Retrofitting DSG Paddle Shift Multifunction Steering Wheel to 118TSI?

[kimiraikkonen1a]

I was quite disappointed when buying my 118TSI DSG that the paddle shift steering was not an option here in Aus. I've heard that it is possible to retrofit the Paddle shift multifunction steering wheel and am exploring this as an option but was wondering if anybody has managed to do so successfully and how they went about it? I've found the scirocco steering wheel on ebay which is pretty much the same as the MK6 GTI wheel just without the red stitching and GTI logo, which should fit the MK6 golf.

[glennbot]

My Father in-law has a Passat CC which has an identical steering wheel to my 118TSI.
It has Flappy Paddles but there seems to be a larger gap between the back of the s/wheel and the indicators/lights arm to allow for the paddles.
This might mean you would need to replace the indicator/lights arms as well.

Can anyone else confirm my observation?

The DSG gear box is great but the 'D' mode tries to select top gear too quickly and 'S' mode holds gears too long and revs the engine too high. IMO a manual paddle shift would be a perfect solution.

[Lima]

I know Lennock VW here in Canberra offered retrofit wheels for Mk5s, so can only assume it is possible on Mk6s as well. IIRC their price was a bit under $1200.

You could probably do it cheaper yourself by getting a wheel via eBay, but you'd need a VW service tech (independent or dealer) to activate the airbag, presumably.

[kimiraikkonen1a]

The DSG gear box is great but the 'D' mode tries to select top gear too quickly and 'S' mode holds gears too long and revs the engine too high. IMO a manual paddle shift would be a perfect solution.

My thoughts exactly! In "D" mode you just dont get the instantaneous acceleration you crave as it tries to hold the high gear before realising you actually want to move and then it downshifts. I notice this especially when trying to overtake, there is just that 1-2 seconds where nothing really happens before it downshifts and sometimes makes overtaking a little tricky. The paddle shifters would alleviate this problem as they are always active even in "D" mode.

[STV4SYT]

In all honesty, given the hassle it will take to retro fit the Paddles, its not worth doing. I have had them for the past 2 years and i use them occasionally, but i could quite happily live without them. I prefer using the Sequential on the actual shifter a lot of the time.

[Corey_R]

I prefer using the Sequential on the actual shifter a lot of the time.

I personally can't get used to the fact that VW have the sequential on the actual shifter the wrong way up!
Everyone who's ever driven a real sequential (instead of an 'automated manual' such as the DSG or 'tiptronic automatic') knows that pull back for up, push forward for down. All race cars (and airplanes yokes!) are that way! What is wrong VW! lol :D

[MurphyTheElf]

I personally can't get used to the fact that VW have the sequential on the actual shifter the wrong way up!
Everyone who's ever driven a real sequential (instead of an 'automated manual' such as the DSG or 'tiptronic automatic') knows that pull back for up, push forward for down. All race cars (and airplanes yokes!) are that way! What is wrong VW! lol :D

Totally right! I just had an argument with a mate of mine in the passenger seat about the shifting direction. He was saying the Golf shifter made more sense than his Ford. I still can't believe I was actually arguing FOR a Ford! I think I brought him around to my way of thinking. When accelerating, your body is thrown back into the seat, so your natural movement is to pull. When braking, you are thrown forward, forcing you to push. Ergonomic logic versus visual logic.

[logger]

My thoughts exactly! In "D" mode you just dont get the instantaneous acceleration you crave as it tries to hold the high gear before realising you actually want to move and then it downshifts. I notice this especially when trying to overtake, there is just that 1-2 seconds where nothing really happens before it downshifts and sometimes makes overtaking a little tricky. The paddle shifters would alleviate this problem as they are always active even in "D" mode.
Might be simpler and cheaper to get an ECU remap. Try one of the free trials and see if it gets rid of the lag for you. I reckon it will. Nothing to loose.

[logger]

I personally can't get used to the fact that VW have the sequential on the actual shifter the wrong way up! Do your reckon we could lobby to have the accelerator pedal sense reversed as well? :banana:

More seriously though, imagine if you could reverse the tiptoronic sense with some vag-com coding. Unlikely though. I just pulled the top off my gear selector and unfortunately there is a fair bit of circuitry stuck on that little mother making it not for the faint hearted. Otherwise I had envisiaged simply reversing respective T+ & T- contact wires to reverse the sense.

[obiwan]

I personally can't get used to the fact that VW have the sequential on the actual shifter the wrong way up!
Everyone who's ever driven a real sequential (instead of an 'automated manual' such as the DSG or 'tiptronic automatic') knows that pull back for up, push forward for down. All race cars (and airplanes yokes!) are that way! What is wrong VW! lol :D

Ah, so its not just me. I assumed it would be the other way too, and occasionally I do move it the wrong way. If you want to break a fall, you instinctively push your hands forward, its the natural thing to do.

Also, is it just me, or do the paddles seem slower to respond than the gear stick? I seem to get a more spirited drive using the shifter rather than the paddles.

[vwlovr]

Hi there,
I have always dreamed of getting a DSG gearbox with steering wheel paddle shifters. However, it looks like the 118TSI (the only one I can afford) does not offer this as an option...
I have never tried driving with steering wheel paddle shifters and was wondering if anyone could give their opinion whether shifters were better/worse than the gearshift?

Also, is it possible to install shifters on the 118TSI ?

Thanks again !

[MariusGT]

I find the paddle shifting more accessible as both hands stay on the wheel- however coming out of a tight bend the paddles are awkward- and those are the times I use the gear leaver to shift up.

A friend who drives an R36 w DSG doesn't like or use the paddles at all. He uses the gear leaver only if he is in manual mode.

The other big plus on the paddles is you don't have to shift the leaver accross to manual for down/up shifting. Tapping the paddles engages manual until it feels you start coasting along again- at which point auto "D" or "S" is re-engaged. OR you can press and hold the UP + paddle on the right and that will turn off manual mode.

ie: you can do it all without lifting your left hand off the wheel to push across to manual and back again.

As for installing on the 118tsi I have no idea. It may be an option but I've not heard anyone mention it.

Hope that helps.

[hoi polloi]

Also, is it possible to install shifters on the 118TSI ?


When taking a GTI on a test drive I lamented to the salesman that the paddle shifters weren't on offer on garden variety Golfs with DSG... He said that yes, they are available but they're not cheap - he said "around $2000"...

Regards,
- Anthony.

[ozgti]

Anything further to retrofitting paddles to the 118?

[nau]

if u makes u feel better on my GTI I tried to use the paddles and its highly uncomfortable they just a little bit to small for anything but the straight road...
still use the gear stick a lot more

maybe just me but thats how it is...
on the other hand driving my GF car (honda jazz) always use the paddles coz they just a bit bigger and if you move yr hands around the wheel u still can easily find them... to bad Jazz sux : )

[cameron4290]

When i ordered my 118TSI (Manual, but test drove a DSG version as its all they had) i asked why it didnt have any and the dealer said its a ~$1100 option to have them fitted. Im guessing its a factory option, but never asked so its only guess.

[Corey_R]

When i ordered my 118TSI (Manual, but test drove a DSG version as its all they had) i asked why it didnt have any and the dealer said its a ~$1100 option to have them fitted. Im guessing its a factory option, but never asked so its only guess.

I've you're talking about the paddles - they'd be a dealer fit accessory (or maybe just done via spare parts from the GTI etc). It's definitely not a factory option.

[mr gee]

paddles are available in some markets I think UK and singapore where they are sold as golf sports.

I myself don't use them much ( I have a TT and previously, a Civic Sport). when I need to change down like in tight corners, I just use the "s" mode.

[prise]

Do they move with the steering wheel or are they fixed? Fixed ones would be a pain.

[MkVIGTI]

The paddle shifters on the GTI will move with the steering wheel

[Brian]

Reading another thread, I've noticed a lot of interest in after-market paddles for the GTI. Does anyone know if it's possible to retro fit paddles to the 118TSI DSG? I enjoy manual mode, even via the gear lever, but would love to have the paddles. :cool:

Brian

[Corey_R]

Reading another thread, I've noticed a lot of interest in after-market paddles for the GTI. Does anyone know if it's possible to retro fit paddles to the 118TSI DSG? I enjoy manual mode, even via the gear lever, but would love to have the paddles. :cool:

Brian

There were already two other threads on this exact same topic. I've merged all three. Read back to find your answer :)

[andrewj]

Noticed on the VWA website that paddles are a dealer fitted option now for Trendline and Comfortline models.
See page 6 of the Specifications pdf (the specification pdf was only updated last month I think).
http://www.volkswagen.com.au/etc/medialib/vwcms/virtualmaster/en_au/new_cars/golf/pricing___specifications.Par.0031.File.pdf/golf_brochure_specifications.pdf

I sent an email to VWA asking about pricing, but they said to ask my dealer. I asked two dealers and they didn't even know it was an option now and as such do not know the price.

Checked the Skoda site and its a $190 option for the Octavia and in NZ it's a $300NZ option for their Golfs.
So I would HOPE that it is a similar price here is AUS.

[Corey_R]

They always have been a dealer fit accessory. It's about $1100 in Australia by the time you have them fitted (from a dealer this is). (again, read back in this thread - it's only 2 pages....)

[Syd118TSI]

Nice find... If the price is reasonable I'd consider it :)

[andrewj]

They always have been a dealer fit accessory. It's about $1100 in Australia by the time you have them fitted (from a dealer this is). (again, read back in this thread - it's only 2 pages....)

Relax...
I'm just pointing out that the latest pdf shows it as an option NOW.
I do not think it was previously there in the older spec pdf.
Both dealers I asked said that previously it was a $1200 ish option, and they did not realise that it was actually listed now on the website.
Neither one could give me a price. I'm still waiting from them to come back.
I can't see why it should now be $1200 if Skoda has it for $190 and NZ Golfs are $300NZ.

[Corey_R]

Relax...
I'm just pointing out that the latest pdf shows it as an option NOW.
I do not think it was previously there in the older spec pdf.
Both dealers I asked said that previously it was a $1200 ish option, and they did not realise that it was actually listed now on the website.
Neither one could give me a price. I'm still waiting from them to come back.
I can't see why it should now be $1200 if Skoda has it for $190 and NZ Golfs are $300NZ.

I'm very relaxed, thanks for asking.

It is not an option, it's an accessory - important difference.

And yes, it was previously there in the older Golf specification documents. It was not listed in the brochures which were specific to the Trendline/Comfortline, but was present in the brochures which covered the specifications for the entire Golf line including the GTI (the PDF I'm looking at was saved onto my computer in December 2009, and the GTD and R weren't out then obviously).

As for dealers not knowing about the specs in the brochures... no comment ;) :)

[Syd118TSI]

For $11-1200 not worth it in my opinion. Getting close to the NZ price and I'd be interested again.

[Ryan_R]

I wonder if you could acquire the parts cheaper and either DIY or visit someone like Volkspower...

[Ryan_R]

Bit of a bump (and a double-post), but here's what Burwin VW had to say:



Thank you for your enquiry.

I have been advised by Volkswagen Australia that this accessory is still under development and has not yet been released to the public.

The release date has yet to be determined, however, the indicative price range will be *approx* $1,600.

It would be a dealer fit due to airbag and control unit reprogramming. The fitting cost cannot be determined until release of accessory and fitting instructions.

Regards,

Andrew Lee
Parts Manager
Passenger & Commercial Vehicles


So simply put, probably not worth it ;)

[MariusGT]

"upgrade" to a GT-Sport w DSG? :banana:

you'll probably finish up with not only your paddles but also some cash in the bank.

all DSG models came with the paddles.... i think?

[coops74]

Just got a one year old Golf 90TSI. Very nice car but not happy with the plastic steering wheel. Have bought an as new Mk6 leather multifunction steering wheel on ebay to replace it.

Do you think I will be able to get the steering wheels buttons working? Not sure if another part is required to do this or if it this would be there on the lower spec models but just not connected. I'm thinking of getting a VW dealer to do the installation for me to avoid frustration.

Thanks

[Corey_R]

There is a guy in the Tiguan forum who upgraded his wheel to get the flappy paddles (http://www.vwwatercooled.org.au/f97/flappy-paddles-steering-wheel-tiguan-56968.html). But he also got the multi-function buttons with that upgrade (obviously). So that thread will give you at least a start on what is required.

