paddle shifter question

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Kurts05Z4

Member
Does anyone know the differences between the SMG and Steptronic paddle shifters for the Z4? I assume that the SMG shifters are single function (one for upshift and one for down) and the Steptronic is dual function (up and down on each paddle). The cost difference is substantial with the SMG (P.N. 61316926212) being at around $200.00 and the Steptronic (P.N. 61316979876) at $400.00 for the switch set alone. What I need to know is what the electrical/electronic differences are between the two variations.
Any info here is appreciated.
Thanks
 
Thanks! Yes, I read your write up, nice job! :thumbsup: It helped me to find out whether my switch mount (clockspring) would work with paddles (nope).
OK, I just found the answer to my own question on Alldata. The SMG paddles appear to provide a different resistance across the two ckts depending on which is depressed. Whereas the Steptronic grounds one for up and the other for down. So... SMG paddles will NOT work with the Steptronic trans. Dang, I liked the thought of having one for up and the other for down shifts. :headbang:
Oh well, I guess I can just rewire the Steptronic paddles to function like the SMG! Curious that the SMG switch set is roughly half the price of the Steptronic yet is more complex in its design. :?
 
While I was researching and getting set for the project I explored the question of how the paddles should be wired. Left paddle both push and pull for down, right push and pull for up, both push for up, or push for down, etc. etc.

In the end I found it was prewired for push either for down and pull either for up and did not change it.

After several hundred miles of playing with the paddles to shift I would not change this configuration at all. I think it's intuitive to do the same movement on either paddle for up and the opposite for down. In particular when cornering and the relative position of the paddles has moved then it remains logical what action to make to change.

Just a thought.

Good luck with your project
 
A good thought too. :thumbsup: I'll probably do the same thing and drive it for a while before deciding if a change is needed.
Now I just need to find them at a good price since $400.00 retail is a bit steep for a couple of ounces of plastic.
 
Kurts05Z4 said:
Does anyone know the differences between the SMG and Steptronic paddle shifters for the Z4? I assume that the SMG shifters are single function (one for upshift and one for down) and the Steptronic is dual function (up and down on each paddle). The cost difference is substantial with the SMG (P.N. 61316926212) being at around $200.00 and the Steptronic (P.N. 61316979876) at $400.00 for the switch set alone. What I need to know is what the electrical/electronic differences are between the two variations.
Any info here is appreciated.
Thanks
Click to expand...

Operational wise, the driver can use either SMG paddle to up and down shift. But as to how different the wiring is between the SMG and Steptronic steering wheel, I have no idea.
 
I would therefore assume that if the SMG paddles can be made to physically fit to a standard Z4 wheel then you could as easily use those. All you would need to do is wire them such that they provice a grounding to each wire for up and down and you eliminate any resistive component in the switch. note - I have no knowledge of SMG switching and am basing the comment on your research with Alldata

On the Steptronic it really is basic grounding as at one point I even drove the car with the 2 wires part installed to the shifter before my slip ring arrived and I could change gear simply by grounding either wire in the car. It would have been interesting to explain a crash, however I did it in a large car park...

As far as price is concerned I'd seek a complete wheel. I paid less for a brand MFSW and new paddle shift from a board member than you are quoting for a set of switches
 
Guys, the Z4 SMG paddles operate just the same as the steptronic ones, unlike the M3 SMG. Both paddles up or downshift, depending on pull / press.

I have a Z4 SMG.
 
cj10jeeper said:
I would therefore assume that if the SMG paddles can be made to physically fit to a standard Z4 wheel then you could as easily use those. All you would need to do is wire them such that they provice a grounding to each wire for up and down and you eliminate any resistive component in the switch. note - I have no knowledge of SMG switching and am basing the comment on your research with Alldata

On the Steptronic it really is basic grounding as at one point I even drove the car with the 2 wires part installed to the shifter before my slip ring arrived and I could change gear simply by grounding either wire in the car. It would have been interesting to explain a crash, however I did it in a large car park...

As far as price is concerned I'd seek a complete wheel. I paid less for a brand MFSW and new paddle shift from a board member than you are quoting for a set of switches
Click to expand...
I got the prices from my dealer as well as Tischer BMW using the P.N.s from RealOEM. I'm keeping an eye on the FS section at all times as well as doing a lot of searching the web for one. :thumbsup: Im not in a hurry at all so the last resort will be a stealership.
ZeroGravity said:
Operational wise, the driver can use either SMG paddle to up and down shift. But as to how different the wiring is between the SMG and Steptronic steering wheel, I have no idea.
Click to expand...

Reach said:
Guys, the Z4 SMG paddles operate just the same as the steptronic ones, unlike the M3 SMG. Both paddles up or downshift, depending on pull / press.

I have a Z4 SMG.
Click to expand...
Hey, thanks for the info! That answered the question about any physical function differences.
 
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