[bimmer_335]

Hi all... i just placed order for 528i. My question is what are those two buttons you get by the shifter when you get paddle shifters?

I'm debating if I should get paddle shifters or not... kinda stupid questions but is it the same transmission or you get a fast shifting transmission with the paddles.

[inny]

Originally Posted by bimmer_335

Hi all... i just placed order for 528i. My question is what are those two buttons you get by the shifter when you get paddle shifters?

I'm debating if I should get paddle shifters or not... kinda stupid questions but is it the same transmission or you get a fast shifting transmission with the paddles.

I paid around 100euros (less if you take into account the final discount offered) to upgrade the Automatic transmission steptronic (205) to Sports automatic transmission steptronic (2TB = paddles). Besides the paddles you also get the buttons next to the gear lever that you change drive control.

For that amount of money which is not much comparing with the total price of the car I would just get the upgrade (as I did).


Paddles = win (sometimes)

[Needsdecaf]

To answer your question, those are the driving dynamics control. If you don't have Dynamic Handling Package, they will allow you to split between Normal, Sport and Sport Plus. Basically, Normal will have normal transmission, steering and throttle response. Sport will have either two settings, depending on what you select through iDrive. It will either make just the steering heavier, or it will make the steering heavier, the throttle more responsive and the transmission shifts faster and higher, and hold gears longer. Sport plus will do what Sport does (regardless of iDrive settings) and also reduce the DSC.

[bimmer_335]

Originally Posted by Needsdecaf

To answer your question, those are the driving dynamics control. If you don't have Dynamic Handling Package, they will allow you to split between Normal, Sport and Sport Plus. Basically, Normal will have normal transmission, steering and throttle response. Sport will have either two settings, depending on what you select through iDrive. It will either make just the steering heavier, or it will make the steering heavier, the throttle more responsive and the transmission shifts faster and higher, and hold gears longer. Sport plus will do what Sport does (regardless of iDrive settings) and also reduce the DSC.

wow this is news to me. I'm only thinking of getting PP1, PP2 & Sports package along with xenon... so these settings will work even without dynamic handling or M package?

[ibimmer954]

DHP adds active body roll stabilization as well as a "comfort" mode. Tightens the handling even more in Sport mode.

[Jon D]

Originally Posted by ibimmer346

DHP adds active body roll stabilization as well as a "comfort" mode. Tightens the handling even more in Sport mode.

And it does the job remarkably well. The coupling elements between the front and rear roll bars slacken or stiffen according to what mode is selected and in sport or sport+ body roll is dramatically reduced through the corners.
On my list of best features, it comes a very close second to the sublime 35d/sport auto drivetrain.

[EV0LVE]

get the paddle shifters or you'd be like me wishing my car had it, its only a $500 option.

[bimmer_335]

Originally Posted by EV0LVE

get the paddle shifters or you'd be like me wishing my car had it, its only a $500 option.

yes exactly... thats what i was thinking !!!

[URBAN LEGEND]

5 series paddles suck compared to the 7 speed M3 I just traded in. I just leave the car in D. That's how much the paddles do for me.

[Jon D]

Originally Posted by URBAN LEGEND

5 series paddles suck compared to the 7 speed M3 I just traded in. I just leave the car in D. That's how much the paddles do for me.

That's because it's not a DCT box. However, as an 8 speed auto it does a remarkably good job, but I agree about the shifters and I never use them. Had they not come as standard with the sport auto option, I wouldn't have paid extra for them.

[URBAN LEGEND]

Originally Posted by Jon D

Had they not come as standard with the sport auto option, I wouldn't have paid extra for them.

I agree.