M3 steering wheel - cutting to fit step paddles

phattbam · 09-23-2008, 02:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kuvesh

I think S$580... whatever it was, it was more expensive than the value of the wheel.

ok.. nm.

Azrielsc · 09-23-2008, 03:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by phattbam

ok.. nm.

Actually they are S$495 (US$350) PER PADDLE!!

phattbam · 09-23-2008, 10:57 AM

Thanks for the clarification. more than what RoverActive is selling them for.

Rugs · 09-23-2008, 12:46 PM

Nice Job, the M3 wheel really makes a difference!

You can also use the standard 6mt M3 Wheel a little cheaper, just a little more cutting. Mine was $287 + shipping. His ebay store is http://stores.ebay.com/AGE-Tuning. But just noticed the ebay store is not there anymore.

:
I also Scotch-Brited the paddle shifters & the two lower Chrome front trim accents for a brushed look, so it would match my aluminum trim...http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=122287

Barmats · 09-23-2008, 06:40 PM

I suppose it's supply and demand for the DCT paddles. $599.95 + $12.95 shipping from Roveractive on eBay for a pair of these suckers...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/BMW-M...4349QQtcZphoto

I'd love to have these but waaayyyy too expensive. In the meantime, I'll wait and watch...

Barmats · 09-23-2008, 06:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kuvesh

I had mine installed yesterday too.

The fitment is better if you cut the wheel but I had it done without the cutting because i didnt want to mess up the original. It works fine and you cant tell that the fitment issue once the wheel is in place.

btw - the guy that did the install for me also had the dct paddles in stock (which he he was trying to convince me to buy). He said they were expensive because the paddles were titanium - not sure if that true or not...

Do you mind me asking what he charged you for the install, and approximately how long it took him? I think this mod has made people hesitate because it seems daunting. For those not comfortable doing the work themselves, or lacking the time to do so, it would be a nice option to have it installed by someone other than the dealer.

With the DCT paddles priced as they are, they're probably plutonium rather than titanium...

tonmonde · 09-23-2008, 08:32 PM

Nice!
I just installed mine last weekend also. I was putting off the install, waiting for the M3 DCT paddles, then i found out it was $580.
I didn't cut the wheel either.
Without cutting its a bit stiff, but everything works fine!
Great write up and pics btw!

oh and it took me like, 40min.

TheAcAvenger · 10-27-2008, 10:36 AM

Does the Push/Pull +/- shift function work as stock without rewiring?

Barmats · 10-27-2008, 01:36 PM

Yes - the only item changed out is the wheel shell itself. The wiring connectors are part of the multi-function switch cover assembly, which is retained.

TheAcAvenger · 10-27-2008, 01:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Barmats

Yes - the only item changed out is the wheel shell itself. The wiring connectors are part of the multi-function switch cover assembly, which is retained.

Awesome. Thanks for the quick reply.

TreDirtyFive · 10-27-2008, 02:45 PM

I felt I wanted to keep the integrity of the wheel in case I wanted to sell it...etc. so I didn't cut anything and was able to get a nice fit and finish without disturbing or cutting up the wheel ...it is a tight fit but the paddles lined up nicely nevertheless..no gaps or holes whatsoever. But Kudos to the customization.

monacoblue335i · 10-27-2008, 05:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tonmonde

Nice!
I just installed mine last weekend also. I was putting off the install, waiting for the M3 DCT paddles, then i found out it was $580.
I didn't cut the wheel either.
Without cutting its a bit stiff, but everything works fine!
Great write up and pics btw!

oh and it took me like, 40min.

Can you post pictures of your M3 wheel with the steptronic paddles? How do the paddles fit since you did not cut the wheel?

Barmats · 10-27-2008, 11:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by monacoblue335i

Can you post pictures of your M3 wheel with the steptronic paddles? How do the paddles fit since you did not cut the wheel?

From what I remember (before I cut my M3 wheel), the step paddles sit quite a bit further back towards the dash without cutting. It does preserve the wheel but felt too far back.

