Just Cruz'n: Installing Paddle Shifters on a BMW Z4 or 3 Series e85/e46

My pre-facelift 2004 Z4 3.0i was never offered with paddle shift functions on the steering wheel. This was reserved for facelift cars between 2006-2008. This video shows you how to install them without doing any irreversible modifications to your vehicle. The procedure applies to 2003-2005 E85 Z4 models, E46 3 Series models, as well as several other early 2000's BMW chassis.
I will link a wiring diagram here when I find a working link.
Thanks for watching. A subscription is appreciated.

[@Rurik_JustCruzn]

For those that attempt this DIY, I recommend pinning out your steptronic shifter. On my steptronic shifter, I have the blue/white and blue/yellow wires for my + and - signal wires. I hope this helps.

[@drewsace2284]

Hello, attempting this soon. Where did you get the purple connectors?
you never mentioned how how you wired up your negative terminal to the white connector.
also did your old cloak spring not have the small connectors attachment?

[@donaldnixon398]

Interesting video. I've also heard of folks adapting paddle shifters to facelift Z3's - they use the same powertrain as the early Z4's. I have a facelift (LCI) Z4 3.0si with paddle shifters, but I find I seldom use them. When driving the twisty roads, I go to sport mode and the transmission seems to always be in the right gear at the right time without my intervention.

[@haroldasher6494]

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[@curtisjude4602]

@Harold Asher Yup, I've been using Instaflixxer for since december myself :D

[@electricf]

Can you tell me the part number of the new clock spring please, I would appreciate it. Thanks in advance.

[@marsgr2945]

Hi! I would like to perform same update to my e85 2005, is it possible just to wire the cables straight from current harness (gear paddle) up to the shifters? I guess only need to check for upshift and downshift electric signals right? Thanks! Awesome job and pretty much easy you make it look LoL.

[@Rurik_JustCruzn]

Yes. Your strategy is very simiar to mine. Personally i didnt want to cut or solder to the car but you certainly could

[@josesoccer2011]

Hello, Quick question for you man. Could you TAKE THEM OFF if you wanted to? Long Story Short, my 2011 BMW Z4 has one of the Paddle Shifters broke. Or loose. One of those. All I know is that you could be driving down the road (God Forbid On The Highway) and it will switch from Automatic to Manuel setting. All the sudden. I have no idea how to use those Paddle Shifters on them. Thanks in advance,

[@Rurik_JustCruzn]

Hello, unfortunately I dont have any experience with your style Z4. Your 2011 model is an entirety different generation from my 2004. I would assume you can remove the paddles but this may generate a computer fault.

[@josesoccer2011]

@@Rurik_JustCruzn Thanks for the reply man. Have a good one,

[@Aaron-CC]

Do you know how to modify the left paddle to downshift for pull and upshift for push?
I tried to switch the yellow and white wire inside the left paddle but it made both the left and right paddle change to pull as downshift and push as upshift.

[@skmattwell]

I'd also be interested

[@jackmonroe8520]

Where is the wiring diagram?

[@user-pi6tf3fh3g]

Does your car come with a 5 speed or 6 speed auto gearbox?

[@Rurik_JustCruzn]

The 2004 BMW Z4 3.0l Came with a 5 speed automotic