Apparently, magnetic paddle shifters have been popular in racing simulations for a while, and now they are available for road cars. I say “apparently” because the closest I’ve gotten to a racing simulation is Mario Kart [laughs]. Kies Motorsports was kind enough to send me a pair of these magnetic paddles by JQ Werks & Madtrace.
If you’re wondering what a magnetic paddle shifter does or why you would want them, they use a magnet to give you a satisfying, tactile click when you shift gears. It’s a much better experience than the stock BMW paddles that use a mushy rubber membrane for resistance.
Inside the box, you’ve got your paddle modules with the paddles pre-installed. I opted for the matte carbon, but for those looking for an OEM+ look, aluminum paddles are available as well. Also in the box are a pair of smaller paddles for a more subtle look, plus the necessary hardware for installation.
Tools required:
- 10mm socket
- T-20 Torx
Install time:
1 hour
Step 1
Disconnect the negative battery terminal.
Step 2
Remove the airbag by pressing in the pins on the underside of the wheel while pulling out on the airbag itself. I find that an Allen wrench works best for this. Disconnect the airbag wiring harness.
Step 3
Remove the steering wheel trim. It’s held on with three T-20 Torx screws. The third is on the back side on the bottom.
Step 4
Remove the T-20 Torx screws to remove the paddles and disconnect them from their harnesses.
Step 5
Install the new paddles and plug them in. Note that the thread pitch on magnetic paddles is different than the stock ones, so be sure to use the hardware included in the kit. DO NOT try to force the stock hardware in.
Step 6
Reinstall everything in reverse order. Enjoy your new magnetic paddles!
Compatibility
BMW F Chassis
- M2/M2C | F87
- M3/M4 | F80/F81/F82/F83
- X5M/X6M | F85/F86
- Non-M 1 Series | F20/F21/F52
- Non-M 2 Series | F22/F23/F45/F46/
- Non-M 3 Series | F30/F31/F34/F35
- Non-M 4 Series | F32/F33/F36
- Non-M X3/X4 Series| F25/F26
- Non-M X5/X6 Series | F15/F16
- X1 | F48/F49
- i8 | I12/I15
BMW G Chassis (Some F Chassis Included)
- M2/M3/M4 | G87/G80/G82/G83
- M5 | F90
- M8 | F91/F92
- X3M/X4M | F97/F98
- X5M/X6M | F95/F96
- Non-M 1 Series | F40
- Non-M 2 Series | G42/G44
- Non-M 3 Series | G20/G21/G28
- Non-M 4 Series | G22/G23/G26
- Non-M 5 Series | G30/G31/G38/F90 M5
- Non-M 8 Series | G14/G15/G16
- Non-M X3/X4 Series | G01/G02/G08
- Non-M X5/X6 Series | G05/G06
- 7 Series | G11/G12
- X7 | G07
- Z4 | G29
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