Nelson Racing Wheel Paddle Review Carbon Fiber Set

matreyia

Major
Apr 19, 2017
1,780
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335i e93
Car Model: 2009 e93 335i (convertible)

Craftsmanship - excellent, precise.

Ease of installation: medium, must be careful of fragile wires, connectors, flying parts and leverage when pulling out lock pins from old paddles.

Personal Opinions: Much better than stock feel now that the old symmetrical shifters have been divided into left and right up and down shifting in my pre-LCI car. Looks better than stock chrome paddles.

Time Install: 2.5 hrs. Due to unforeseen details and problems unique to my car.

Notes:
1. you may have to use glue to keep paddles in place even though they are machined exactly to fit the adapter branches. Mine came off after a few shifts. I will use gorilla glue later tonight to secure them permanently.
2. Wiring for retrofit shift pattern needs to be clarified. Better photos, orientation, etc. I followed them exactly and still got the wires wrong so had to test each wire after installing into steering wheel without airbag. I connected the battery, and switched a wire, then start the car and tried to shift…did this until all wires were correctly connected. As it is now, on my specific car, the wire instructions did not work.
3. Do not attempt to connect airbag with power live in your car. There is a chance that the bag will activate due to sudden electrical jolting.

Satisfaction level:
Very satisfied. Would buy again if i had another BMW.
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doublespaces

Administrator
Oct 18, 2016
9,303
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AZ
Ride
2009 E93 335i
Can you show what it looks like on the back of the paddle? I'm curious how it seats into the steering wheel recession
 

matreyia

Major
Apr 19, 2017
1,780
711
0
Ride
335i e93
Can you show what it looks like on the back of the paddle? I'm curious how it seats into the steering wheel recession

It uses your original paddle base so fits in fine. There may be need for a supplied washer, but otherwise, these same as stock.
 
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Torgus

Brigadier General
Nov 6, 2016
2,671
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Boston
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ACF 6466 E92 + METH
Using glue is kind of shitty imo. But I guess it is what it is.

They look nice.
 

matreyia

Major
Apr 19, 2017
1,780
711
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335i e93
Using glue is kind of shitty imo. But I guess it is what it is.

They look nice.

I'm pretty sure there are numerous areas on your car and in Ferraris, Lambos etc that use glue. No issue and you would never know if I don't point it out.
 
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Torgus

Brigadier General
Nov 6, 2016
2,671
2,194
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Boston
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ACF 6466 E92 + METH
I'm pretty sure there are numerous areas on your car and in Ferraris, Lambos etc that use glue. No issue and you would never know if I don't point it out.

I get that, body filler, etc. But if you have to glue your paddle shifters it should be known ahead of time. Other than using epoxy to secure led rings I have never used it on a car part. Speaking of which a simple 5m epoxy will be better than gorilla glue OP imo.
 

matreyia

Major
Apr 19, 2017
1,780
711
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335i e93
I get that, body filler, etc. But if you have to glue your paddle shifters it should be known ahead of time. Other than using epoxy to secure led rings I have never used it on a car part. Speaking of which a simple 5m epoxy will be better than gorilla glue OP imo.

Epoxy is hard core. I don't think this needs epoxy. Just a tiny bit to lock in place...these paddles ain't going anywhere...they will break before detaching.
 
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Snelson3003

Sergeant
Nov 7, 2016
325
199
0
Denver
www.nelsonracingwheel.com
Ride
2010 BMW 135i
Sometimes the CNC we use is off by a few MM's - we recently had a whole batch come back measuring .2mm off which under a presser fitting like our setup and the sheer tolerance we have moved to ensure all kits are pre-made prior to shipment.

They will be coming attached to the NRW adapters now to prevent additional steps for our customers. :)

Also Matreyia thank you for the honest review :)
 

Jeffman

Major
Jan 7, 2017
1,618
1
628
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Steve @Snelson3003,
I personally like the 2008 stock paddles but would love to cover the hard leather with something more grippy like Alcantara or squishy leather, etc. What are my options, Steve? Feel free to PM me.
Thanks. Edit for update.
 
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