BMW makes available a larger shift paddle size for the E46 M3 w/ SMG II.
Note:
Some owners report that their E46 M3's came from the factory with the larger
paddles already installed. So if you're interested in upgrading, you should
make sure which paddles you have first.
When I went to pick up a pair of the larger paddles at the dealer I thought there had been
a mistake, as they looked identical to the smaller version paddles already on the car.
I "expected" that the paddles would be larger in
the up/down direction. I don't know why, that's just how I imagined they would be.
But the larger paddles have the same height, it's the width that is
larger. This difference is highlighted by the orange circles
in the photo on the left.
The change seems small but is quite noticeable when driving.
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The difference in shape between the small and large paddles can more easily
be seen from the "backside". The larger paddles come closer to the rim of
the steering wheel so that your fingers don't have to reach out as far
to execute a shift. With your hands at the 3/9 o'clock positions you can
rest one or two fingers on each paddle while driving. This makes "paddle-shifting"
quite effortless and a lot of fun. I was originally worried that the larger paddles
might get in the way when you really have to work the steering wheel (such as when
auto-crossing) but this proved not to be the case.
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The SMG paddles are quite easy to swap out. It's a 5 minute job.
The paddles are held onto the back of the steering wheel spokes
with small screws as shown to the right. You just need to make sure
that you have an Allen wrench that is the correct size. A long
"T-handle" Allen wrench makes the job even easier. You won't have
to mess with the micro-switches in the spokes as the paddles simply
rest against them - they are not attached to them. This will make more
sense when you're in there doing the swap.
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A new pair of larger paddles lists for about $120 at the dealer, but
depending on where you go you should be able to get them for under $100.
The following are the part numbers:
p/n 32-34-7-891-003 (small)
p/n 32-34-7-891-004 (large)
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Click here
for a screen capture from the ETK showing the paddles...
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