How often do you use the shift paddles vs fully automatic ?

HighlandPete · 11-17-2012, 03:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rikwynnpa

I got em and they are a waste of money. The transmission doesn't shift particularly well and the car is not that fast so the paddles are just BMWs way of adding a $500 upcharge to the 535. The paddles also block a comfortable driving position. Id order a car without them.

Is the change characteristic an xDrive issue, as my 535i changes perfectly smooth and fast?

In the UK the Sport AT upgrade and paddles are one of the best value options on the car, £110 sterling. But we do have to pay a premium of £1495 to have the auto, over the MT price.

A serous question... how do paddles "block a comfortable driving position"? Don't understand that, as they makes no difference to my driving position.

HighlandPete

Jon D · 11-17-2012, 04:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rikwynnpa

...The paddles also block a comfortable driving position...

Can you define how the paddles 'block a comfortable driving position'?
Unless I want to shift manually, I'm completely unaware of their physical presence.

AP · 11-17-2012, 04:53 AM

I only use then to change down when going down a hill. I find that as the ratios are quite close, I need to change down 2 gears, sometimes 3.
I have a 530d msport.

marsb007 · 11-17-2012, 09:29 PM

I'm waiting for my order, and I too found them too bulky to have at the 9 and 3 position and sometimes I did hit them with my hand by accident in the short time I did drive in my test drive.

I have the Infiniti M which has them stationary and fixed to the column, and those do not interfere like the BMW's.

With that being said, I'm a sucker and ordered them anyway, given that I was already getting the M package. I figured better to have them and not use them vs. not having them and wondering what if (and wishing I had them).

I gather it's going to be a long wait for me...

73henny · 11-18-2012, 10:33 AM

I use them in sport mode, and regularly for overtaking so there is no kickdown.

Estimated Prophet · 11-18-2012, 10:47 AM

There is seldom a drive I take, short or long, that I don't use them at some point in the drive. Absolutely a must have for me and I personally don't find they get in the way at all. I wouldn't know they were there unless I consciously use them to shift and have yet to accidentally hit them.

11-17-2012, 04:53 AM	#47
AP Major General 2762 Rep 5,085 Posts Drives: G30 M550 Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	I only use then to change down when going down a hill. I find that as the ratios are quite close, I need to change down 2 gears, sometimes 3. I have a 530d msport.
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11-17-2012, 09:29 PM	#48
marsb007 First Lieutenant 328 Rep 343 Posts Drives: 2024 iX M60 Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: US iTrader: (0)	I'm waiting for my order, and I too found them too bulky to have at the 9 and 3 position and sometimes I did hit them with my hand by accident in the short time I did drive in my test drive. I have the Infiniti M which has them stationary and fixed to the column, and those do not interfere like the BMW's. With that being said, I'm a sucker and ordered them anyway, given that I was already getting the M package. I figured better to have them and not use them vs. not having them and wondering what if (and wishing I had them). I gather it's going to be a long wait for me...
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11-18-2012, 10:33 AM	#49
73henny Lieutenant Colonel 500 Rep 1,580 Posts Drives: a lovely new G20 320dx Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Scotland iTrader: (0)	I use them in sport mode, and regularly for overtaking so there is no kickdown.
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11-18-2012, 10:47 AM	#50
Estimated Prophet Enlisted Member 1 Rep 34 Posts Drives: 2012 550i / Stage 2 Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Phoenix, AZ iTrader: (0)	There is seldom a drive I take, short or long, that I don't use them at some point in the drive. Absolutely a must have for me and I personally don't find they get in the way at all. I wouldn't know they were there unless I consciously use them to shift and have yet to accidentally hit them.
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