Which option for shift light - BMW e-wheel, aftermarket e-wheel, or standalone light?

ashmostro · 01-02-2023, 04:36 PM

Happy New Year everyone.

I am looking for opinions and reasoning to help me make an informed decision. So, both objective and subjective responses are welcome.

The application: M2cs that is 50/50 street/track; 6MT; Advanced run group.
What I want and why: A highly visible shift light indicator that I'll see without removing my eyes from the track and surroundings. As I drive a 6MT, I want to augment auditory information with visual, to ensure I am shifting intentionally at the RPM range I want to. As such, adjustability is also a need.
Further Considerations: the solution needs to be fully reversible, with no permanent modification or damage to irreplaceable parts (i.e. no glue or screws in dashboard); price is of course a factor but I will happily pay more for real-world performance benefits (think visibility, response time, reliability, etc.)

These are the options I am currently considering, each with pros and cons from my perspective:

(Option #1) BMW M Performance Electronic Steering Wheel

Pros: OEM; Uses direct wired connection to the car vs. bluetooth; Option for lap trigger sensor.
Cons: Potential for display malfunction at high cabin temperatures (is this still an issue on the current version?); Most expensive (see above disclaimer on price)

(Option #2) Aftermarket bluetooth-based electronic steering wheel (brand TBD)

Pros: easier to install than the BMW wheel; $300 to $500 less than BMW wheel, depending on brand; choice of finishes and shapes
Cons: This is more of an open question than a grounded concern - is latency an issue? I.e. is there a lag in RPMs reported vs. what the engine is actually doing? This would not be useful as a shift light if so.

(Option #3) Hard-wired standalone shift light (Cartek CLUB)

Pros: cheapest of all the options; allows me to keep using the unique CS steering wheel; NOT OBD-based (wires directly to an engine RPM sense wire).
Cons: requires some sort of modification to the interior to mount - either glue or screws... will need to come up with a clean reversible solution; has no other function than shift lights whereas steering wheel options can show additional information like speed, oil temps, etc.

So, with that all said, what route do you think makes the most sense for my application and needs? What else should I be thinking about in terms of Pros/Cons?

And if you have answers to either of my questions for the two steering wheel options, please share!

Thanks,
-Ash

to_riffic · 01-02-2023, 04:47 PM

You can also get a Solo 2 DL which has shift lights, but I also have the M Perf steering wheel for shift lights as well.

ashmostro · 01-02-2023, 05:05 PM

Thanks. How have you mounted yours?

ashmostro · 01-02-2023, 05:07 PM

Also, have you had any issues with overheating of the LED screen of your BMW wheel?

to_riffic · 01-02-2023, 05:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ashmostro

Thanks. How have you mounted yours?

I use a variation of SP Connect's ball mount for motorcycles and it works great.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ashmostro

Also, have you had any issues with overheating of the LED screen of your BMW wheel?

I've heard of this issue, but haven't had it long enough time to witness this myself.

ashmostro · 01-02-2023, 06:11 PM

Any chance you can share angles showing how that mount is installed to your steering column? Did you have to drill into or modify any irreplaceable parts?

Thanks!

FaRKle! · 01-02-2023, 11:50 PM

Don't bother with any OBD2-based solution. The refresh rate on it is too low and the shift lights will lag the actual rpm making it kind of useless. The official BMW wheel ties into the CANBUS for no lag.

ashmostro · 01-03-2023, 12:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FaRKle!

Don't bother with any OBD2-based solution. The refresh rate on it is too low and the shift lights will lag the actual rpm making it kind of useless. The official BMW wheel ties into the CANBUS for no lag.

This intel is gold. Exactly my worry. Thank you!!

I updated the last option to the CLUB version of the Cartek which is not OBD-based, but there are many other lights that wire up the same way. Practically these are the only two options I am considering now. It’s a choice between installation cleanliness and many more features (BMW wheel), or significantly lower cost (standalone).

to_riffic · 01-03-2023, 06:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ashmostro

Any chance you can share angles showing how that mount is installed to your steering column? Did you have to drill into or modify any irreplaceable parts?

Thanks!

