I just wanted to confirm that even with the sport package in the E38 740iL you don't get the steptronic transmission.
That's correct isn't it?

Does anyone know why that is?

Argh...kinda frustrating...want the iL but also want to do the paddle shift retrofit, but you have to have Steptronic

http://www.bmw-paddleshift-retro.com/

You sir are correct.

BMW probably figured that iL owners wouldn't appreciate the sportiness of a steptronic.

Part of the same theory that kept a 6-speed tranny out of the U.S. market E38?

:bazooka: [BMW decision process]

I'm, still interested in what it would take to do a retrofit.

Later models of the 750iL had steptronic, my 98 750iL does not. I sure would like to upgrade. I'm hoping that swapping the shifter mechanizim and transmission computer would do it. So far, I haven't fond any conclusive information.

Thanks for the replies!

Hey Dave,
After doing a little more digging I found this:
http://www.birds.uk.com/bmw/switchlogic/switchlogic_frame.htm

Basically the racelogic people (traction control) devised something to retrofit to a non-steptronic, as far as I can tell.

This looks kinda old and for another BMW but may be useful:
http://member.rivernet.com.au/btaylor/BMWText/technical/Switchlogic.html

I don't know if it's available in the US anymore but you might want to look into that.

I will have to consider the 740i sport versus the 750iL sport. Luckily I can't really go wrong!