Bespoke Paddle Shifters

[Marcoose]

I am going to ask a stupid question but could you not just use the gear stick as you can with the ZF 6 speed to change gears as well as the paddles? In which case in those difficult turns you can just change gears using the stick rather than the paddles?

It's a legit question, and it seems doable, but it's not what I want. I want to shift all the time with both hands on the wheel.

If you can buy the paddles that you would like (perhaps not BMW ones - just ones you prefer the look of) - might be easier to mod a frankenstein job.

Hack off (neatly) the physical paddle section, mate it to a suitable donor part that functions with the electronics & fits the steering wheel of the z4.

That feels doable.

Indeed, and I have been looking at that. Sadly my finishing skills suck donkey balls. This being a part literally in front of the eyes, it must look pretty.

I spoke yesterday with the production manager with the shop in southern California. He said the lower part of the extended paddle can be made. But the upper part, in his opinion, will interfere with the stalks. I don't see how, but since he's not feeling it, I don't work with the 'wrong shop' either.

[axelleveau]

Marcoose, is this what you are after: https://e89.zpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1330704

[R.E92]

I actually know of someone who is making custom paddles for the Z4. He is making both carbon fibre and billet aluminium options. Probably exactly what you are looking for.

I'll send him this thread so he can get in contact.

[Asmo]

I'll send him this thread so he can get in contact

Thank you. I am not sure how I missed registering to this forum since I first bought my z4.

I've been working on this project for a long time and we are almost ready to offer a few options for the E89. Currently I am making minor adjustments to improve every small detail possible.

I've attached a few pictures to to give this thread a bit of suspense.

Feel free to join my telegram group for this project.
https://t.me/+r5Q8hliWRkA2NzZk

[Marcoose]

Marcoose, is this what you are after: https://e89.zpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1330704

Much, much closer than anything else I've seen and read feedback specific to the E89. Thank you.

About an hour ago I bought these from ... Walmart.
https://www.walmart.com/ip/1-Pair-Alumi ... /775468572

The idea was to hack into what I needed. It's 100% refundable.

For those new to Walmart:
NOT SAFE FOR WORK
https://www.peopleofwalmart.com/page/3/

I actually know of someone who is making custom paddles for the Z4. He is making both carbon fibre and billet aluminium options. Probably exactly what you are looking for.

You are Mr Resourceful himself, aren't you ? Thank you, Richard.

I've been working on this project for a long time and we are almost ready to offer a few options for the E89. Currently I am making minor adjustments to improve every small detail possible.

Boomshakalaka !

I'll take a pair in black, no need to even put + and -

Is there another way to follow your progress ?

[Asmo]

Boomshakalaka !

I'll take a pair in black, no need to even put + and -

Is there another way to follow your progress ?

Unfortunately I can't respond to your PM. I don't meet the minimum post count yet.

[Marcoose]

Whilst exchanging WhatsApp messages with Asmo, he OKed me to copy and paste the following text and photos.

======
So, people asking about availability:

This is a custom Project which I've been working since almost 2 years with on and offs. The actual product is 99% ready as a prototype, but has not been mass produced. I would need to figure out how many people would be interested in such a product as manufacturing cost is high on these so the first batch would require me to showcase the paddles first.

About price, without an approximate number of potential buyers I am not able to define the price precisely. But it should be in the range of 250-300€ depending on the option chosen.

What are the options? Standard M4 style, aluminium (multiple colors) large size, carbon fiber large size.

I am expecting to proceed with the mass production within 30-40 days.

The adapter kit is consisted of:

- Steering wheel adapter to make the F series paddles physically fit the E89 steering wheel.
- Custom plug and play wiring harness.
- Custom PCB inside the paddles.
- Paddle shifters according to the option.
- New torx screws.

We are not reusing any part of your old paddle shifters, so you can put them aside or sell them with no issues.

Please comment any question you may have.
======

[Marcoose]

I applaud and am genuinely jealous of this level of ingenuity. I’m really rooting for him.

[N4LLY]

Asmo, Just need a 3rd post and then you can "PM"

[Gingerlomax]

Will these work with the E89 pre facelift paddles ie the push me pull you ones?

[mcbutler]

I mostly miss longer paddles on left corner exits, when it's time to upshift and the right hand is holding the wheel farther down, and the right fingers cannot reach the right OEM paddle. On right bends, even if I hold the wheel farther up, the fingers often reach the paddle.

I am going to ask a stupid question but could you not just use the gear stick as you can with the ZF 6 speed to change gears as well as the paddles? In which case in those difficult turns you can just change gears using the stick rather than the paddles?

yes you can

[Marcoose]

Bump and update.

Asmo is finishing another project, so this one may jump farther up the priority heap. Woo-Hoo !

As I understand it, you’ll get a pair of paddle adapters, and if desired, a pair of paddles in either carbon fibre (above) or aluminium (below). Alternatively, it seems you can buy any aftermarket paddles for the f3x or f8x. (I’m going with Asmo’s aluminium matte black.)

That’s all I know for now. I’m stoked about this mod.

[john-e89]

They look great but personally the issue I have with the paddles is they don't protrude far enough outwards, I like paddles that are pretty much in line with the outer edge of the wheel. I've just bought a set of F355 paddles 2nd hand off the bay which I'm modifying to fit.

[Asmo]

They look great but personally the issue I have with the paddles is they don't protrude far enough outwards, I like paddles that are pretty much in line with the outer edge of the wheel. I've just bought a set of F355 paddles 2nd hand off the bay which I'm modifying to fit.

Hey John, there is a flaw with your plan. Ferrari doesn't attach their paddles on the steering wheel as the BMW, they are fixed in position which makes such option viable as you don't have to guess where the paddle is at any time. It's possible (and quite easy for me) to make a different adapter to place the paddles way outwards, but it's not the better option.

[john-e89]

They look great but personally the issue I have with the paddles is they don't protrude far enough outwards, I like paddles that are pretty much in line with the outer edge of the wheel. I've just bought a set of F355 paddles 2nd hand off the bay which I'm modifying to fit.

Hey John, there is a flaw with your plan. Ferrari doesn't attach their paddles on the steering wheel as the BMW, they are fixed in position which makes such option viable as you don't have to guess where the paddle is at any time. It's possible (and quite easy for me) to make a different adapter to place the paddles way outwards, but it's not the better option.

Yep I get that Asmo, what I'm doing is attaching the fezz paddles to a pair of OEM paddles cut down and shaped so you won't be able to see them, it's a bit of a one off....

However, if you can extend the paddles you use outward I'd 100% buy a set, no issue with your work whatsoever.