Nope. All very reversible with no damage to any of the stock parts. I could do a better job of tucking the CAN wire for the Solo2 DL but I got kinda lazy. Maybe that'll be something I do later.

But this is what my mount looks like. I hate suction cup mounts so I wanted something discrete and I achieved that here.

The main attachment I keep stuck on the roof of the gauge. It's just double sided tape, so I can take that off if I really needed to, but it doesn't obstruct my view or anything, so I leave that there. Also, because it has the "teeth", it helps it from shifting downwards if it wasn't tightened enough like some mounts.

ashmostro · 01-03-2023, 07:15 PM

You've given me some ideas, thank you!

to_riffic · 01-03-2023, 08:03 PM

Some trackdays I don't put it up because I don't care to put up PB's, and I'll just run my Racebox, or nothing at all. Just depends on my mood, but this setup is solid.

ashmostro · 01-04-2023, 08:03 AM

Update: I went ahead and ordered the BMW wheel! I want a clean install on this car and I like the additional information the wheel can provide, and getbmwparts has them for a smoking price.

I may still do an AIM or something like you did one day, if I want to do proper data logging.

Thanks toriffic! I appreciate you.

ashmostro · 01-14-2023, 10:55 AM

Took a while to do right (I wanted to solder directly to the passenger door connector rather than use any of the splices), but I sure am happy with how this came out!

to_riffic · 01-14-2023, 02:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ashmostro

Took a while to do right (I wanted to solder directly to the passenger door connector rather than use any of the splices), but I sure am happy with how this came out!

When it comes to tapping, I have a whole bunch of posi taps. Always have been the best option available and always a sure connection.

ashmostro · 01-14-2023, 03:02 PM

I hear you. I just don't like the idea of using non hermetically sealed connections in areas that have the potential, even if small, to see moisture.

I soldered and used heat shrink with the heat activated sealant on the inside.

View Poll Results: Which shift light solution should I get for my needs?
BMW M Performance Electronic Steering Wheel	3	75.00%
Aftermarket electronic steering wheel	1	25.00%
OBD-based standalone wired shift light	0	0%
Voters: 4. You may not vote on this poll