Ironically, I recently bought a set of the DCT paddles for this wheel...

ska///235i · 10-27-2008, 11:20 PM

that is nice work....very impressive

I would never cut a $300+ steering wheel up

Barmats · 10-27-2008, 11:27 PM

I was reluctant to cut it, as well. I put off buying the wheel for a long, long time because I couldn't bring myself to cut it. I liked the M-Tech wheel, which fit the step paddles, but not as much as I liked the M3 wheel, which fit the DCT paddles. But when the Microsoft Live 30% discount came along, I couldn't pass it up and bought the wheel. The finished product is very nice and tranforms the car (in a tactile sort of way). The modifications are quite invisible, and were well worth the work.

monacoblue335i · 10-27-2008, 11:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Barmats

From what I remember (before I cut my M3 wheel), the step paddles sit quite a bit further back towards the dash without cutting. It does preserve the wheel but felt too far back.

Ironically, I recently bought a set of the DCT paddles for this wheel...

I am thinking of the DCT paddles as well. I came from an E46 M3 with SMG so I am kind of used to the L-/R+ setup. The DCT paddles are just too expensive. The steptronic is good enough that I normally leave it at auto except for passing.

How does the perforated M sport wheel compare to the M3 wheel besides the perforated part?

ska///235i · 10-28-2008, 01:30 AM

why are the dct paddles so expensive....does it come with all the wiring and stuff????

AV9 · 10-28-2008, 01:35 PM

that's sick! love that steering wheel!

Barmats · 10-28-2008, 06:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by monacoblue335i

How does the perforated M sport wheel compare to the M3 wheel besides the perforated part?

They appear to be close in thickness, but the M3 wheel has tri-color stitching whereas the M-Tech wheel has same-color (black) stitching. Other than the perforation, I think that's it. I've actually seen a pic of the M-Tech wheel with tri-color stitching, but not with cutouts for either paddle style.

Barmats · 10-28-2008, 06:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ska325xi

why are the dct paddles so expensive....does it come with all the wiring and stuff????

I guess the best answer is because they're from BMW... there's nothing else that justifies $600 for a couple of paddles. Each paddle comes with wiring and plug that mates with the stock wheel connectors. I wouldn't have bought them without having the 30% discount from Microsoft Live, which appears to be over now. Tischer has the next-best price for the paddles.

monacoblue335i · 11-11-2008, 12:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by monacoblue335i

How does the perforated M sport wheel compare to the M3 wheel besides the perforated part?

Now I know what the difference is between an M sports wheel and an M3 wheel. The M3 wheel is much lighter. It's almost 1lb lighter than an M sports wheel. I know because I have both.

Barmats · 11-11-2008, 01:07 PM

1 lb savings = quicker turn-in and transient response!

