Help! about retro fit Multi Function Steering Switches

Z

zed-light

Member
Hello Everyone,

I would appreciate some help as i trying to retrofit MFSW.

1) My Zed is 2.0 se built in 2005. BMW accessories booklet says cars up to 09/04 can only be retro fitted MFSW. But looking at BMW instructions booklet for the retrofit on this forum (I love this forum, soo much info!), this does not seem to be the case. In fact it seems the retrofit for car after 10/04 is easier and requires fewer steps. Has anyone retrofitted for a 2005 Zed? Please advise?

2) Do the switches illuminate with the instrument panel lighting?

3) Anyone without satnav had problems with coding. My general understanding is that codling is not required.

Thanks in advance for you time and help.
 
I have fitted the MFSW (and paddle shift) to a 2003. In the factory retrofit instructions the only date reference is to 09/03 after which the wiring changes slightly. I can send you a copy if you don't have them

Switches do not illuminate on mine and I see no mechanism for them to do so.

Can't help on the coding question as I had sat nav, however rarely does coding need doing with retrofit items. I'd fit it and see
 
I do not have sat nav, no coding required. Mine also light up with the dash lighting, looks pretty sweet!

Also my car is a pre 09/03 car which is the critical date not 09/04, and the extra wiring was very very simple!

The most difficult bit I found was cutting the rubber off the steering wheel spokes!
 
Thank you both. However, a little confused!

First of all, good to know that it illuminates as expected (not sure why yours do not 'cj10jeeper' :( ).

Looking at the BMW instruction manual, you are correct 'laser4596' in saying that 09/03 is the critical date. According to the manual, the fitting steps are less and seems easier for post 09/03 cars. As my Zed is built 2005, this should be to my advantage :). I just wanted someone who has fitted to post 09/03 car to confirm that this is so.

The reason I brought up 09/04 date is because the BMW Accessories book which list's the part states that the retrofit MFSW is 'only for vehicle up to 09/04' in astericks. I am going to ignore that :thumbsup:
 
zed-light said:
Thank you both. However, a little confused!

First of all, good to know that it illuminates as expected (not sure why yours do not 'cj10jeeper' :( ).

Looking at the BMW instruction manual, you are correct 'laser4596' in saying that 09/03 is the critical date. According to the manual, the fitting steps are less and seems easier for post 09/03 cars. As my Zed is built 2005, this should be to my advantage :). I just wanted someone who has fitted to post 09/03 car to confirm that this is so.

The reason I brought up 09/04 date is because the BMW Accessories book which list's the part states that the retrofit MFSW is 'only for vehicle up to 09/04' in astericks. I am going to ignore that :thumbsup:
Click to expand...

Ah - they do light up - never even noticed, probably as I've not driven int he dark since fitting them - nice to know. :)

Can't help with the post 09/03 issue, but am sure it's been done, after all it's only a 2 wire connection
 
BlackSapphireZ said:
WOOOT mine's a 09/03 build :D

i do need MFSW soon but they are hard to come by
Click to expand...

Everything comes to he who looks and searches. I purchased a new MFSW with paddles off a US club member at a good price. He had 2 left at the time so they are around...
 
Hi everyone,

Just to update, I retrofitted the MFSW today.

Alas, does not work :(

So, looks like it will need coding which is a shame as it was soo easy to fit and took me only 5 minutes. I know some you have fitted it and made it work without coding. As there any need to reset anything? Anyone post 09/03 zedz managed to make it work without coding?
 
Amazed you changed steering wheels, or fitted the buttons and hooked it all up in 5 minutes?

Personally I'd disconnect the battery for 10 minutes then reconnect and see if it finds the new component once it reboots everything. Often does the job.

OEM instructions do of course specify the need to code it.
 
I also retro fitted this item, my car is 05/03 build, i found it fairly easy to do, the buttons do light up and it did not need any coding, I thought mine didn't work either, till i turned the ignition on.. :oops:
 
Hey all,

tried various things, no avail

looks like will need cough up for coding :(

unless someone can think of anything alse :wink:

also, anyone know here i can get coding work done for cheap in west london :thumbsup:
 
Thank you :)

Just to update everyone on the problem I am having to get my MFSW to work:

According to BMW instructions, as my car is post 09/03, the only wiring needed is just to connect to steering wheel under the airbag/horn. That is, two steps not required compared to pre 09/03: 1) to cut the form on the wheel, 2) to connect the wiring from under the lower steering column to behind the instrument cluster. Please correct me if I have got this wrong?

When I was installing the MFSW, I indeed found the step 1 not needed as the form was already cut. Checking on step 2, as a last measure before taking the car to dealer for coding, yesterday I looked under the lower steering column and the wiring is not on the socket as I expected on Pin 9 and 10. This should not be the case according to instruction book. What do you guys think? Could the wiring be different for post 09/03 or should install this wiring and see how it goes?

Any helpor comment appreciated, thanks. :)
 
I would wire it as a pre 09/03 running the 2 wire lead from the steering mount boss, to the LCM module, as per the standard instructions.

As BlacksapphireZ notes 1 torx and the cluster comes out. You may also find it easier to reach the harness if you pull the LCM out too. Unclip the trim around the switch and then 2 locating screws. Teh harness is fastened in with a standard BMW locking connector.

Remember to disconnect the battery before messing taking the connector to pieces or remowing the cluster.
 
Dear All,

Glad i found this thread :)

My car is 06/03 and I just bought a MF+Paddleshifts steering wheel from an 05 car. My mech who installed it said I need a wiring loom to get it to function. I've read the replies in this thread that it can be done & not too difficult.

May I know what do I need to make those functions work. Currently, it is already installed, looks great but without any function :(

Appreciate if anyone could share the instructions to do it too.
 
saw a write up on the project by one of the forummers, http://www.z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3111&p=47166&hilit=paddle+shift#p47166

thanks for sharing....I just wonder if it applies to my car as well.
 
PM me an email address and I'll send you the BMW retrofit guide for the MF buttons. It only requires a 2 lead harness but may need coding to work, although mine did not and was just plug and play

What do you plan to connect the paddle shift too? I used my own adaptatin to control the steptronic box in when in manual mode.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom