Im decided, I wont get the 07 X5

[Jabrone_X5]

Originally Posted by xdrive

Is that ture? The E92 335i (with steptronic) has them ....

You're right, but its not part of any BMW Sport Package that I've seen in the past. Usually the sport packages are a cosmetic option. I guess they've included them now. I test drove a 335i and Lexus 350is and I think they're useless.

I don't think it makes sense to have paddle shifters on a regular transmission like the steptronic because you really don't feel the car like a manual or a SMG transmission, if you can't feel the rev than you wouldn't know when to shift gears.

[mazinkaizer]

Sorry, I didn't mean by why not include it in the sport package what I really wanted to say is why not have that function on the X5 meanwhile the 3, 5, 6 (and 7?) series has them (not talking about the M of course).

Their rival ML has the paddle shifter amoung some other SUV. I think most people wouldn't mind to have it and it'll just make the car a little more fun to drive IMO.

[Jabrone_X5]

I don't think paddle shifters are an option for the ML350 and ML550. I know mercedes has them for all their new AMG63s Does anyone use the M mode (steptronic) on their current X5 at all?

[chiefneil]

Originally Posted by Jabrone_X5

I don't think paddle shifters are an option for the ML350 and ML550. I know mercedes has them for all their new AMG63s Does anyone use the M mode (steptronic) on their current X5 at all?

I use it once in a while - either while driving in the mountains when I need to hold a gear, or when I'm merging on the highway and I'm stuck behind some slowpoke numbskull so I can have the tranny in 2nd and ready to blow by as soon I get a chance.

My big issue with the E53 and E46 steptronic is they don't blip the throttle on downshifts, and shifts are really slow. That's all supposed to be addressed in the new E90 tranny, so if those improvements carry over to the X5 then paddle shifters would actually be useful with the auto.