Steptronic Shifter Circuit

In order to achieve manual shifts with Steptronic, the selector lever is moved 15 degrees to the left. A pin on the selector lever engages the "up/down" microswitches which are a ground input to the TCM. The selector lever also triggers the "M" gate microswitch which is also a ground input to the TCM.

Fig 1: Identifying Steptronic Shifter Circuit

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

The example on the right shows a typical shift console for an E31. Note the shift pattern, upshifts are forward and downshifts are rearward. This shift pattern was used on vehicles up to the end of 2001 production. On vehicles from 2002 production, the shift pattern is reversed.

Fig 2: Identifying Shift Pattern

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.