Hey guys..

Here is the explanation:
- Prior to the re-build the steptronice trans was wired the way you are talking about. Fortunately, BMW came to it's senses.

- Since I know there are only a few "racers" on this board, let me ellaborate. Talking about manual transmissions, there are basically two types of configurations, the standard H box. First, up top to the left, second below first, third over to the right and up, 4th, down from third, etc. etc.
But when you race a car with a sequential gear box, (same as what a motorcycle has,) it works different. There is no H in the config. You only have the choice to move the "lever" forward or backward. If you want to downshift you push the "lever" forward. If you want to upshift, you pull the lever backwards toward your body (the way our X5's are currently configured.)
Part of the reason for that is G-force. If you have to push the lever forward to upshift (the way you are suggesting.) when the shift comes, you should be thrust back into the seat. If you are pushing forward and thrust back, it is much more likely that you will not have good control of the lever.

So, to summarize, the reason your car is configured that way is, THAT IS THE WAY IT SHOULD BE CONFIGURED. That is how RACE CARS with Sequential gearboxes are setup and it would be a nuisance any other way.

When I had my 01 4.4, I hated the steptronic for that reason, it was WRONG.. NOW, it is correct and much more fun to use.. YOU WANT TO PULL BACK TO UPSHIFT, and YOU WANT TO PUSH FORWARD TO DOWNSHIFT. It is simple physics, you want you hand to move in the same direction of your weight distribution and g-force. You want your hand moving in the same direction as your body..

SO PLEASE DON'T CHANGE YOUR WIRING... I PROMISE, YOU WILL GET USED TO IT..

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"When two people agree on everything, one of them is not necessary" - Arliss