italia330i (2001 E46 330i USA)

(as posted on http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=4447)

Let just say up front, so I can make this perfectly clear... I totally dig the paddle shifting retrofit. I have done other mods, including UUC sways, M3 wheel and this is by far the best one. To paraphrase Bueller, it is so choice, and if you have the means, I highly recommend it.

So let me tell you about it...

Vincent installed the wheel on my car last Friday. The install is perfect; the guy flat out knows his stuff. In the short time that I have had the wheel I have quickly become reliant upon it. I would say I use the paddles for 95% of my driving. The only time when I don’t is when I am in traffic. One thing I didn’t like about the step transmission was that it was never totally instinctive to me, I would catch myself shifting the wrong way on occasion. Plus, I didn’t like that I had couldn’t feel what gear I was in like in a manual. With the paddles, that vagueness and uncertainty is greatly diminished as left is downshift and right is upshift. I don’t have to think about what gear I am in and do I pull or push. The paddles are such a natural addition to me that shifting just becomes instinctive. They feel great and are large enough that you don’t have to have your hands in only one part of the wheel to operate them. In addition, the mere fact the paddles are positioned where they are forces you into the correct steering posture. So even just driving around town I take advantage of the paddles and it has improved my driving experience, in this respect, at least three fold.

However, the paddles flat out shine when pushing the car through the twisties. I am lucky enough to have Mulholland Drive available to me on my commute to and from work. Mulholland is a rather famous stretch of road that tops the Santa Monica Mountains. Second and third are the preferred gears there and you are constantly in and out of both. What can I say, the paddles just make it so much easier to drive quick and confidently. To be able to shift on demand regardless of a late or early entry is just so awesome, you just feel the car and if it is not where you want to be in the power band, tap and you are there. Again, to not have to remove your hands from the wheel during cornering maneuvers allows you to drive quickly. That time it takes to reach down and shift and return to the wheel to prepare for a turn is gone, that time when you are stuck in third and the engine is starting to bog, but you have to wait until you are through turning to shift, that is gone too. Listen it is not SMG, but damn, it must be close.

That is one thing about the paddles that I want to stress, the transmission appears to shift more quickly. I think what contributes to that impression is the relatively small travel distance of the paddles when you pull to shift gears. I guess it is just similar to the effect that is derived from a short shift kit on a manual. Whatever it is, the car just seems to shift a little more quickly than before, a welcomed and unexpected benefit. So in driving conditions where tires are screeching and rpms are high, I would have to say that the paddles have improved my driving experience more than ten fold. I simply could not go back.

Oh and what about the wow factor? It is there, but trust me it is the functionality that provides the true enjoyment. If you can get it, get it. I would happily pay twice what I paid for it.

Axl A. (2000 E46 328i Singapore)

(as posted on http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=6185)

Hi all! Just installed the M3 steering with paddle shifters yesterday. Yup, this is the same part as the one on a SMG-equipped M3. =)

First a little bit of background. What I had before was the "plain" M3 steering wheel, which was IMHO way better than the hard plastic 4-spoke stock one which I had previously. Also found the thickness of it lacking...

I tend to use Steptronic heavily even though the upshifts are slightly slower than in S-D, as I prefer a manual control of the gear-change, despite the learning feature of the auto-box. As such, I would say typically my modes of driving the car Step/S-D/D would be 80/15/5. But reading of Ferrari's F1 and Porsche's Tiptronic systems set me wonder if there's a way to change gears with both hands remaining on the steering wheel.

Which is why when I first read about the cracking piece of kit called SMG, I was naturally intrigued and wonder if it can be retrofitted onto my '00 328i. Alas, it was only an option on '02 325i/Ci and above (I think!)...

Unknown to me, Vincent (VPWSEAH on this forum and Alpina.nut here!) had somehow experimented and successfully retrofitted the wheel to enable the paddles to complement* the gear stick in Step mode. This is done via adding and altering some circuits inside (not sure about this actually...heh)

When the install was finally completed, I can't help but grin at the sight of this (can't really blame me!):

dint know there was more to come... much more! Initially, we tested the paddle operations in confines of the CP and everything was working fine. But before I get onto the good part, here's an explanation of how the paddles work...

