R Paddle Shifters on 8.5 GTI

[Ran94x]

Has anyone done this?

As I would like to do it but I am concerned by the warning lights that will come on once I disconnect the battery and I have tried connecting the OBD11/Carista Devices however they will not connect due to the SFd2 regulations so I wouldn’t be able to clear the error messages once on the car

Any recommendations or experiences would be great

Thank you

[Exonian]

JoeGTI did this very mod a week or two ago. A pic is in his thread in the photo gallery, I’m sure he’ll be along soon…

[JoeGTI]

 

Yep I’ve done this a few times now! Twice on my MK8, as I installed them 3 years ago and then I removed them again recently as I had that car traded in for a new one. And as Exonian mentioned, I posted a photo of them fitted to my new 8.5 CS. I also fitted them to a friend’s new CS a few weeks ago.

You do not need to disconnect the battery. In fact I didn’t disconnect anything other than the paddles themselves. I managed to do it without disconnecting the airbag too. I just popped it out and rested it on top of the steering wheel, in front of the MFD. You still have enough wiggle room to do the job without unplugging the airbag.

Trickiest part was removing the trim / buttons part. It takes some gentle persuasion. Take your time with it and it’s not too bad.

Here’s a few pics I took, some from my friend’s car, some my own.

[Ran94x]

Thank you really appreciate this 

I’ll give it a go and keep you posted

[JoeGTI]

Thank you really appreciate this 

I’ll give it a go and keep you posted

Removing the airbag is quite easy. There are 3 spring loaded clips. I’d suggest unclipping the upper plastic cowling on steering column, it unclips easily. Lift that up and extend out and drop the steering wheel as far as it goes. Just to give you as much clear access to the back of the wheel as possible. Then get a mirror (I borrowed my wife’s makeup mirror!) to help you see what you’re doing. And a small flat blade screwdriver. Take your time, unclip each clip and turn the wheel to get to the next one.

And do not turn on the ignition while you are doing it. Just in case!

[Ran94x]

Stuck on the first step which is very frustrating!! Got my flathead screwdriver in but won’t unclip the horn just keeps going off instead.. maybe I bit off more than I can chew with this.. even got a mirror so I can see but it’s not budging unless I’m doing something wrong

[Ran94x]

Ignore me I’ve done it however is there also a clip at the bottom? As ive got the side ones off but bottom seems secured still

[Ran94x]

Running commentary whilst I do it I’ve unclipped the bottom just trying to get the plastic trim off but easier said than done 

[JoeGTI]

Running commentary whilst I do it I’ve unclipped the bottom just trying to get the plastic trim off but easier said than done 

Yeah I think this is the trickiest part of the lot. It takes a bit of patience. Be gentle with it... using your finger nails try to gently persuade it to come out from one corner. I found that starting at the bottom (around where the GTI badge is) worked best. And once you have that part lifted, you'll be able to get your fingers under it and the rest will come out easier.

[Ran94x]

Joe you are a legend mate, all done and working - did what you said and went to plan eventually thanks a lot really pleased with it makes a massive difference I think