Who uses their paddle shifters?

[cmyX6go]

Originally Posted by MINz guy

What can I say? I need something to make it as real as it gets since I can't drive yet!

Are the paddles the same as this one in the first post of this thread?
http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...installed.html If so, that is odd and I guess you do use your thumbs.

They look like the link above. There are two, one on each side of the steering wheel. Both have the same function. I tried playing around a bit more on my ride home tonight. It is still very awkward. I have to get used to using my thumbs on the upshift. If I try to use my fingers to pull forward, I'm kind of twisting my hands so my fingers can reach the paddles.

[MINIz guy]

I found out this is how it looks like from the back. Can you not reach the big aluminum area on the back? If not, this seems like a huge design error from BMW.

[4.6is Ryder]

L, use your two middle fingers to upshift and your thumbs to downshift. Once you get used to it, it's a blast to drive. If you place your fingers behind the paddles, you should feel a natural fit.......Phil

[Tasker]

I won't be using mine but it will be a real challenge to stop myself from using them as fire buttons in traffic I've got good tone!

[cmyX6go]

MINz guy - I'll try touching the back.

AlexK - I think I'll be using the shifter too. I like the concept of the paddles but the placement is a problem. I'm not happy. I was looking forward to playing with a new toy

Phil - Middle fingers don't work either. I think BMW designed the paddles for a guy with big hands. My fingers don't reach the paddles when my hands are in their normal driving position. I have to twist them in order to reach and when I do, I'm all contorted

Tasker - Why won't you use yours?

[Tasker]

I was always a manual guy, thought autos were terrible, just something for the older motorist, I was given an auto BMW by Porsche as a courtesy car and fell in love, I'm too lazy to go back now
Once in a blue moon I do take over the cog swapping so I might give the paddles a go but the car makes such a good job of gear changing anyway I really don't want to get in the way of excellence

Incidentally, love your new car

[cmyX6go]

Originally Posted by Tasker

I was always a manual guy, thought autos were terrible, just something for the older motorist, I was given an auto BMW by Porsche as a courtesy car and fell in love, I'm too lazy to go back now
Once in a blue moon I do take over the cog swapping so I might give the paddles a go but the car makes such a good job of gear changing anyway I really don't want to get in the way of excellence

Incidentally, love your new car

Interesting. I'm the opposite. I'm a wuss, I don't drive a three pedal. I've been talking about calling a driving school for some time but haven't done it yet. I wish I had access to a car with manual to play around with. My dad said I should learn on the 1936 Ford. It's time I learn, I got the bug.

Thank you, I love it too. I'm starting to play with it now. It's fun to drive. Have I mentioned how much I love the exhaust note

[Tasker]

I do love a manual drive, if I go back to a performance/sports car it will be difficult to choose between auto and manual.

[cmyX6go]

Originally Posted by MINz guy

I found out this is how it looks like from the back. