Non-paddle M-sport wheel on auto

[Barty]

Having looked all over the web (or rather, asking Google to do it for me...) for an M-spec steering wheel with paddle shifters, I frequently manage to find M-wheels without them. Would these be compatible with the auto box, or would the car throw a fit when confronted with the lack of paddles? In an ideal world I'd want the paddle functionality, but since I don't see myself using it very often I could easily manage without.

Alternatively, if anyone could point me in the direction of a wheel (state is irrelevant as I'll reupholster it anyway) with paddles it'd be deeply appreciated

 

[Barty]

Well that's gone well... Apologies for posting in the wrong section. Could someone move this to the appropriate E85/86 discussion section?

 

[Usel]

From my limited experience I believe the steering wheel is independent from the paddles. The paddles come on the slip ring so any z4 e85/86 steering wheel will fit.

 

[gadgetJunky72]

you could just go for a non-msport wheel (with paddles) and ask the upholsterer to add extra padding. that's what I did with mine.

 

[Zulu4]

Would these be compatible with the auto box, or would the car throw a fit when confronted with the lack of paddles?

I would think you can code the car to tell it whether it has or hasn't got paddles with NCS Expert. This must be what they did at the factory.

 

[Usel]

Barty, has your car currently got paddle shifters for the auto gearbox?

If so then changing the steering will mean you still have paddle shifters as they are on the slip ring and not on the actual steering wheel.

 

[Barty]

you could just go for a non-msport wheel (with paddles) and ask the upholsterer to add extra padding. that's what I did with mine.
IMG_0242.jpeg

That looks lovely! Though an original M-wheel still looks spot-on to me. Might consider this alternative though.

Barty, has your car currently got paddle shifters for the auto gearbox?

If so then changing the steering will mean you still have paddle shifters as they are on the slip ring and not on the actual steering wheel.

It does currently have the paddles, and if those are indeed on the slipring then that's great news! A retailer here (Bimmerproducts) offers the M-sport wheel, but states on their website that it's not suitable for auto-boxes, which got me thinking there's a difference between the manual and automatic versions.

Can anyone confirm the paddles are on the slipring? If so that would mean simply swapping over the wheel, correct?

 

[patriot66]

My '03 E85 has a non-M steering wheel (recovered) with flappy paddles (SMG). The paddles are actually just 2 switch units that are screwed directly to the back of the steering wheel spokes, not mounted on a slip ring as Usel says. I believe this is the identical set up used on some Zeds with auto boxes. A couple of photos of my wheel/paddles

 

[Zulu4]

The paddles are screwed to the steering wheel on my automatic car.

 

[Barty]

"Helpful bunch" really is an understatement when describing this place; many thanks for all the quick and informative replies! I've learned more on this in the last few hours than I have researching this over the last few days...

So then, it seems I'm in the market for an M-sport auto wheel. If anyone has any pointers (both UK- and continent-based) feel free to share. As I have a sister living in the UK, getting it delivered there and collecting it later on is an option.

 

[patriot66]

Several Z4 wheels with flappy paddles on Ebay but all non-M Sport. Like this : https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-Z4-Roadster-Steering-Wheel-Black-Leather-with-Airbag-Paddle-Shift-E85-67-/293601462010?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&_trksid=p2349624.m46890.l6249&mkrid=710-127635-2958-0
You could get one of these re-covered by Royals with more padding. Is your existing wheel multi-function ?

 

[Barty]

Several Z4 wheels with flappy paddles on Ebay but all non-M Sport. Like this : https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-Z4-Roadster-Steering-Wheel-Black-Leather-with-Airbag-Paddle-Shift-E85-67-/293601462010?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&_trksid=p2349624.m46890.l6249&mkrid=710-127635-2958-0
You could get one of these re-covered by Royals with more padding. Is your existing wheel multi-function ?

Thanks, it's a good thought!

As I'm based in the Netherlands, I doubt Royals is the way forward to me as I'd be hit with import-taxes on return (Brexit and all that...). I do really like their work though, so perhaps I'll reach out to my regular upholsterer to see what they can do. Problem for me is: I like the look of the M-wheel better, even compared to a retrimmed standard wheel.

As for the MF-buttons: I don't currently have them, but how often do you really use them? I had them in all my previous cars, but the reach to adjust the volume on the dash was minimal to say the least.

 

[enuff_zed]

Could you not find an ebay wheel in the UK, get your sister to send it to Royals, then post it on to you as a 'birthday present' ?

 

[Barty]

Could you not find an ebay wheel in the UK, get your sister to send it to Royals, then post it on to you as a 'birthday present' ?

I would, but then I really prefer the looks of the black M-wheel over the standard silver spokes. I'll look into the route of reupholstry, thanks for the suggestions all!