Adding M3 Paddle Shifters to S4

[Xtremjeepn-Cole Ford]

So I got the paddles a couple of days ago and decided to take a break from my resto-mod crew cab tow rig project and do some initial test fitting of the paddles for you guys last night.[:D] Besides, until we finish the body and paint I was at a stopping point.

http://a890.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/43/l_2c826c95177be3f5cddc261851d25279.jpg


Okay, back on subject. These BMW M3 shifters are only $100 for everything. You could probably retrofit just about anycar with a bit of work. My S4 already had "buttons" but there is a reason everyone moved to "paddles" (and to do it with facotry Audi parts is over $1,500:eek: )

Disconnect the battery!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Take the airbag out. It is only 2 T-30 torx screws and 1 plug.

Behind the wheel you will see that there are 3 spokes (duh) made of metal and ALL the surrounding material is a foam rubber material. (Please forgive the dirty car, I have been very busy with other projects)

http://a583.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/30/l_e78823e476abec26226d74fcba833396.jpg

I took an exacto knife and cut a hole in the foam for the paddle to mount in. The paddle mounts are mirror images of each other. I took the (-) left one, flipped it over and traced it as close as I could where the right (+) paddle will go. The nice thing is the piece comes out in a perfect "cookie cutter" mold. When I was done test fitting last night I put the piece back and it looks like it was never cut out.


http://a782.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/31/l_480a97e9d8fe89d5e6253083aeac8705.jpg

The paddle mount without the paddle will slip through the hole. You have to attache the paddle on the back side. This is where I stopped last night. I seem to be missing the one and only drill pit I needed to mount them. You can see there are 2 holes at the bottom of the paddle mount. Those line up perfectly with the metal spoke on the steering wheel. I just need to drill and tap the holes to permanently mount them. (nice that they came with the screws too.).

The paddle bolt in the picture is not all the way in since I was just test fitting.

http://a724.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/32/l_d0328a7c70a904544507ee8b5fc85edb.jpg


From the back side you will be able to just barely see the hinge. I doubt anyone will every really see it since it is on the back side, but I think I am going to paint them black and maybe create a little rubber seal just to make it totally factory and blend.

http://a777.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/23/l_4d3b9cf328b3d7113e066a7f6c6fe158.jpg


I still need to figure out the wiring and if I am going to do anything at all with the buttons. I still kind of like being able to just cruise with 1 hand on the wheel and up/down shift so I may just leave them working.

This is just a quick shot of what it will look like. The airbag is just sitting in there in this shot. There are all kinds of companies making custom BMW paddles. So I may replace these levers with brushed aluminum ones to match the rest of the car.

http://a554.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/12/l_8609721abc2f336338dadffc64f543d9.jpg

[scottycards]

Cole-
Nice writeup. :thumbsup:

How is the transmission in the S4? Do you like it? I've not driven one, so the only experience I have is with the BMW SMG transmission, and I thought that was excellent- when you clicked it, it shifted- no matter what- a true manual.

Is the Audi the same way? I've driven the new C6 Vettes with the paddles, and although they're fine, they do not "shift no matter what" when you click the paddle. So if you really want 100% control of the shifts, you have to have the manual tranny.

I'd be interested to hear your impressions of the S4 setup. They still running that short gear that makes the car essentially rev-out at about 140 or so? I used to be turning about 6200RPM at 140, although the car had plenty left, and was considering the RS4 trans swap to get up into the 160MPH range. But is was silly $$$, so I never did it.

[Xtremjeepn-Cole Ford]

The paddles just seem to make more sense to people (feel sportier) than the buttons.

If you do the right things to the car the TIP is just as much fun as the 6 speed. You are welcome to come check mine out.

We have done a little work to it:rolleyes:

Full stage 3 car (here is an actual picture of my motor, they made posters from it)

http://a547.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/01508/64/56/1508206546_l.jpg


I also added a snub mount, RS4 motor mounts, Drive trail stabilizer and H&R Ultra Coilovers. The car is solid as a rock!!!!!! Does just fine in the corners with the TIP.