The paddles are labelled "-" on the LHS and "+" on the RHS. They are located directly behind the wheel and will rotate "along" with it when taking a corner. The light and wiper stalks are not obstructed by them btw.

The paddles will work only when the gearstick is nudged to the left, ie. S-D. Once in S-D, pull the "+" (a very slight action, as the movement of the paddles is at most 3mm at the tip) and it will go to the appropriate gear selection. Gear-change time is unchanged. As you probably can guess "-" drops a gear down as well. "R/N/P" are still selected via the gearstick. Now that we've got that out of the way...

Vincent asked whether there was any twisty routes nearby and I was quick to suggest Mount Faber and South Bouna Vista Road. Once on the opened road, even before reaching there, I was already playing around with the system.

IT BLOODY ROCKS!!! Now I can imagine myself being JPM or pretend I'm driving the M3! LOL... Imagine yourself driving down a straight doing 140kph in 4th. A corner looms ahead, step on the brakes drop the speed to 50 and click "-" twice in quick succesion. You're in 2nd and take the corner thru' the racing line... feed power through the bend (which haven't straighten out yet) and then upshift when the rev hits 6k... when the wheel is still being rotated. Well the above was just what I did a couple of times yesterday!

As Vincent said, the grin factor is a definite 11 (outta scale of 10!) and I can see the merits of the system. As I mentioned above, dropping 2 (or even 3) gears using the paddles is definitely easier/quicker than nudging the gearstick which has a long "throw" (can this be used for a auto stick? :P). Also it enables your hands to be on the wheels 100% of the time, so that you still retain steering feel and situational awareness of what the car is doing at THAT moment. Not to mention the pure "coolness" factor (okay, the purists would probably scoff at this, but what the heck!) of the whole thing...

At low speed turning, when the wheel is going to be rotated more than 120 deg, and if a gear-change is to be executed, the hands may not be able to reach behind and furthermore, the driver may be confused. But don't fret, the gearstick will come in handy now...

Bigger pic of the above and one more here.

I already enjoy my machine very much as it is... when I first got the keys 1.5 years ago... when I install my first mod... when I got the 18" M3s... it never fails to amaze me that even now, every single morning/evening, I so absolutely LOOK FORWARD to seeing and getting behind the wheel of my ride. And I can assure you that this paddle-shift retrofit will easily add to the driving pleasure by no small amount... )

Cheers and thanks for reading! =)

*: For my case, "replace" is more suitable here! :P

Wilman2772 (2002 E46 320i Singapore)

((as posted on http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=6185))

IT BLOODY ROCKS!!! Now I can imagine myself being JPM or pretend I'm driving the M3! LOL... Imagine yourself driving down a straight doing 140kph in 4th. A corner looms ahead, step on the brakes drop the speed to 50 and click "-" twice in quick succesion. You're in 2nd and take the corner thru' the racing line... feed power through the bend (which haven't straighten out yet) and then upshift when the rev hits 6k... when the wheel is still being rotated. Putting both my hands & legs up in agreement!!!!!

As Vincent said, the grin factor is a definite 11 (outta scale of 10!) and I can see the merits of the system. Mine is 20 out of 10 :> !!!!!!!

Actually suede feels damn bloody goooooood!!!!

Jonas (1999 E46 328i Brasil)

Paddle shift and round airbag on a 99 328i

Peeps,

I decided to take my chances and I went ahead and ordered the round airbag (I had the squared steering wheel) and the M3 steering wheel with the paddle shifter.

My major concern was whether the airbag light would illuminate and second if the airbag would deploy properly after the retrofit.

The install was a breeze and with the exception of a broken screw on the column switch (which we were able to pull out and replace) nothing went wrong.

I got the kit from VinceTopazBlau325 and the DIY was really detailed to the point that I didn't have to use the Bentley manual.

The airbag lights didn't come on after reconnecting the battery and regarding the functionality of the airbag I need to take it to the dealer to double check if everything is
working properly, I don't see why it wouldn't work as it has the same wiring going into the airbag as the previous unit, the only noticeable difference is due to the fact that
the new airbag has 2 plugs on it, but the steering wheel came with two cables to plug and 1 cable that goes straight into the previous plug on the column switch. The old
airbag would have a cable that plugs in the column switch directly.

I am posting pics of the install here so you guys can see it.

