[e90Hero]

Hi, this might be a stupid question by my friend has a 08 bmw e90, hiscurrent steering wheel does not have any shifters on it, and i was wondering if there is any way that i could put some on, he doesnt need them to work i just like the look of them, does anybody know if there is a way to put them on for visual preferences?

[xyaaeg234g234]

I imagine you'd have to buy a new steering wheel that has the cutouts as well as purchasing the paddle shifters themselves, unless the wheel you buy comes with them.

If you have a steptronic auto you can get them functional using the retrofit kit from BMS.

From their product page for the retrofit kit:

You will also need to separately purchase a paddle shift steering wheel (one with cutouts for paddles), the paddle shifters, and the exact steering wheel control module (buttons on the wheel) we list.

[e90Hero]

I just want to find a way to put them on just for show cuz they look pretty nice

[xyaaeg234g234]

Yeah, without the proper steering wheel you're heading into 'modded by AutoZone' territory and I can't really advise on anything for that bud.

You can get them both for show and function for under $500 if you find some deals and assuming you have a steptronic auto trans.

[E90-AMD]

There are a bunch of threads for a DIY functioning paddle shifters. Otherwise get the retrofit kit.

[w1lq]

I have the steptronic paddle shifters in my 335d, however no words can describe how i loath them. I mean, the paddles themselves are neat but the method of operation is just rubbish.

I've been thinking of swapping my wheel for an M3 one with the -/+ paddles. When swapped will the new paddle shifters work like they were intended to (- downshift / + upshift)?

[1QuikWS6]

Originally Posted by w1lq

I have the steptronic paddle shifters in my 335d, however no words can describe how i loath them. I mean, the paddles themselves are neat but the method of operation is just rubbish.

I've been thinking of swapping my wheel for an M3 one with the -/+ paddles. When swapped will the new paddle shifters work like they were intended to (- downshift / + upshift)?

No need to buy M3 DCT paddles to get the results you are looking for - you can rewire your steptronic paddles to shift same as M3 (Up one side/Down other side)

Do a here on forum

[e90Hero]

Anyway to put shifters on just for looks?

[samvora]

I have a sports steering wheel that I am selling for $100 that has paddle shifter cut outs so then all you need is a pair of basic paddles and you are set!

$100 is a steal! Check out my post at http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1223366

[gavronm]

To answer the OPs question more directly:

You could buy paddle modules, hack them up a bit, and glue them to the back of your wheel. That would be stupid, but might work. I doubt it's been done.

Short of that there is no way to add paddle shifters without buying a steering wheel that has the paddle shifter cutouts in the back. There are countless threads on here about how to swap out the wheel and mount the paddles. Many threads go into a lot of detail about wiring things to make them work - you shouldn't have to worry about any of that.

If you're going to go through all that trouble, I say make them work, but it's your car.

[Delta0311]

Slapping on some paddle shifters that serve no function is just one notch below putting M badges all over a non-M car. At least withe the paddle shifters you can actually fool people into believing that they are supposed to be there.

[tdavis42]

I actually hate my paddles. I have large hands and hit them all the time unintended. Red-lining a cold engine in first gear when going to the grocery store because you accidently hit the paddle is a real struggle for me.