2011 E89 paddle shift update

[2011BMWZ4E89]

Hi All,

Does anyone know if the newer paddle shift set-up on the younger Z4 models (Right-Down Left-Up) can be used on my 2011 Z4 30i?

I think I can recall seeing a post somewhere of them being fitted, just wondered if anyone knows or has carried out the mod and can tell me if they are a simple swap/plug in job or a reprogram is needed and if I can order these from Sytners?

Also does anyone have the correct part number for the paddles, I have come up with two 32306795939 which I believe to be the originals fitted to the car, and 32306799619 which should be the newer type, if someone could confirm which part number is which I would be grateful.

Many Thanks.

https://redir-img10.allegroimg.com/photos/oryginal/66/41/01/79/6641017929_3

 

[john-e89]

Hi there,

It’s an easy swap, I’ve done it although I don’t know the part number off hand. Jollyjoiner has the number you need. You don’t need to program anything but just disconnect the battery for half an hour before hand. There are two slits in the back of the steering wheel, insert a thin blade screwdriver to a stop then prise inwards to release the airbag locking tabs, then it’s a simple job of plug and play.

 

[Anonymous]

Is it not right-up, left-down?

 

[Dave1971]

You don't need to swap to the newer paddles you can set the old ones up for right-up and left-down.

 

[Busterboo]

Is it not right-up, left-down?

Usually.

 

[Jollyjoiner]

Hi All,

Does anyone know if the newer paddle shift set-up on the younger Z4 models (Right-Down Left-Up) can be used on my 2011 Z4 30i?

I think I can recall seeing a post somewhere of them being fitted, just wondered if anyone knows or has carried out the mod and can tell me if they are a simple swap/plug in job or a reprogram is needed and if I can order these from Sytners?

Also does anyone have the correct part number for the paddles, I have come up with two 32306795939 which I believe to be the originals fitted to the car, and 32306799619 which should be the newer type, if someone could confirm which part number is which I would be grateful.

Many Thanks.

https://redir-img10.allegroimg.com/photos/oryginal/66/41/01/79/6641017929_3

I do believe the second number is the correct one. Saying that I didn't actually order just the paddles, I bought a Msport wheel complete with paddles and never looked at them to see what the number was. I just did a complete wheel swap which was easy and worked straight away.

 

[2011BMWZ4E89]

Hi guys,

Thanks for all the responses much appreciated. Quite right greg81 I believe all paddles setups are as standard Right-Up Left-Down,hence one of my reasons for changing them, think the long day must have thrown me off a little :wink: .

Don't suppose anyone knows the reason why BMW has set the original paddles up to change up & down the gears with both paddles, it would be interesting to know? :lol:

 

[ronk]

I didn't mind the dual paddles that I had on a the previous car.
There was no real learning curve in my opinion as Little Button = Little Gear / Big Button = Big Gear Plus it was change with either hand.

 

[Busterboo]

Don't suppose anyone knows the reason why BMW has set the original paddles up to change up & down the gears with both paddles, it would be interesting to know? :lol:

I don't know. You'll have to ask BMW. I do know, though, that being able to change up & down with one hand is better.

So, I use the right hand for the paddle and the left for the Sports rocker switch and the gearstick. It's really ergonomic.

 

[ronk]

Don't suppose anyone knows the reason why BMW has set the original paddles up to change up & down the gears with both paddles, it would be interesting to know? :lol:

I don't know. You'll have to ask BMW. I do know, though, that being able to change up & down with one hand is better.

So, I use the right hand for the paddle and the left for the Sports rocker switch and the gearstick. It's really ergonomic.

I thought the whole idea was that you could keep both hands on the wheel?

 

[Busterboo]

Not the whole idea, just part of it.

 

[ronk]

What was the purpose of them?

 

[Busterboo]

Well, in an E89 with a DCT gearbox, I use the right paddle (up & down) and my left hand for the Sports rocker switch and to push the gearstick across into/out of +S.

In Sport & Normal, with an 8s-timed upshift, I use the right paddle to change down, knowing that the box will do the next change up.

In Sport +S, I use the right paddle, especially for manual downshifts, and my left hand to move the gear stick to the right, out of +S into Sport, when coming off a fast road into suburbia, for instance.

So, no, I don't think "the whole idea was that you could keep both hands on the wheel." I keep only my right (and don't need the left paddle).

(Historically, I assume paddles were introduced to enable easier control of automatic boxes. I don't know. Were they?)

 

[ronk]

sounds like rubbing ya belly and patting ya head!
"I use the right paddle (up & down)" so your car has the two option paddles?

 

[Jollyjoiner]

Mine now just does left down right up, easy peasy

 

[Busterboo]

sounds like rubbing ya belly and patting ya head!
"I use the right paddle (up & down)" so your car has the two option paddles?

Yep, both left & right paddles change gear up and down.

It's more practical than the 'left paddle down/right paddle up' I had on a 911.

 

[ronk]

When I had that system I seem to remember only using the RH paddle for both up and down.

 

[Busterboo]

Yep, it works very well.

 

[enzed4]

When I had that system I seem to remember only using the RH paddle for both up and down.

Pretty much what I do as well
I don't understand why you would want to change the older style for new ones? If you have the older ones, then you can choose to use only one side for up and the other side for down, because both sides will do either. Why remove a feature and lock in only one option? Unless you're worried about accidentally shifting up instead of down or vice versa?
And as was posted earlier in this thread, I believe the older style can be coded to only work up or down on either side as well?

 

[ronk]

The bottom line is they’re a bit of a gimmick!