Stuart (2002 E46 330Cic UK)

(thru Email)

Thanks Vincent!

Vinnymac (2001 E46 330Ci USA)

Paddle-Shifter RetroFit Completed!!!

DAMN! All I can say is DAMN!!!

The paddles are really fun to drive with. The install wasn't nearly as complicated as I expected. I finished it in less than 90 minutes.

I highly recommend this mod for those with the sport steering wheel, steptronice tranny, and round airbag.

Only thing to do now is get rid of that out-of-place shadow chrome trim on the steering wheel.

Stephen (2001 E46 325iT USA)

(thru Email)

Vincent,

I got the kit and just got done installing it. Very nicely done!!!
Instructions were top notch.Thanks!

VAFunkie (2000 E46 323i USA)

I GOT RID OF MY FUGLY STEERING WHEEL (M3paddle retrofit)
As you know, I hate my 4 spoke steering wheel for a long time and always want the M3 steering wheel, but back then i was not sure if I can change it w/out any airbag warning/error problem. I was very frustrated about it. Then last week, I saw Munich's post. I called Vince on Friday, worked through a deal with him via PM and ran to the dealer to get the airbag (690 bucks). I have contacted Vince many times before and he has been very helpful in answering my questions since the beginning. 10AM the next day, I received an overnite package with the M3 steering wheel with the retrofit kit in it. The installation was not that hard, just time consuming and you need to have all the tools. Few hours later, I was pimping on the street using the paddles to shift up and down.

After I installed it, no airbag warning light came up. I've been using the paddles to shift ever since (before I used sport mode all the time). The smg steering wheel is awesome, it fits my palms firmly. The paddles are so fun to use. It brings so much enjoyment on the road. I feel if it's faster to shift by using the paddle then using the shifter itself.

This is definitely my most favorite mod so far!!!!

I'd like to thank Vince and Munich for being so helpful.

Peter (2001 E39 530i USA)

(thru Email)

It was awesome man, we enjoyed the drive from LA to Vegas right after the installation of the new M3 SMG steeling wheel on my 530I. It's much firmer,nicer and easier to handle, not big, thin and ugly like my old steeling wheel which gave me hard times to make U turn sometimes. The drive was very enjoyable. I used the paddle shift a lot. I also check my cruse control and other buttons and they all worked. The paddle shifts very smooth and fast too. I also discovered that when you shift both + and - at the same time, it become DS which is perfect. I like it a lot. During the drive I was wondering that " why I didn't install this long time ago". This is my most favorite items on my car. Thank you for making my car more unique and more fun to drive.

Keep it up Vincent.

Eiffel (2002 E46 330Ci USA)

Paddles installed...review

All my cars until now have been manual. but I live in a big city and typically work 80+ hours/week, so skeptically i purchased my E46 steptronic. i have to say that I was impressed with the transmission but driving was not nearly as "fun"...and then i saw the SMG wheel...

Long story short...I bought the SMG wheel from cutter motots and received it in less than 2 weeks! everyone was saying how it would take me months to get it, guess I got lucky?

Last night I pleaded with Vince to come over after work so we could do the install. Vince was nice enough to come over at 9PM and we did the install in about 1.5 hours. of course Vince did mostly everything and he took VERY close care not to damage any trim or OEM components. He then tested the circuitry and we went for a test drive. Flawless!

Just the feel of the M3 wheel is worth the change. its a much thicker wheel and the leather is of greater quality and softness that the stock wheel. the paddles are fantastic! Downshifting before entering turns and running up the gears afterwards is heightened.

However I must say that the step still takes too long to change gears. I dont know how much longer it is than changing gears in a manual but it woulod be nice to have the changes occur instantly. I hear the dinan transmission software download reduces shifting time notably.

Also, I've found that with the step there isnt much throttle response or feel so its hard to notice what gear you're in or when the optimal upshifting RPM is. an obvious remedy is improving the exhaust note to key you in on when the engine RPM's are optimal. The dreaded torque converter makes everything difficult.

Back to the wheel: WORTH EVERY PENNY, although it wound up taking a crapload of pennies. Vince was great, he did the job very quickly, answered all questions, and I know he'll be there in the unlikely event something goes wrong.

I highly recommend this mod to step drivers, it is one of those mods that really has no downside, except for the expense.

Neil (2001 E46 330ci UK)

(thru Email)

Hi Vince,

Successfully completed the install last night. Your instructions were very helpful. Took about 3 hours, most of that time was spent removing the air bag!!!!!! Found another way to route the harness without having to remove the radio. Run the harness along the steering column and then back under the panelling near the footwell and straight into the gearbox compartment. Took it out for a test run and was very impressed with the 'new' driving experience.

Away from home at the moment so don't have my camera to hand. As soon as I can I'll take some photo's and forward them on.

Many thanks again,

Neil.

Jason (2001 E46 330i USA)
(thru Email)

Vince-

So far I have to say that the Dinan TB and newer engine software is pretty amazing. Then add the new paddle shifting and it is a new car. I am completely surprised at how it seems to change the way I perceive the driving this car, Same old car - whole new feel. It give the idea of tiptronic automatic shifting some real class and true value. The steering wheel alone is soooo much nicer.

I will write a more adequate review and take some pictures - but it is very very cool

takes a little work and so simple in theory and design - BMW just loves to keep the good stuff from people for a premium.

thanks again

jason

David (2001 E46 330i USA)

(as posted on http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=12257)

Paddle shift-retrofit
Wooo Hooo!!!
I am happy to say that I've had the VS Paddle-Shift Retrofit done on my car. Vincent was kind enough to come over and do the install yesterday, and now I am part of the paddle-shifting crowd. Install didn't take too long. He and I had an interesting conversation about BMW stuff which made the time go by quickly. Vincent did an awesome job with the install. I think he's had a lot of practice because he practically did it in his sleep.

After the install, we went for a test drive. First of all, the M3 wheel feels great. I've hated my Sport Wheel from the beginning because it's hard as a rock. The M3 wheel is soft yet firm enough to get a good grip. Shifting the paddles is like playing Gran Turismo - right for upshift and left for downshift. Someone mentioned this before, but it feels like the gears really shift faster. I don't know if it is psychological or not, but it really does.

For anyone with a Step, this is an awesome mod. It makes driving much more exciting.

CY (2001 E46 330i Malaysia)

(thru Email)

Hi Vince,

Pleased to inform you that I receive the package yesterday morning. And immediately installed it. By early afternoon, there was a wide grin swept across my face. I had a ex-BMW mechanic help me fitting the kit, took about 2 hours. And it work flawlessly.

Thanks.
CY

Rick (2002 E46 330i USA)

(thru Email)

Vincent,

I had a great drive home. The paddles are very cool. I will send you some picts soon.

Thanks for all your help.

Best regards,

Rick

Elysium (2002 E46 325i USA)

(thru Email)

Hi Vince,

Thanks for your voice mail. Everything seems to be in
order now so that's good.

If anything comes up, I'll let you know.

Best,--H.

Hobbes (2000 E46 323ci USA)

Newest mod! (Huge pics!)
First off I have to thank Vince for all the time and effort he has put into this. The amount creativity to make something like this work should be applauded.

M3 SMG Wheel retrofit.

I cannot begin to describe the feeling that this gives a steptronic car. It changes the way I thought about my boring ol' step. This is possibly my best mod to date. It increases the fun factor of the car 1000%. My car has always put a big smile on my face when I went to drive it, but this turned that smile into a huge grin! I have to reccomend this mod to ANY step tranny user. You will NOT be dissapointed with this.

Plus it's helping me break my bad habit of always driving with one hand on the shifter.

Thanks again Vince!

Craig (2002 E46 325ci USA)

(thru Email)

Vince,

Just thought I'd tell you that I completed the retrofit today in a little under 5 hours. I know 5 hours is a little much, but I took lots of breaks. I finally got my hands on a torque wrench and torqued that bolt down correctly, and I'm not showing any airbag lights. I've already put about 50 miles on the car w/ the paddles and I LOVE them. I can see my gas milage going down already from spirited "paddling." I'll probably write up a full review on e46fanatics either tonight or tommrow depending on when I can tare myself away from the car. O I'll be sure to send you a link to my review on e46fanatics when I write it. Thanks again for all of your support.