01-02-2023, 04:36 PM	#1
ashmostro Brigadier General 1254 Rep 4,088 Posts Drives: 2020 M4cs \| 2022 M550i Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Falls Church, VA iTrader: (27)	Which option for shift light - BMW e-wheel, aftermarket e-wheel, or standalone light? Happy New Year everyone. I am looking for opinions and reasoning to help me make an informed decision. So, both objective and subjective responses are welcome. The application: M2cs that is 50/50 street/track; 6MT; Advanced run group. What I want and why: A highly visible shift light indicator that I'll see without removing my eyes from the track and surroundings. As I drive a 6MT, I want to augment auditory information with visual, to ensure I am shifting intentionally at the RPM range I want to. As such, adjustability is also a need. Further Considerations: the solution needs to be fully reversible, with no permanent modification or damage to irreplaceable parts (i.e. no glue or screws in dashboard); price is of course a factor but I will happily pay more for real-world performance benefits (think visibility, response time, reliability, etc.) These are the options I am currently considering, each with pros and cons from my perspective: (Option #1) BMW M Performance Electronic Steering Wheel Pros: OEM; Uses direct wired connection to the car vs. bluetooth; Option for lap trigger sensor. Cons: Potential for display malfunction at high cabin temperatures (is this still an issue on the current version?); Most expensive (see above disclaimer on price) (Option #2) Aftermarket bluetooth-based electronic steering wheel (brand TBD) Pros: easier to install than the BMW wheel; $300 to $500 less than BMW wheel, depending on brand; choice of finishes and shapes Cons: This is more of an open question than a grounded concern - is latency an issue? I.e. is there a lag in RPMs reported vs. what the engine is actually doing? This would not be useful as a shift light if so. (Option #3) Hard-wired standalone shift light (Cartek CLUB) Pros: cheapest of all the options; allows me to keep using the unique CS steering wheel; NOT OBD-based (wires directly to an engine RPM sense wire). Cons: requires some sort of modification to the interior to mount - either glue or screws... will need to come up with a clean reversible solution; has no other function than shift lights whereas steering wheel options can show additional information like speed, oil temps, etc. So, with that all said, what route do you think makes the most sense for my application and needs? What else should I be thinking about in terms of Pros/Cons? And if you have answers to either of my questions for the two steering wheel options, please share! Thanks, -Ash Last edited by ashmostro; 01-03-2023 at 07:00 AM..
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01-02-2023, 04:47 PM	#2
to_riffic Lieutenant General 3024 Rep 13,763 Posts Drives: rwd Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: SoCal iTrader: (38)	You can also get a Solo 2 DL which has shift lights, but I also have the M Perf steering wheel for shift lights as well. Attached Images __________________ ~loud noises~
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01-02-2023, 05:07 PM	#4
ashmostro Brigadier General 1254 Rep 4,088 Posts Drives: 2020 M4cs \| 2022 M550i Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Falls Church, VA iTrader: (27)	Also, have you had any issues with overheating of the LED screen of your BMW wheel?
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01-02-2023, 06:11 PM	#6
ashmostro Brigadier General 1254 Rep 4,088 Posts Drives: 2020 M4cs \| 2022 M550i Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Falls Church, VA iTrader: (27)	Any chance you can share angles showing how that mount is installed to your steering column? Did you have to drill into or modify any irreplaceable parts? Thanks!
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01-02-2023, 05:05 PM	#3
ashmostro Brigadier General 1254 Rep 4,088 Posts Drives: 2020 M4cs \| 2022 M550i Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Falls Church, VA iTrader: (27)	Thanks. How have you mounted yours?
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01-02-2023, 11:50 PM	#7
FaRKle! Brigadier General 4016 Rep 3,540 Posts Drives: 328d Wagon, M2 Comp, i4 eD35 Join Date: Sep 2016 Location: Bay Area, CA iTrader: (4) Garage List 2023 BMW i4 eDrive 35 [0.00] 2017 BMW 328dx Wagon [0.00] 2021 BMW M2 Competi ... [0.00]	Don't bother with any OBD2-based solution. The refresh rate on it is too low and the shift lights will lag the actual rpm making it kind of useless. The official BMW wheel ties into the CANBUS for no lag. __________________ -328d Wagon Build Log (with helpful reference links) -My YouTube Channel for some of the best DIYs and in depth information Please don't PM me for suspension recommendations unless interested in paid private consultations.
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01-03-2023, 07:15 PM	#10
ashmostro Brigadier General 1254 Rep 4,088 Posts Drives: 2020 M4cs \| 2022 M550i Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Falls Church, VA iTrader: (27)	You've given me some ideas, thank you!
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01-03-2023, 08:03 PM	#11
to_riffic Lieutenant General 3024 Rep 13,763 Posts Drives: rwd Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: SoCal iTrader: (38)	Some trackdays I don't put it up because I don't care to put up PB's, and I'll just run my Racebox, or nothing at all. Just depends on my mood, but this setup is solid. __________________ ~loud noises~
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01-04-2023, 08:03 AM	#12
ashmostro Brigadier General 1254 Rep 4,088 Posts Drives: 2020 M4cs \| 2022 M550i Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Falls Church, VA iTrader: (27)	Update: I went ahead and ordered the BMW wheel! I want a clean install on this car and I like the additional information the wheel can provide, and getbmwparts has them for a smoking price. I may still do an AIM or something like you did one day, if I want to do proper data logging. Thanks toriffic! I appreciate you.
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01-14-2023, 10:55 AM	#13
ashmostro Brigadier General 1254 Rep 4,088 Posts Drives: 2020 M4cs \| 2022 M550i Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Falls Church, VA iTrader: (27)	Took a while to do right (I wanted to solder directly to the passenger door connector rather than use any of the splices), but I sure am happy with how this came out! Attached Images
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01-14-2023, 03:02 PM	#15
ashmostro Brigadier General 1254 Rep 4,088 Posts Drives: 2020 M4cs \| 2022 M550i Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Falls Church, VA iTrader: (27)	I hear you. I just don't like the idea of using non hermetically sealed connections in areas that have the potential, even if small, to see moisture. I soldered and used heat shrink with the heat activated sealant on the inside.
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