Man, I love my new A4, but after driving a friend's A3.... I think I want to add shift paddles. Hopefully without it costing a bloody fortune.

Is there a good source for the parts? I figure there can't be much to them (a couple pieces of plastic, 2 buttons and some wires?), but hey - it's Audi, so it can't be TOO cheap, right?

If I can find the parts for a good price, is it a DIY install?

 

This is a write up I posted on AZ a little while back...


Here's how non S-Line Tip owners can retrofit paddle shifters to their B7 A4s. It is a
fairly straightforward process. The installation process is done in two distinct phases
- removal/installation of steering wheel and VAG-COM programming. It requires handling of
the driver side airbag, so if you're not comfortable with this, don't do this mod. I
installed the new wheel before VAG-ging the car, but you could probably it the other way
around. Special thanks to A4_Cabrio on AZ for helping me with the part numbers.


Part Number: 8P0 419 091 BM TNA


There are (at least) a couple variants out there, including one with chrome paddles. I was
told by two different places that availability of the wheel with chrome paddles was on at
least 8 weeks out. This one is for a 3-spoke semi-perforated multi-function wheel.

You should also be able to use the S-Line/S4 steering wheel. The differences, from what I
can tell, is that it is fully perforated and has red stiching. It runs ~$100 more and
requires you to also buy a small ~$35 S-Line or S4 badge for the wheel.

==============================

Parts used
3/8" drive torque wrench
12mm Triple Square (1/2" hex drive)
1/2" hex socket (used with triple square)
16mm hex socket (for battery terminal disconnect)
Torx T-20 bit and driver

Small flat head screw driver
3/8" drive socket wrench
3/8" to 1/4" socket adapter (for Torx bit)

<img src="http://i1.tinypic.com/x3hj84.gif">





Phase 1: Steering Wheel Removal/Installation
1) Using a small flat head screw driver (or other similar instrument), remove the 2 airbag
screw covers on the back of the steering wheel. The screw covers are most easily accessed
when the wheel is turned 90 degrees off center in both directions.

<img src="http://i1.tinypic.com/x3hjqh.gif">



2) Once the screw covers are removed, center the wheel and shut off the car

3) Lock the steering column in place (just move it until it locks)

4) Disconnect Battery. I used the 16mm socket and disconnected the negative side only

5) Remove the 2 airbag screws using a Torx T-20 bit and pull airbag gently away from
steering wheel

6) Disconnect the the airbag connector by pulling the purple part towards you and squeeze
the multi-function button connectors on the bottom right.

<img src="http://i2.tinypic.com/x3hkex.gif" border="0">



7) Using the 12mm triple square, remove the screw holding the steering wheel in
place.

8) Pull off steering wheel and set aside. Here's a picture of the old wheel next to the new one

<img src="http://i1.tinypic.com/x3slk1.gif">


&lt;!-- &lt;img src="http://i3.tinypic.com/x3hmjl.gif" border="0"&gt; --&gt;


9) Reinstall new steering wheel by following these steps in reverse. I used a tightening
torque of 37 ft-lbs for the triplesqure. There are 2 standoffs on the steering column that
can be used as a guide when putting on the new wheel.


10) Reconnect battery terminal.

Lots of things may not work initially (e.g. remote windows, key fobs) but give it
a few minutes. I had to reset the one-touch windows in order to get the remote window
up/down feature to work and I had to insert each of my key fobs and start the car for the
car to recognize the fobs.


==============================

Phase 2: VAG-COM Programming

1) Connect VAG cable to car and open controller 16 - Steering Wheel.

2) Select Recode - 07

3) Write down original softcoding. For my car, it was 02042

4) To enable the paddle shift buttons, change the 3 digit from right from a "0" to a "1"
(i.e. 02042 --&gt; 02142) and click on "Do It". The latest version of the VAG-COM includes a
label file that deciphers the coding on this controller.

<img src="http://i3.tinypic.com/x3iyys.gif">

5) Close controller. And go test the car.

Note: When you scan your car, you'll likely to see multiple fault codes all relating to low
terminal voltage. You may also have problems initially reading the ABS controller.


Finished installation:
<img src="http://i1.tinypic.com/x3sozs.gif" border="0">

 

Yes, it's an easy DIY install. just a bit expensive since it requires a new steering wheel

 

yikes. no way to buy the paddles separately?? geeez.

uh.... anyone try making their own paddles?

 

thanks

 

Would this be the same for a C6 A6? any new wiring needed?

 

same install for the C6 loving the paddles no need for "D" anymore!

 

Best mode I've done. I was amazed on how the car was able to use the new steering wheel with just a change in programming.
You can find a steering wheel with paddle shifter for a couple of hundred bucks. Make sure you get the one with as many spokes as the one you have or you'll have to buy a new airbag too.

My first steering wheel with paddles was platinum and I had it dyed black - never had an issue with the color.

BTW: I'm A4_Cabrio from AZ. Since I dont have the cabrio anymore I'm registered as A4_turbo on other forums.

 

mksap11, thanks for sharing your mod. I'm curious if your airbag from the non-paddle 3-spoke MF wheel worked in the paddled 3-spoke MF wheel. In other words, if all you need is the new wheel. I've heard in various places that the airbag is different.

 

nope airbag is the same