I'm just glad I bought it before those wheels went up in price! Thanks Vince.

shifting happily,
Craig

George (2003 E46 330i USA)

SMGII wheel with paddle-shift retro installed on my '03 330i...
Well I finally got to take it to work today and give it the real test. I am officially completed the first install on an '03 and it works great!! If you have Step, this is a must!! THe installation was extremely simple and Vince is a great help with quick responses and very detailed pics with all the answers you need. He replied to my e-mails instantly and helped me get through the install. The manual he send with the kit is very easy to follow and detailed with big pics. I do have some experience with car audio and wiring so it was not much for me, but even if you have NO experience, this mod is very simple if you give yourself time. Anyone can do this.

I noticed that by using the paddles, the car shifts a lot quicker, especially since you don't have to calculate in the throw of the shifter moving up or down. As soon as I click a paddle, the gear indicater changes instantly and the actual gear soon after. It feels quicker than using the shifter and I don't even have the Dinan Tranny D/L. The feel of the M wheel was something I always loved, especially on my 325cic, so I definitely missed that and the shadow-titanium trim looks great great even with my myrtle wood. The steering wheel trim matches the color of the paddles. Merging on to highways is a different experience now. I don't have to reach over for the shifter to downshift to get on. I keep both hands on the wheel and shift away! The paddles feel like a mouse click, with virtually no travel. It adds more fun to this already awesome vehicle. Enjoy the pics and I can't wait to go to work tomorrow, so I can see those paddles again and start playing!

I also composed a small video to show how fast the display reacts the paddle shifting. Vince posted this video on a thread here I believe, while discussing the speed of the shifts on my wheel compared to other wheels he installed. I figure I'll repost here in case anyone else would like to see. It is not the best but you can get the idea from the video on how fast these paddles shift. One day I will try to have someone tape me while I am driving and using the paddles. There is still a slight delay in the actual shifting, but it is quicker than using the shifter on the console and it seems to be quicker than my '01 325 step. Thanx again everyone, now it's time to drive!!

Check out this web site if you are interested in the retro..

Eugene T. (2001 X5 3.0i USA)

(as posted on: http://www.tayam.net/x5/smgwheelonx5.htm)

Upon installation and with the shift boot and lower steering wheel still opened-up, I had to test if the paddle shifting function worked by actually driving it. Drove around the apartment complex and all I can say is "this is pretty neat!!!".

After closing-up everything that I dismantled, I just really had the urge to try this thing over a longer period of time and a lot of spirited driving. So I went out with my wife and just drove away from our apartment and tried the paddle shift system. An hour later... all I can say is: "Wow!!!" Now I can enjoy the Steptronic system much more via the paddle shifters; moreover, this mod should have been available much earlier!!!

My wife after seeing me enjoy the paddle shifters wanted to try it herself... Back in our apartment complex she tried it and at this point I think it was a wrong decision to let her drive... She was so into paddle shifting that she was literally running over speed bumps and we were just bouncing around in the X5...

Thanks Vince for your really quick email tech support and quick delivery of the package!!!

Alex L. (2001 E46 325iT USA)

Thanks VinceTopazBlau325i the kit was pretty easy to install.

William R. (2001 E46 330ci USA)

(thru Email)

Hi,
Had no problems,It was a snap.
I love it!

Iain F. (2001 E46 330ci USA)

I received the kit last Thursday after placing the order on Sunday. I installed it with my ten year old son over the weekend. We did it a little at a time in stages or as time allowed since I have two other little monsters running around.

This modification is well worth the time and money. Vince even sent me back a partial refund because of his November special. I am going to drive this car a little longer before I consider buying a M3. Vince saved me a lot of money here.

A word about Vince. I find him an honest business with top quality product. He was helpful throughout this project. He responded to my emails very quickly and very encouraging when I got frustrated upon a small obstacle. He is an absolute professional.

I cant wait to see what he has in development next. Thanks Vince!

Eric N. (2002 E46 325i USA)

(thru email)

Hi Vincent,

I got the wheel yesterday. And I can't wait to today to install it so I start to install yesterday night. I spent about little bit more than 2 hours and I thinks is 2 hours and 20 mins which include reading the all instruction before I start and go online printout my330ci.com page too. And I DID it, it work and I so happy about it.
Vincent, I really think you did a great job on this and Thank you!!!