FWIW in "TIP" mode if you hold down on the button/lever and hit the gas it will downshift. So if you want 1st coming out of a corner this is how you get it.

A tip chip and recoding the transmission to 00032 (sport code) does wonders too.

[Xtremjeepn-Cole Ford]

Cole-
Nice writeup. :thumbsup:

How is the transmission in the S4? Do you like it? I've not driven one, so the only experience I have is with the BMW SMG transmission, and I thought that was excellent- when you clicked it, it shifted- no matter what- a true manual.

Is the Audi the same way? I've driven the new C6 Vettes with the paddles, and although they're fine, they do not "shift no matter what" when you click the paddle. So if you really want 100% control of the shifts, you have to have the manual tranny.

I'd be interested to hear your impressions of the S4 setup. They still running that short gear that makes the car essentially rev-out at about 140 or so? I used to be turning about 6200RPM at 140, although the car had plenty left, and was considering the RS4 trans swap to get up into the 160MPH range. But is was silly $$$, so I never did it.



It's still a slushbox, unlike the BMW SMG which is a true gearbox. I have tested it on the twisties and frankly it will do everything you need it to do. If it won't give you the gear there is a reason. Meaning if you downshifted in a manual at that point you would just be locking up the wheels and sliding out of control or something similar. :D

The biggest problem is overcoming 20+ years of driving either a manual or an auto. The learning curve to drive in "semi-auto" is steeper than you may think. I think most people hate the gearbox simply because they never REALLY learn to drive it well.

IF will hold all the way to redline, but if you get into the redline, it will shift. It will downshift anywhere you want it to within the actual limits of the RPM. Meaning that if you are trying to grab first and first would be 7,500 RPM it won't give it to you.

The audi has some sort of cornering sensor so that it won't auto upshift in a corner.

I think a lot of times people blame the transmission instead of their lack of using it right. I am still figuring it out. :D

[scottycards]

That's aweome, man. I don't evny your checkbook. I did the APR Stage III on my A4. Went with the H&R springs- I didn't do the coilovers. I bet that puppy is on RAILS!

Clean! And paddles are cooler than buttons. Nice mod.

Edit: On the trans- I bet you're correct on the learning curve for the trans. I just drove the Vette for a brief period, it didn't shift exactly like a manual, and I lost interest. Good point. With patience and learning, I'd bet you can get good lap times.

[Xtremjeepn-Cole Ford]

Thanks man.


FWIW to anyone that is listening I have a set of Nuespeed springs and S4 shocks available...only $150 and they are yours;)

[Xtremjeepn-Cole Ford]

Tip-chip+00032 code will help that a bit.

[Xtremjeepn-Cole Ford]

The "TIP-CHIP" is a chip for the transmission control unit from GIAC.

The (00032) code is the soft coding in your transmission. It can be changed with VAG-COM. I have one and can change it for you. Just search "0032" on Audi World and you should find plenty of info on it.


Here is the best picture I have of my car with those Nuespeed springs on it. Those wheels are 18x8 with 225s on them for reference.

http://a18.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/01508/71/01/1508261017_l.jpg

[scottycards]

Zuffa-
If you haven't lowered your A4/S4, do it. You'll be glad. There is a pic of my old A4 in my gallery with the H&R springs on 18's as well. Makes the car handle great, and look killer.

[Xtremjeepn-Cole Ford]

There are 2 chips in a TIP car. 1 in the ECM and 1 in the TCM. The Revo flash they did was to the ECM. The TIP-CHIP goes in the TCM(transmission control module) plus you can change the facotry soft coding.

[lilgreenjeepyj]

How does it compare to the VW DSG??? It looks interesting, and how well did they work out?? Solid enough mounting?

[Xtremjeepn-Cole Ford]

I have not actually finished mounting them yet. Most of my time is dedicated to the truck at the moment.

DSG is a generation after my transmission. No comparison really.