist 1320 Rep 2,708 Posts Drives: Nikes Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: NuYawk iTrader: (19)	I can't imagine it would be terribly hard but you will have to take off the steering wheel to get it done properly. I would get a small sheet of ABS plastic and with a heavy shear cut it to the shape you need. Seal it with some 3M weatherproof sealant. Just take some cardboard to make a simple template. __________________
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09-24-2024, 06:45 PM	#8
jumaiza New Member 0 Rep 8 Posts Drives: 2017 540iX Join Date: Jan 2024 Location: New Jersey iTrader: (0)	Hey did u find a solution for this. Currently facing the same thing. Thanks
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09-26-2024, 08:02 PM	#9
StradaRedlands Brigadier General 6482 Rep 3,879 Posts Drives: 2006 BMW 330i MT Join Date: Dec 2021 Location: SoCal iTrader: (3) Garage List 2006 BMW 330i [8.45] 2009 BMW 328i Touri ... [8.00] 2013 BMW X5 35i [7.80] 2011 BMW 528i [8.70] 2006 Mazda3 [5.50]	If anyone has done a 3D print of a DIY cover, I'd LOVE to see the file. I have a M Sport wheel I'd like to use, but has paddles I don't need.
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09-27-2024, 04:39 PM	#10
ptpending Colonel 531 Rep 2,927 Posts Drives: e81 Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Poland iTrader: (1)	it is cheaper to source wheel without paddles , replace it and sell wheel with paddles __________________ E81 2007 130i 6cylinder Montego blue Retrofits: Harman Kardon, High-beam assistant, Removable tow hitch. Auto-dim folding exterior mirrors. Lumbar support. Perfomance Brakes.
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