Thanks
Eric

Paul R. (2001 E46 330cic USA)

(thru email)

Vince, what can I say!! I finally got around to installing the smg wheel
plus the retro kit and it's absolutely fantastic!! Now don't get me wrong, I
have dinan this and coilover that but.... Your kit is the best mod that I
have done yet, hands down!! It took me about 4 hours to do it all, the
instructions were very well written and easy to follow. I just took my sweet
time and viola!!, shifting perfection. Now that I know how to install it, it
should take me no more than 2 hours Max to install if I had to do it over
again.
Once again I'd like to thank you again for coming up with the idea to put smg
in the reach of us steptronic users. Driving can't get any better than this.
Pure genius.
Paul

Tim W. (2001 E53 X5 4.4i USA)

Installed the Paddle Shifter Yesterday
Gang:

Well I had the parts for a while and needed the Airbag (so I bought a newer X5)

The install instructions were straight forward. I provided a little feedback to Vincent for instructions tweaks.

Total Time: 3 hours
Hardest Part: Airbag removal. Getting to the springs that hold the airbag in is a bit hard.

Overall impression: Really nice feature. The thicker M steering wheel is great! I feel that I really need the tranny software to complete this. Quality of the kit is good. Packaging was excellent.

Value of this Mod: Value is subjective. If you have the airbag and get a good deal on the SMG wheel it is a worth while upgrade. If you need to get the whole thing (airbag, wheel, kit etc..) it is a bit steep for what it does.

Over all, I am glad I did it!

Happy Holidays

Jan H. (2003 X5 4.6is USA)

(thru email)

Hi Vince,

well I picked up my car this afternoon and right after coming home I started the installation of the paddle shift kit. It took me a little bit less than 1 hour to install the whole. I spent most of the time with the cable from the steering column to the shifter :(. All went well and the paddle shift kit works like a charm :).

I am very happy and will send you a photo tomorrow as I left the camera in the car :( ....

Thanks again for a great kit and the detailed instructions !!!

Great job, Jan

Chet B. (2002 X5 3.0i USA)

(thru email)

Hi Vince,

Just writing to let you know that I have just finished installing the SMG wheel. And all I can say is WOW. Your manual was pretty straight forward, and highly detailed. Install took me about an 1 1/2. I must say though that a having a proper torque wrench does help with the bolt removal --- otherwise I probably would have been there for days.

I've got to say to you that this is by far the best mod I've done on the car. Dollar for dollar, it can't be beat. FORM and FUNCTION at it's finest. Something that I don't have to be outside looking at the car to appreciate. Something that was designed to intesify the ultimate driving experience and it delivers over and over again. This MOD was intended solely for the driving enthusiast. so many THANKS for putting such a product out in the market. Good luck and please keep me abreast of any new products you might be tinkering with.

Very best regards,
Chet-

Jeff S. (2001 E46 330i USA)

(thru email)

Vincent,

Okay, everything is in good working order. I just went for a drive. It
works great!

Solomon L. (2001 E39 530i USA)

(thru email)

Hey Vince,

I really appreciate your effort for upgrading the steering wheel, and I think my car has rebirth after the upgrade.

Solomon Lee

Natthaphol P. (2001 E46 330i Thailand)

(thru email)

Hi Vincent,

I'm about to write you an email about the wheel anyway. Last night, I was successfully completed the installation of the wheel, it took me about 3.5 hours to complete the job. This probably sounds a bit too long huh? well, I didn't want to break anything ( just yet) during the process, so I really took my time doing it (after all, the car's only got about 300 Km. on the speedometer). Afterward, I took the car for a short spin. Everything works nicely, radio control buttons etc...., thanks for your effort/creativity. I really love the feel of the shifter pad and thickness of the M3 wheel. Though, I haven't got a chance to really try it under hard driving condition, I'll sure let you know how it goes.

Chris M. (2002 E46 330i Germany)

(thru email)

Vince,
Recieved the package Wednesday and installed this morning. Instructions were outstanding and the install progressed without a hitch. Except for not being able to remove the shifter knob, I think the temp of 28 F had something to do with that. Otherwise, everything was perfect. Went for a spin in the hills of southwestern Germany and had a blast. Great product, Great fun, Great working with you......