09-23-2008, 10:57 AM	#25
phattbam Major General 183 Rep 5,817 Posts Drives: '17 Protonic Blue i3 REx Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: sf area iTrader: (21)	Thanks for the clarification. more than what RoverActive is selling them for.
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09-23-2008, 12:46 PM	#26
Rugs Lieutenant 47 Rep 502 Posts Drives: E93 335i Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Southeast U.S. iTrader: (2)	Nice Job, the M3 wheel really makes a difference! You can also use the standard 6mt M3 Wheel a little cheaper, just a little more cutting. Mine was $287 + shipping. His ebay store is http://stores.ebay.com/AGE-Tuning. But just noticed the ebay store is not there anymore. : I also Scotch-Brited the paddle shifters & the two lower Chrome front trim accents for a brushed look, so it would match my aluminum trim...http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=122287 __________________ "WorldsQuickest 335i E93" SMART-Top /One-Off Opaque Vinyl EYELIDS / 30% TINT / A.C.SCHNITZER Pedals / "M" Tri-Color Wheel w/Paddles / EIBACH Pro-Kit / AKEBONA F. & EBC RED-STUFF R.Dustless Pads / Drilled & Slotted ROTORS / MIRO M6 Reps / MICHELIN PS2's / U.R.Coated DP's / CYBA-QUAD Exhaust Tips / BMS-TUNED... Last edited by Rugs; 09-23-2008 at 01:05 PM..
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09-23-2008, 06:40 PM	#27
Barmats Lieutenant 17 Rep 503 Posts Drives: 2019 BMW X5 Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: CA iTrader: (4)	I suppose it's supply and demand for the DCT paddles. $599.95 + $12.95 shipping from Roveractive on eBay for a pair of these suckers... http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/BMW-M...4349QQtcZphoto I'd love to have these but waaayyyy too expensive. In the meantime, I'll wait and watch...
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-23-2008, 08:32 PM	#29
tonmonde First Lieutenant 7 Rep 312 Posts Drives: F22 Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Los Angeles, CA iTrader: (1)	Nice! I just installed mine last weekend also. I was putting off the install, waiting for the M3 DCT paddles, then i found out it was $580. I didn't cut the wheel either. Without cutting its a bit stiff, but everything works fine! Great write up and pics btw! oh and it took me like, 40min.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-27-2008, 10:36 AM	#30
TheAcAvenger Brigadier General 133 Rep 3,132 Posts Drives: 2018 R35 GTR / 2007 E92 335i Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: 757 > Nova > Denver iTrader: (1)	Does the Push/Pull +/- shift function work as stock without rewiring? __________________ 2018 R35 GT-R Cicio800 \| 2007 E92 335i - RB Turbos, TC Kline DA Coils, HPA M3 Suspension, Quaife LSD, Stoptech BBK, JB4, FuelIT, AR Downpipes, RDSport Quads, Stett OC, Helix IC, Volk TE-37, Vorsteiner V-35, OSS Headlights \| Retired - 2015 F82 M4
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10-27-2008, 01:36 PM	#31
Barmats Lieutenant 17 Rep 503 Posts Drives: 2019 BMW X5 Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: CA iTrader: (4)	Yes - the only item changed out is the wheel shell itself. The wiring connectors are part of the multi-function switch cover assembly, which is retained.
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10-27-2008, 02:45 PM	#33
TreDirtyFive Major 261 Rep 1,341 Posts Drives: X1 M35i Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Los Angeles, CA iTrader: (11)	I felt I wanted to keep the integrity of the wheel in case I wanted to sell it...etc. so I didn't cut anything and was able to get a nice fit and finish without disturbing or cutting up the wheel ...it is a tight fit but the paddles lined up nicely nevertheless..no gaps or holes whatsoever. But Kudos to the customization. __________________ X3 M40i G01, M235i F22, 335 F30 MSport, 135 DCT, 335 E92, Audi A3
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10-27-2008, 11:20 PM	#36
ska///235i ***** noob 1468 Rep 10,477 Posts Drives: 325xi>M235i>428GCx Mspor Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Boston iTrader: (34) Garage List 2006 325xi [0.00]	that is nice work....very impressive I would never cut a $300+ steering wheel up __________________ 2006 325xi (Sold) 2014 M235I (Current) 2015 428xi Gran Coupe (STB)
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10-27-2008, 11:27 PM	#37
Barmats Lieutenant 17 Rep 503 Posts Drives: 2019 BMW X5 Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: CA iTrader: (4)	I was reluctant to cut it, as well. I put off buying the wheel for a long, long time because I couldn't bring myself to cut it. I liked the M-Tech wheel, which fit the step paddles, but not as much as I liked the M3 wheel, which fit the DCT paddles. But when the Microsoft Live 30% discount came along, I couldn't pass it up and bought the wheel. The finished product is very nice and tranforms the car (in a tactile sort of way). The modifications are quite invisible, and were well worth the work.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-28-2008, 01:30 AM	#39
ska///235i ***** noob 1468 Rep 10,477 Posts Drives: 325xi>M235i>428GCx Mspor Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Boston iTrader: (34) Garage List 2006 325xi [0.00]	why are the dct paddles so expensive....does it come with all the wiring and stuff???? __________________ 2006 325xi (Sold) 2014 M235I (Current) 2015 428xi Gran Coupe (STB)
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10-28-2008, 01:35 PM	#40
AV9 Brigadier General 142 Rep 4,310 Posts Drives: 2009 e92 m3 Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: OC/SD iTrader: (7)	that's sick! love that steering wheel!
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11-11-2008, 01:07 PM	#44
Barmats Lieutenant 17 Rep 503 Posts Drives: 2019 BMW X5 Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: CA iTrader: (4)	1 lb savings = quicker turn-in and transient response!
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