It was mid-fall in 2000 when I decided it was time to retire my E34 525i. I loved the E34 but it was time to get something sporty. I had grown to love the new E46 body style and the 330Ci was just the right combination of sport and practicality. I debated the transmission choice for a long time and decided the Steptronic was the right choice for me. I enjoy driving a manual but I wanted the convenience of an automatic because I spend a lot of time in stop and go traffic and I have the bad habit of constantly being on my cell phone in the car.

I took delivery of my 330Ci in March of 2001. I drove it every chance I had and really enjoyed the manual mode of the Steptronic transmission. Well, needless to say I could not leave well enough alone. I'll attribute this modification and the subsequent lightening of my wallet to members at www.e46fanatics.com . The 2002 E46 SMG M3 hit the market and I quickly found out, via the forums, non-M3 owners were retrofitting the SMG steering wheel to the Steptronic transmission and activating the paddle-shifters. I just had to have this modification!

I spend the next couple of months researching the materials and process involved to complete this modification. I eventually contacted the mastermind behind the modification, Vincent Seah (paddle.shift@attbi.com). Vince provided me his E46 Steptronic Paddle-Shifter Retrofit kit and I managed to locate an E46 SMG Steering wheel from Cutter Motors in California.

We all know newer BMW transmissions are highly electronically controlled, and the thought of intervening with my car's transmission and electrical system was initially very intimidating. I spent the next couple of weeks chatting with (basically interrogating) Vince regarding his retrofit kit. He was the consummate professional and answered every question with honesty and candor. After weeks of conversations and emails; I felt confident in my ability to install the retrofit and ordered the retrofit kit.

Vince shipped my kit promptly and it arrived as scheduled. Vince's retrofit kit is masterfully crafted and does not require any cutting, splicing, or modification of OEM fittings or connectors. Best of all, the retrofit is 100% reversible, just in case you completely lose your mind and decide to take it off.

The install instructions are very detailed and guide you through each step precisely. The entire install took me roughly 90 minutes and everything worked like a charm. On a scale of one to ten with (1) being less challenging and (10) being very challenging; I would rate this modification a (6). I rate it slightly above average because the installation requires several steps and involves the removal of the airbag unit and some very elementary electrical knowledge. By the way, Vince provides technical support to all of his customers just in case you run into any snags during the install.

OW! That's all I can say is WOW! I know, I know, it's not an SMG M3 or even a 5-speed but it sure is fun to shift with the paddles. This retrofit really increases the fun-factor of owning a Steptronic car and helps keep your hands where they should be when you're driving; on the wheel! The E46 Steptronic Paddle-Shifter Retrofit is easily one of my favorite modifications I have completed to my car.

I highly recommend getting the retrofit kit from Vince. He is a true professional and really stands behind his product. He has sold the kits all over the world including Singapore, Brazil, United Kingdom, Canada and of course the Unite States.. Not to mention, he is a really nice guy and a fellow BMW enthusiast that researched and labored to make this modification possible. Last I heard he finished a retrofit for an E39 5er and is working on E53 X5 and possibly E38 7er.

The E46 M3 SMG steering wheel is becoming a rarity so get your retrofit before BMWAG limits who can purchase the SMG steering wheel. I am having too much fun paddle-shifting to say much more. Drive safely!