Chris

Ian N. (2001 E46 330i UK)

(thru email)

Vince,

I fitted the wheel last Sunday, which took me a very careful 3 hours with a coffee break. I had no problems whatsoever following your instructions.

I have only had two opportunities to try it since then but it is absolutely fantastic!

Thanks very much.

Best Regards,
Ian

Juha T. (2002 E53 X5 4.6i Finland)

Hi Vincent!

Installation completed. It took 1,5h for the dealer to do it.
Everything working well, thank you.

Best regards,

Juha

Dan W. (2000 E46 323ci USA)

(http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=24550)

Pedro A. J. (2002 E46 330i Brazil)

Hi Vince.

Sorry for the delay on my follow up, but the time is running too fast.The installation was done without any problem.Although the instructions are very clear, i think that you could add an instruction CD. It will demand a lot of time to be made, but it would be very helpful to your future customers and for your marketing purposes.About my impressions... no words to describe them. It's incredible how a small conversion like this can completely change the way you drive a car.Another day I went in a local BMW dealer and drove a SSG 330 and takink allthings in mind, i have no doubt: I would buy yours again.

Keep in having good ideas.

Pedro A. Junior

Lewis F. (2000 E46 328ci Canada)

Just to let you know the SMG kit has been installed, haven't really driven the car much but I think it does shift faster. All I have to say is that its hella fun driving my car, eventhough its already been fun. I will write a detailed write-up once I drive the car more, right now its getting ready for show so not much driving there&THANKS!

-Lewis F.

Albert P. (2001 E46 330ci USA)

Paddle-shifting is just fine. Works perfectly and is really, really cool. Can't wait to try them on the track. I am going to attend the BMWCCA event in June at Willow Springs for sure. I got the app and will be filling it out.

Bob Z. (2003 325cic USA)

Hi Vincent;
just had the paddle shift installed today.
This thing is REALLY hot stuff. Makes for great fun. Congrats on
developing a great product.
Bob Z.

Michael J. F. (1999 E46 323ci Thailand)

Hi Vince,
I wanted to let you know that I installed the SMG paddleshift retrofit that you sold me on the weekend. I have to say that I could not be more pleased with it. The installation took me a little under 2 hours, not helped by the 100 degree heat here in Thailand at the moment. Although I love working on cars, I have become less ambitious in the projects I carry out because of the heat here and because labour costs, even at dealers, is so cheap. I did ask the local dealer to install for me but they refused so off I went.

The key to a successful installation is patience. The installation manual is incredibly detailed and so easy to follow. The installation went without
a hitch and the bits I was concerned about, airbag removal. I hope you don't mind if I add some tips that I feel will be useful to future installers. Make sure you practise the technique required to push the spring clips that hold the airbag on the new steering wheel first. This shows you the correct angle and direction to use the flat blade screwdriver.

The service I have had from Vince has been superb, he couldn't have been more helpful. Just having the new wheel justifies the cost. It is thicker
than the original and feels and looks so much better. This paddleshift retrofit is just brilliant.

Regards,
Michael

Sachiko W. (2003 E46 318i Philippines)

(thru PDF via email )

Iwan N. (2001 E53 X5 3.0i Indonesia)

Just completed the SMG install, did it just under 2 hrs, everything went smooth except I forgot to connect the turn signal and wiper connectors. Was wondering why they weren't working. Thanks again, I really like the M3 wheel. Too bad you didn't have them in suede !!

Maurice F. (1999 E46 323c Netherlands)

Hi Vince,

The wheel with paddle shift works great. Thanks for your support.

Best regards, maurice

Daryl N. (2003 E46 330i Hong Kong)

Hey Vince

The kit's installed and it works great - even the guys at bmw hk tested it (though they wouldn;t install it for me due to company's policy) and were amazed. All included myself remarked how much faster the shifts feel. Actually, I would say the shifts now are even more precise than the Tip boxster S I test drove last year. Amazing. The bmw hk technicians told me the warranty shouldn't be affected, although if some problems arise they won;t be able to help me - though i'm sure you will, as you have very helpful and patiently advised me on a multitide of questions before i finally bought the kit. thanks!! And great job Vincent. This email is for your website - i seriously recommend it for any bmw enthusiast. Your system finally does the steptronic system justice it deserves. As I live in hk, I can't download the dinan software ( no dealers in hk), but after testing the system on hk's endless supply of hairpin corners, off camber cliff-edge corners, and extremely hilly terrain that consists mainly of 2nd,3rd and sometimes 4th gear corners, the system is a pleasure now!

