Dct shifter retrofit f30

tunvu

Lurker
Jun 26, 2025
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The emulator for retrofitting the GWS from M cars is now working pretty solidly. However, I’ll need to redesign the PCB to meet automotive-grade standards, as the current prototype uses a CAN filter board from China that isn’t safe enough — it’s missing key protections like fuses and TVS diodes, and uses cheap components such as a low-quality LDO (which runs quite hot when stepping down from 12V to 5V), as well as generic ICs, resistors, and capacitors. I’ve recently redesigned the PCB with many enhancements to improve safety, reliability, and performance.
  • Watchdog timer: Automatically resets the system if it freezes for more than 0.5 seconds
  • Dual adapter design: Two modules operate independently on PT-CAN and PT-CAN2; the system remains functional even if one fails
  • TVS diode protection: Protects against overvoltage and load dump conditions
  • PTC fuse protection: Prevents damage from overcurrent
  • High-efficiency voltage regulator: For stable and efficient power supply
  • Original STM32 and CAN transceivers: Ensures reliability and performance
  • Compatible with both DCT and ZF GWS units: A physical switch allows you to toggle between modes
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tunvu

Lurker
Jun 26, 2025
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Here’s another project I’ve completed, in case anyone’s interested.
G series touch climate
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Night vision 3
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gesture control
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KClemente

Sergeant
Nov 26, 2019
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Ride
E90 335i
@tunvu will you release a diy and emulator for the gesture control? I retrofitted an NBT_EVO on my M6 and would love that.
 

tunvu

Lurker
Jun 26, 2025
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@tunvu will you release a diy and emulator for the gesture control? I retrofitted an NBT_EVO on my M6 and would love that.
I’ve prepared a pre-wired kit — it’s fully plug & play. The only thing you’ll need is the roof light bracket from a BMW G-Series. Just install it on your headliner and reupholster the area afterward.

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taro

New Member
Jan 24, 2025
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I am looking forward to the release of the emulator.I can't wait for it to be released.I will definitely buy it.
 
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ccfj1

Specialist
Jul 26, 2018
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bmw e92 n55 335i Sport manual
Nice one, looks like you have a working solution...

Does the module go bvetween the GWS and the car?
 
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tunvu

Lurker
Jun 26, 2025
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Nice one, looks like you have a working solution...

Does the module go bvetween the GWS and the car?
yes, my adapter sits between the GWS and the car, and it has two main functions:

- It translates CAN bus data from the car’s transmission to DCT format before sending it to the GWS.
- It also translates CAN data from the f8x GWS into standard shifter format and sends it back to the car’s transmission.
 

ccfj1

Specialist
Jul 26, 2018
68
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0
UK
Ride
bmw e92 n55 335i Sport manual
yes, my adapter sits between the GWS and the car, and it has two main functions:

- It translates CAN bus data from the car’s transmission to DCT format before sending it to the GWS.
- It also translates CAN data from the f8x GWS into standard shifter format and sends it back to the car’s transmission.

Cool, Looks like a neat install too. I like the idea of the park button/2sec gear select), Good luck :)

The version I have done (pretty much finished now) does not do this, as I though it might be a failure point, (as you say getting automotive components is a nightmare), it just reads the GWS MT/DCT selection and then powers the LED panel with the correct function, I have made it for both M and non M cars, as the Led panel is the weak point of the gws selector.

I've done a small run of custom boards, so should be able to supply a few for any forum members,
 

ccfj1

Specialist
Jul 26, 2018
68
59
0
UK
Ride
bmw e92 n55 335i Sport manual
yes, my adapter sits between the GWS and the car, and it has two main functions:

- It translates CAN bus data from the car’s transmission to DCT format before sending it to the GWS.
- It also translates CAN data from the f8x GWS into standard shifter format and sends it back to the car’s transmission.

Cool, Looks like a neat install too. I like the idea of the park button/2sec gear select), Good luck :)

The version I have done (pretty much finished now) does not do this, as I though it might be a failure point, (as you say getting automotive components is a nightmare), it just reads the GWS MT/DCT from 0X197 and 0X3FD selection and then powers the LED panel with the correct function, I have made it for both M and non M cars, as the Led panel is the weak point of the gws selector.

I've done a small run of custom boards, so should be able to supply a few for any forum members,

Here is a quick video of the working adapter.


Same Adapter/Emulator (just a mode change), for non M gws (fixing the failed LED check from oem GWS).

 
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tunvu

Lurker
Jun 26, 2025
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I’ve received and tested the PCB — it works flawlessly, and I’ll be ready to ship in a few days. Thanks to SMT, I was able to use the smallest components for my circuit. It’s only about the size of car remote battery., but it includes all the components needed for safe and durable performance.
IMG_2272.JPEG

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taro

New Member
Jan 24, 2025
2
1
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I’ve received and tested the PCB — it works flawlessly, and I’ll be ready to ship in a few days. Thanks to SMT, I was able to use the smallest components for my circuit. It’s only about the size of car remote battery., but it includes all the components needed for safe and durable performance.
View attachment 114168
View attachment 114165View attachment 114166
It's great.I am eagerly awaiting this.
Do you have any plans to sell them?Can you tell me where I can purchase them?
 

tunvu

Lurker
Jun 26, 2025
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Cool, Looks like a neat install too. I like the idea of the park button/2sec gear select), Good luck :)

The version I have done (pretty much finished now) does not do this, as I though it might be a failure point, (as you say getting automotive components is a nightmare), it just reads the GWS MT/DCT from 0X197 and 0X3FD selection and then powers the LED panel with the correct function, I have made it for both M and non M cars, as the Led panel is the weak point of the gws selector.

I've done a small run of custom boards, so should be able to supply a few for any forum members,

Here is a quick video of the working adapter.


Same Adapter/Emulator (just a mode change), for non M gws (fixing the failed LED check from oem GWS).

The problem with retrofitting the F80 gear selector isn’t just the missing D LED indicator — it’s also the inability to switch the transmission to Sport mode, no manual gear shifting, no Launch Control, and no Parking button functionality. The logic required to maintain the transmission in D/S and M/S modes is quite complicated.
 

tunvu

Lurker
Jun 26, 2025
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I've finally completed the final product and it's ready for shipping. Everything is pre-wired, fully plug-and-play, with no need to modify the car's original harness. The two modules will operate in perfect sync, compatible with both M DCT and M ZF gear selectors — just toggle the switch on the emulator. By default, it's set to DCT mode.
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