DCT Paddle shifter extension??

[Tufosi]

Ok... I know this is probably a crazy question to ask here but Im going to give it a shot anyways.

I know the DCT paddles only shift UP on the right side and DOWN on the left side of the steering wheel. But I want to be able to shift UP & Down from the same side. The reason for that is I drive with "hand controls" so my left hand is busy controlling the gas & brake.

The only idea I been able to come up with is maybe getting someone to fabricate an extension of the left paddle (down shifting paddle) to extend all the way across the steering wheel so that it can sit right behind the UP shiting paddle. By doing that I would have my fingers between both paddles on the right side of the steering wheel... and I would be able to UP shift nomally by pulling on the right paddle but I would also be able to DOWN shift by pushing with my fingers on the extension which would create a pulling montion the left paddle.

Has anyone ever done anything like this? or being able to figure out how to UP shit & Down shift from the same side any other way.

Any useful input would be appreciated guys.

[Time]

On the steering wheel for my z4 I can shift up and down on both sides, maybe you should look into retrofitting that wheel on your car;

[M3 Esq]

I know the paddle shifters on the pre-LCI 3 series had both up and down shifting on either side (and it may be even broader than pre-LCI). I am not really familar with those cars but I test drove a 328xi sport that had paddle shifters and they were like that. I think you pull it to upshift and push to downshift. You could look into that as well.

[Tufosi]

I didn't think about the switching steering wheel option.

I wonder if it makes any difference the fact that those steering wheels that you guys mention are on Automatic trans cars where the M3 is a DCT trans. I don't know if the electronics line up and as well as the functions on the wheel. How can I this find out? Should I contact BMW delearship? or someone else?

And this might be a dumb questions... what is does it mean when you say Pre-LCI??

[THE TECH]

You'll have to do some intense research to figure out if any of these options are even possible. It's not just about switching the wheels out. You'll need the SZLs to go with them assuming they can even be coded to work with the M in the first place.

[Tufosi]

yeah that sounds very complicated... so far my crazy idea of the paddle shifter extension seems to be the easier route and the least expensive option as well.

I would just have to find someone who can fabricate something like that and make sure it looks nice a clean.

[mlhj83]

Could BMW NA not help at all? They must have a programme for the disabled.

[Tufosi]

Originally Posted by mlhj83

Could BMW NA not help at all? They must have a programme for the disabled.

They prob don't have that request come up often.. not everyone is crazy as me in wanting to do my own shifting...haha
They probably just tell me to leave it in AUTO mode..haha. I wish the M3 DCT steering wheel was like Porsche's PDK which allows you UP & Down shifting on each side.

[M3 Esq]

Originally Posted by Tufosi

I didn't think about the switching steering wheel option.

I wonder if it makes any difference the fact that those steering wheels that you guys mention are on Automatic trans cars where the M3 is a DCT trans. I don't know if the electronics line up and as well as the functions on the wheel. How can I this find out? Should I contact BMW delearship? or someone else?

And this might be a dumb questions... what is does it mean when you say Pre-LCI??

You are correct, the wheel I described is connected to the steptronic transmission and not the DCT. I don't see why the transmission type would matter though, I would think it would be an electronics issue as others have said above.

LCI only means Life Cycle Impulse - it is a term BMW uses to decribe a refresh of certain features during any model cycle. Typical updates include body changes, lighting, interior features.

[Mahmood07]

I was curious and found this. It seems he was able to incorporate the tiptronic into the hand controls, not sure if it will work in your case though. Goodluck!

[Powerbeast]

I don't think it's worth your time, stick with left & right

[Tufosi]

Originally Posted by Mahmood07

I was curious and found this. It seems he was able to incorporate the tiptronic into the hand controls, not sure if it will work in your case though. Goodluck!

Very interesting... but that concept wouldn't work for me because my setup is completely different than his and his switch is not as fun as the actual paddles on the steering wheel..but thanks for looking up some ideas

[mlhj83]

Originally Posted by Powerbeast

I don't think it's worth your time, stick with left & right

It would be worth his time given that he has to control the throttle and brake with the other hand.

[p-streets]

best bet would be to shoot bmw na i quick email telling them your situation. i think they would be glad to help or atleast send you in rite direction. even more because you drive a m im sure they would see it as another markiting idea or maybe another limited edition M3. best of luck on your serch.

[tommy605]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't the 08-10 models of the M3 shift up and down on both sides? Maybe it's as simple as calling some scrap yards for mangled M3's and getting the steering wheel from one, and probably some sort of programming from BMW.

Of course, if I'm wrong about the paddle shifters working up/down on both sides, just ignore my post.

[mlhj83]

Originally Posted by tommy605

Correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't the 08-10 models of the M3 shift up and down on both sides? Maybe it's as simple as calling some scrap yards for mangled M3's and getting the steering wheel from one, and probably some sort of programming from BMW.

Of course, if I'm wrong about the paddle shifters working up/down on both sides, just ignore my post.

Nope.

[Tufosi]

Originally Posted by p-streets

best bet would be to shoot bmw na i quick email telling them your situation. i think they would be glad to help or atleast send you in rite direction. even more because you drive a m im sure they would see it as another markiting idea or maybe another limited edition M3. best of luck on your serch.

You're right.... I guess it wouldn't hurt to send BMW a quick email to see if anyone over there has any ideas.

Do I just go to BMW NA website and email them from the "contact us" section? or is there a different way sending them this request?

[p-streets]

Originally Posted by Tufosi

You're right.... I guess it wouldn't hurt to send BMW a quick email to see if anyone over there has any ideas.

Do I just go to BMW NA website and email them from the "contact us" section? or is there a different way sending them this request?

I would go that route for the email

[Tufosi]

I just emailed BMW NA.... we'll see if they have any ideas, I doubt it but you never know I guess.

[Johndong888]

OP, I had the PRE-LCI 335i Sports shifters on my 2008 335i. It was able to shift both up and down on both sides. I modded the M3 Shifters into the steering wheel and it would only be + on one side and - on the other.

Maybe you can attempt the Old Paddle shifters + a new steering wheel (I know the old paddles fit into the Mtech Steering Wheel no problem (The M3 Paddle Shifters are a little smaller so you would need a little cutting if you were to reuse the M3 Wheel).

Good Luck!

[strati1]

I have a set of pre lci paddles on my 08 sport wheel. I will gladly trade you straight across mine for yours because it is a direct fit with that fuse pack. I can change gears push pull on each side. Let me know if you are interested.

[TVMA Doc]

Originally Posted by Tufosi

They prob don't have that request come up often.. not everyone is crazy as me in wanting to do my own shifting...haha
They probably just tell me to leave it in AUTO mode..haha. I wish the M3 DCT steering wheel was like Porsche's PDK which allows you UP & Down shifting on each side.

I'd suggest complaining to them about the near stalling problem in the Auto mode. BMW will suggest that you use the manual mode to fix it.

THIS is when you hit them up on a recode to allow you to shift manually if you are disabled...