Take good care!!

John H. (2000 E39 540i USA)

Vince,
Air bag got to the Fort Worth sorting warehouse on Wednesday and they were going to deliver it on Thursday sometime. One problem, I was supposed to meet up with 3 other BMWs 70 miles northwest at 9:30 AM to head for Amarillo, TX. We were going to spend the night and join up with another 5 BMW nuts for a run to Taos, NM. After a lot of calls to 1-800-GOFEDEX they agreed to hold it for my at the warehouse. I could pick it up at 7:00 AM. I was there, picked it up, rushed home (driving my supercharged 318ti), and installed the air bag. I hooked up the battery (no warning or fault lights), checked the operation and everything worked as advertised. I put all the console parts and fasteners in the steering wheel box, threw it in the trunk with my already loaded luggage and met up with my friends right on time. In the motel that evening I put the console back together. We drove mountain back roads to Taos on Friday, three day tours out of Taos (on more great roads) on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. Then back roads for a
couple hours today before we hit the big roads for the boring rush back to Dallas/Fort Worth. Bottom line: the paddle shift works great on twisty
mountain roads!

Thanks,
John

Jason L. (2000 E46 323i Canada)

Hi,

I went to FedEx and picked up my airbag today. Somehow Canadian customs didn't want to release it.... many troubles..
Anyway, I have installed the wheel and it is working fine!! I love it! Thanks Vince, for developing such a great item.
Finally I can get the smg feel.,....^^
By the way, you did a great job on the instruction. It is very easy to follow, and it took me less than 2 hrs to install it (this was my first mod).


Thanks

Jason L.

Mike V. (2003 E39 540i USA)

Hi Vincent,

Hope everything is going well. I really can't thank you enough... not only for the installation but also for all the work that went into your design. Why this isn't an option on the steptronic transmission is beyond me. After reading most of the reviews of the SMG wheel it seems to me that a lot of guys are taken with just the concept of paddle shifting. With Steptronic you already have that capability. But what you have done has brought a seamless and elegant solution to this retrofit. In my opinion this is the single most dramatic addition to the car. Anyone considering any upgrade to their car should start here. Not only will it affect your driving but its hard to get the grin off your face. Excellent job Vincent, Thank you again.

John K. (2001 E53 X5 4.4i USA)

Dear Vincent,

I am really thankfull of your great product. i wish you all the luck, and its been pleasure knowing you. the SMG works perfect and the car looks more then perfect. i will soon send you some pictures of the car with the SMG wheel. thanks again and good luck.

Sincerely yours,

John

Todd V. (2002 E46 330ci USA)

Hey Vince.

I made it back home around 11:30pm last night, with a total of 1,200 miles on the car! Rather than coming directly home, I stopped at a resort near Yosemite (Bass Lake). Driving further up Hwy 41, past Hwy 49 was simply incredible!!! At one point, I blasted around some corners and ended up on the ass of an M5. Some guy was letting his girl drive it and she treated it like it was a Ford Taurus or something. Eventually, she pulled over so I could get by. What a rush those paddles bring. You're a good man Charlie Brown! Thanks!!!

Todd
Paddle-Shift Believer

Jim C. (2003 E46 330i USA)

Vincent,

Thank you so very much for putting together this kit! What a blast! I have read all of the reviews before purchasing and they are all right. It does seem to shift faster than through the normal steptronic stick. The M3 wheel looks and feels much better than the normal sport wheel. This is my 3rd BMW and is the first with automatic transmission (purchased to deal with city traffic). I couldn't afford an M3 SMG and have missed the control of the manual . So this kit is a real treat! I can't wait until track day!

I just had the wheel installed by my trusted mechanic. I didn't feel comfortable working with the airbag and didn't have all the tools or time. It took the mechanic just 2 hours and he was taking his time and being careful. The biggest compliment is that after he was done he said that he was very impressed with the quality of the instructions and kit. And that from a guy who works on Ferraris and Rolls Royces. All of the guys in the shop had fun checking out the paddle shifting too!

I will send pictures soon. Thanks again and happy motoring!