M4 Paddle Shifter Issues

dvq · 11-08-2019, 11:36 AM

I just purchased a new to me 2018 M4 Comp with a bunch of M Performance options that were included at build/dealer installed.

Running into issues with the paddle shifters, I get random issues with the following. These are very intermittent.

- Sometimes paddle shifters sometimes don't work at all in either drive mode or sport mode. Pulling either one does nothing in either mode.
- Sometimes the upshift paddle shifter works, but the downshift paddle shifter also executes an upshift.
- The shifter stick always works regardless of drive modes.
- It has a dealer installed M Performance Electronic Steering wheel.

Does anyone know what could be the issue / common issues before I bring it into a BMW dealership. I've searched around and all I see are grounding issues and faulty connector issues leading to shift lights not working well.

Video of one of the issues:

behindthen0thing · 11-08-2019, 11:55 AM

probably a bad connection in the wheel when they installed the electric one.

SD ///M4 · 11-08-2019, 01:57 PM

That steering wheel is not the stock steering wheel, it is an M Performance steering wheel. Whoever installed that wheel must have messed something up with the paddle shifters when the new wheel was installed.

If the car was purchased from a BMW dealer I'd take it back to the dealer and have them fix it. If it was purchased anywhere else, you may have to take it to a BMW dealer or an independent and have them fix it, or attempt a DIY repair.

behindthen0thing · 11-08-2019, 03:05 PM

the paddles have electrical connectors inside behind the airbag. They are probably not fully snapped into place giving intermittent contact.

12Parsecs · 12-01-2023, 04:29 PM

Quick Question where you able to fix the problem? I have a 2016 M3 Comp that just started doing the same thing which I thought was rather weird.. Any insight you can give will be greatly appreciated!

dvq · 12-14-2023, 04:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 12Parsecs

Quick Question where you able to fix the problem? I have a 2016 M3 Comp that just started doing the same thing which I thought was rather weird.. Any insight you can give will be greatly appreciated!

Hey sorry I didn't see this till now, not a very active member anymore.

The clockspring was at fault, they replaced the clockspring and everything started working again.

M3SQRD · 12-14-2023, 05:27 PM

It could definitely be an issue with the clock spring (slip rings) that allows data to be passed from the rotating steering wheel side to the stationary steering column side. However, because the stock wheel has been replaced, there could have been installation issues.

Did it do these things as soon as you purchased the car or was it after a certain amount of time and/or mileage?

11-08-2019, 11:36 AM	#1
dvq First Lieutenant 319 Rep 317 Posts Drives: 2018 M4 Competition Join Date: Nov 2019 Location: Mountain View, CA iTrader: (1)	M4 Paddle Shifter Issues I just purchased a new to me 2018 M4 Comp with a bunch of M Performance options that were included at build/dealer installed. Running into issues with the paddle shifters, I get random issues with the following. These are very intermittent. - Sometimes paddle shifters sometimes don't work at all in either drive mode or sport mode. Pulling either one does nothing in either mode. - Sometimes the upshift paddle shifter works, but the downshift paddle shifter also executes an upshift. - The shifter stick always works regardless of drive modes. - It has a dealer installed M Performance Electronic Steering wheel. Does anyone know what could be the issue / common issues before I bring it into a BMW dealership. I've searched around and all I see are grounding issues and faulty connector issues leading to shift lights not working well. Video of one of the issues:
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11-08-2019, 11:55 AM	#2
behindthen0thing Captain 840 Rep 937 Posts Drives: M4 Join Date: Jul 2018 Location: Germany iTrader: (0)	probably a bad connection in the wheel when they installed the electric one.
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11-08-2019, 01:57 PM	#3
SD ///M4 ///Multiple 2992 Rep 4,243 Posts Drives: M4 Coupe \| M3 \| Z4M Roadster Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: San Diego, CA iTrader: (1) Garage List 2006 BMW Z4 M Roadster [8.81] 2016 BMW M4 Coupe ( ... [10.00] 2018 BMW M3 (Euro D ... [0.00] 2011 BMW 335is Coup ... [10.00]	That steering wheel is not the stock steering wheel, it is an M Performance steering wheel. Whoever installed that wheel must have messed something up with the paddle shifters when the new wheel was installed. If the car was purchased from a BMW dealer I'd take it back to the dealer and have them fix it. If it was purchased anywhere else, you may have to take it to a BMW dealer or an independent and have them fix it, or attempt a DIY repair. __________________ The Coupe: 2016 M4 \| Sakhir Orange \| Black Full Merino Leather \| CF Trim \| M-DCT \| More \| ED 5/13/16 The Sedan: 2018 M3 \| San Marino Blue \| Black Full Merino Leather \| CF Trim \| M-DCT \| ZCP \| ED 7/18/18 The Roadster: 2006 Z4 \| Interlagos Blue \| Black Extended Nappa Leather \| Carbon Leather Trim \| Purchased 7/19/12
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11-08-2019, 03:05 PM	#4
behindthen0thing Captain 840 Rep 937 Posts Drives: M4 Join Date: Jul 2018 Location: Germany iTrader: (0)	the paddles have electrical connectors inside behind the airbag. They are probably not fully snapped into place giving intermittent contact.
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12-01-2023, 04:29 PM	#5
12Parsecs Registered 0 Rep 1 Posts Drives: M3 F80 CP Join Date: Oct 2022 Location: ANNAPOLIS MD iTrader: (0)	Quick Question where you able to fix the problem? I have a 2016 M3 Comp that just started doing the same thing which I thought was rather weird.. Any insight you can give will be greatly appreciated!
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12-14-2023, 05:27 PM	#7
M3SQRD Major General 2145 Rep 5,523 Posts Drives: E92 M3,G20 330ix,F22 240iX,F82 Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Mid-Atlantic iTrader: (11)	It could definitely be an issue with the clock spring (slip rings) that allows data to be passed from the rotating steering wheel side to the stationary steering column side. However, because the stock wheel has been replaced, there could have been installation issues. Did it do these things as soon as you purchased the car or was it after a certain amount of time and/or mileage?
	Appreciate 0 Quote