You'll obviously need VCDS access. Um... other than that, good luck :)

[patrick]

Hey buddy, if you have the plastic wheel the buttons wont work. we are missing all the wiring and unit that sits under the wheel.

I had Oli from the forum install my leather wheel and we had the same issues. Its killer having the leather wheel though it feels a lot better to drive with. Just wished the buttons worked as I am running the RCD-510 as well. :-(

[craig_the_german]

Hi coops74

I have a 90TSI with the "comfort pack" and therefore the leather wheel. The buttons that you are talking about control the sound system (LHS buttons) and the buttons on the RHS of the wheel operate the MFD that the "base model" doesn't get.
So without changing the instrument panel (and everything associated with it) to include the MFD the buttons have nothing to operate.

It is more than just a leather trimmed wheel.

[coops74]

Thanks. Would be happy to just get the stereo volume controls to work, as this is what I would mostly use. If I got the right control module I think it must be possible.

[ninja2]

Purchased my 118TSI DSG in June and all going well.
I told dealer I would happily pay for paddles but they're not an option for this model.
What are my options for retrofitting paddles? Have any of you done this?

[Ryan_R]

Yep and it's awesome. Search on eBay, but nowadays it's a bit harder to find the matching airbag (different shape).

Before:

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2012/08/05102010121-3.jpg

After:

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2012/08/20120706_132048-4.jpg
(Also added DSG paddle extensions... and of course had to add GTI pedals as well) :)

You want to read through this thread: http://www.vwwatercooled.org.au/forums/f97/flappy-paddles-steering-wheel-tiguan-56968.html

[ninja2]

many thanks Ryan_R exactly the sort of info I needed.
if I read correctly the whole project comprises:
buy a replacement wheel with paddles (e.g. an eBay seller in USA is offering Sirrocco R SW for around $600 shipped)
buy a replacement airbag (seems to be about $300 on eBay)
replace existing wheel/airbag
do something about coding airbag to the car with VCDS or vagcom (I haven't figured out what these acronyms mean yet, but I'm guessing it's an aftermarket tool for re-programming, probably through the OBDII port?)
fit maniacs DSG paddle extensions ($150?)
So all up around $1,000 then enjoy the drive
A bit steep but worth it from my perspective
did I get this right?

[Ryan_R]

Yes, although tippy can find members here willing to help with coding, and the maniacs extensions are not necessary.

[ninja2]

is tippy a member on this forum ?

[cktsi]

Yep and it's awesome. Search on eBay, but nowadays it's a bit harder to find the matching airbag (different shape).

Before:

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2012/08/05102010121-3.jpg

After:

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2012/08/20120706_132048-4.jpg
(Also added DSG paddle extensions... and of course had to add GTI pedals as well) :)

You want to read through this thread: http://www.vwwatercooled.org.au/forums/f97/flappy-paddles-steering-wheel-tiguan-56968.html

Off topic, but from what i can tell you have an RNS510 but a cradle suction cupped to the windscreen! What gives? Whats that for?

[Ryan_R]

Samsung Galaxy S2. Quick way to charge it up if low on juice (cable is permanently connected to the dock), and the phone goes straight into car mode as soon as I plug it in, with widgets for TuneIn internet radio, Torque app for connecting to the car computer for stats, video recording, etc). Screenshot (http://www.vwwatercooled.org.au/forums/f112/mk6-golf-acceleration-performance-data-46834-55.html#post852543)

Still use the RNS510's many features. Each input source is basically a different playlist/genre of music (SD card, HDD, MDI, bluetooth). Maps are good in my area, voice control working well with the latest maps and firmware when it comes to calling people and entering destinations on the move.

[ninja2]

are all airbags of the right shape suitable? (like this (http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&_trksid=p4340.l2557&clk_rvr_id=382082871825&hash=item416027ad04&item=280786087172&nma=true&pt=AU_Car_Parts_Accessories&rt=nc&si=qbwC5whB9bhqnkNd9muc1hhw7ho%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc)) , or do I have to look carefully into part numbers for compatibility?