[ScottC25]

Whats everyones thoughts on this?

I've ordered a new 535D Msport and it just has the normal auto box, without the paddles.

I've had hired cars with them before, and found I never used them.

Is there any other difference between the 2 gear boxes, or is it just the steering wheel paddles that make up the difference?

I know the gear sticks are a different shape, thats not something that really bothers me much either.

[xenon]

The sports auto has a different program for more aggressive and quicker shifts in sports mode, along with a shifting program optimised for performance. I doubt many would notice the difference in real-world driving, especially if you don't really use the paddles and the 535 already has ample performance.

[kinhwear]

I have them on my 530d and find it useful to knock it down a gear when in "D" for a quick overtake.

[xenon]

^ agreed. I don't use them often but if you know you're about to whip past a slow-moving vehicle sooner or later, being in the right gear in advance is not only quicker, obviously, but avoids the kick-down lunge which makes your passengers think you're a nutter.

[ScottC25]

Originally Posted by xenon

^ agreed. I don't use them often but if you know you're about to whip past a slow-moving vehicle sooner or later, being in the right gear in advance is not only quicker, obviously, but avoids the kick-down lunge which makes your passengers think you're a nutter.

I want passengers to think I'm a nutter, that way they won't ask me for lifts anywhere

[Junebug85]

I tend to only use them on motorway overtakes now. Thought they were great at first but the novelty soon wore off. Good for a straight road, bit tricky to use when going round a bend or roundabout as the paddle goes round with the wheel!

[MrPogle]

I think the principle is that you aren't supposed to change gear mid-corner.

I wouldn't miss them although I used them 99% of the time on my E90 330i. They are really for high-rev hooning and with a 535 you have plenty of effortless performance. The overtaking point is a good one but I would expect a 535 probably wouldn't need to downchange for a lot of overtaking. Of course, not needing isn't the same as not wanting .

[ScottC25]

I've had a 530D Msport hire car for 2 weeks now, had a tinker around with the paddles but really haven't felt the need to use them at all.

the gear stick is nicer, BUT in reality, its not a game changer. I could have waited for a factory order to get it, but given that my current car has been written off, I needed something quick, and the sport gearbox is the only thing missing on a car thats available now so have gone for it.

Got what I think is a pretty decent deal, just like a kid at Xmas now waiting to go and collect it.

[Jedimindtrix]

Not sure if it's the same system but I have the Switch-Tronic n my Alpina D5 and use quite a lot.

It's great for overtaking or an 'Italian tune up' drive out on a Sunday morning.

[morellomax]

Originally Posted by ScottC25

I could have waited for a factory order to get it, but given that my current car has been written off, I needed something quick, and the sport gearbox is the only thing missing on a car thats available now so have gone for it.

Good decision. Sports auto is nice to have, but not worth the wait in your circumstances.

[HighlandPete]

Originally Posted by morellomax

Good decision. Sports auto is nice to have, but not worth the wait in your circumstances.

Not sure how the current cars are set up, but when the F10 first came out steering feel and weighting was different (as in better) with SAT fitted. Was one reason any F10/11 I bought had to have the SAT option.

I use the paddles (and the shifter), really enjoy the option to choose my driving mode.

[The Beast]

I tend to find it easier to shift the gearbox over into sport mode when I want a quick downshift rather than use the paddles. I wouldn't miss them tbh, I think they suit higher revving petrol engines better than diesels which require quick upshifts

[The Beast]

Having said that I have specified them on the F48 20i M Sport that I just ordered for my wife...

[IanS100]

Originally Posted by The Beast

I tend to find it easier to shift the gearbox over into sport mode when I want a quick downshift rather than use the paddles. I wouldn't miss them tbh, I think they suit higher revving petrol engines better than diesels which require quick upshifts

+1

[Mac B]

Originally Posted by kinhwear

I have them on my 530d and find it useful to knock it down a gear when in "D" for a quick overtake.

I agree. Another use for them is to click down a gear when engine speed drops to 1000rpm or below at steady speeds in ECO PRO mode, to keep out of the vibration zone (with such a smooth car as the 530D one gets very fussy!).

[shiner]

I've had the paddles on my 530 and have them again on my 535. Complete waste of time IMO. A gimmick. I want an auto to be, er, automatic. Why would I want to be messing about with paddles? Just my opinion.

[DougMcL]

My 420d had the sports box. The gear lever looks different and there are paddles on the wheel. I used the paddles about twice in six months. Then I traded for a 520d. Normal box but still has paddles. The normal box is similar to the sports box but has smoother less aggressive changes. Hoorah!

[ScottC25]

Collected car yesterday. I think its fair to say that coming from a 520d Msport, I am not going to need the paddles.

The power surge from the 535d when the right foot goes down is more than sufficient for my needs!

[morellomax]

Happy days !

[un1eash]

Considering the cost of the sports auto isn't it a no brainer to tick that option when buying new.

[ScottC25]

Originally Posted by un1eash

Considering the cost of the sports auto isn't it a no brainer to tick that option when buying new.

My car was written off, so needed a new one ASAP, so it was more about what was available immediately rather than getting every option I wanted.

The one I bought was available right away, and it was only the sports auto that it didnt have that I wanted, so was happy to take it rather than go without a car for 6-8 weeks. Had it registered 2 days ago as well instead of waiting until March 1 because it would have been too much hassle.

Got colour I wanted (white) and Msport plus pack and pro nav, which were the only options I wanted anyway.

[mobilejo]

I never use the paddles, but do like the sports mode in SAT (the toggle switch Sports mode, not the shifter moved over to the right)

Do non-SAT cars still have a sports mode on the toggle switch which increases throttle sensitivity and makes shift faster (without moving the shifter to the right and having the gears held for longer)?

Always wanted to know this!