How do YOU hold the shifter?

[AzNMpower32]

Out of sheer curiosity: How do you E70 owners hold the new electronic shifter?

On my test drive, I quickly learned how to use the shifter. Not unintuitive, but had a bit of difficultly grasping how they designed the shape (literally). So I have to push the left button with my thumb to put it into D, but the shape is so I can't rest the palm of my hand on the shifter (like I would a manual transmission). Ok, so I slide my palm around to the right side, holding the shifter like a cup of soda. But now I can't reach the button to put it onto D, since now my thumb rests comfortably on the P button. So in the end, I couldn't rest my hand on the shifter at all. What gives?

By the way when I drive normally, my hand instinctively rests on the shifter, right arm on the centre armrest. Left hand does the driving.

[Kewl X5]

I was always taught that both hands should be on the steering wheel. The only time you put your hand on the shifter is if you are operating it and then you put your hand back on the steering wheel. Both hands should be around the 10 o'clock and 2 o'clock position.

That advice was reconfirmed with the driving instructor at the BMW Performance Driving School at Spartanburg, SC a few years ago when I went.

Also, seating position is very important to have proper control of the vehicle as well.

Originally Posted by AzNMpower32

Out of sheer curiosity: How do you E70 owners hold the new electronic shifter?

On my test drive, I quickly learned how to use the shifter. Not unintuitive, but had a bit of difficultly grasping how they designed the shape (literally). So I have to push the left button with my thumb to put it into D, but the shape is so I can't rest the palm of my hand on the shifter (like I would a manual transmission). Ok, so I slide my palm around to the right side, holding the shifter like a cup of soda. But now I can't reach the button to put it onto D, since now my thumb rests comfortably on the P button. So in the end, I couldn't rest my hand on the shifter at all. What gives?

By the way when I drive normally, my hand instinctively rests on the shifter, right arm on the centre armrest. Left hand does the driving.

[JCL]

Originally Posted by Kewl X5

I was always taught that both hands should be on the steering wheel. The only time you put your hand on the shifter is if you are operating it and then you put your hand back on the steering wheel.

Besides, it's an automatic. How often do you actually need to shift with it? If you want to shift it yourself, better to get a manual transmission.

[motordavid]

Originally Posted by JCL

Besides, it's an automatic. How often do you actually need to shift with it? If you want to shift it yourself, better to get a manual transmission.

...I was also taught not to rest my hand on the end of the
shifter, (3 on the tree, originally), and then not to rest it on
the knob of a 4 spd on the floor, or rest it on a console mounted
auto tranny...

The CW had lots of reasons, though I suspect the "by wire" auto
trans of today would feel no ill effects. I do try to keep from
"riding" or resting my hand on my Vette trans, and if I catch myself,
I can "feel" stuff going on through it. Fwiw...

I'm with AznM, however: it is an odd design, imo. Yes, I could get
used to it; I'm getting used to limping with my bad hip, too.

[Wagner]

That's a personal question.


But, I usually keep my hand near by on the console in the 545 (6spd) and usually both on the wheel in the X5.

[AzNMpower32]

Both hands ALL the time, even in leisurely driving or stop-and-go traffic? Wow you guys have amazing etiqutte!

I know hands are supposed to be at 9' and 3' and this was no problem at all for me at the Ultimate Drive. I always use two hands at the right positions in aggressive driving or in conditions where I have the slightest doubt of safety (heavy rain, tricky construction, etc...).

It may just be an odd habit of mine, leaving the right arm on the armrest and shifter. I do itch for a manual transmission so don't tell me "you should have gotten a manual" because it was not my choice and when I do get the choice it will have 3 pedals (Heck the X3 wasn't even my choice but that's another story). However, it just feels "natural" to me for the right hand to be on something, ready to pop it into Sport Drive .

It just seems so wierd that BMW would design such an oddity. On all previous BMWs, everything felt right for me. From the design of the stalks on the steering wheel (hidden behind the spokes of the steering wheel, no distractions) to the resistence and size of the volume knob, it all made sense on the older BMWs. But of all things, the shifter doesn't feel ergonomically correct! That's a first for BMW.

[canamx5]

Do you drive a BMW with that shifter...? It feels perfect to me!
Three days with one and I bet you would change your mind. It may feel awkward at first, but it becomes second nature very quickly.

[delirium]

I have gotten used to driving with 2 hands as well, my 3 series automatic has very tight steering wheel so on turns it would be easier w/ 2 hands. Now my 911 on the other hand is a 6 speed, and rarely i will leave my hand lightly resting on the shift knob between shifts, except when driving harder, then i have to use 2 hands between shifts to else it feels like the car will get away from me, but when cruising I will still use 2 hands cuz that sucker has the tendancy to the front end to jump around.

[rh71]

I got pretty comfortable with it after only 2 test drives. I believe I was holding it right over top (like a computer mouse). Didn't feel awkward at all as my elbow was still resting on the center console. It felt positioned perfectly. As much of a problem I had with the look of the dash/console, the shifter was perfect.

I'm really looking forward to the 'manual' shift for some fun driving for a change.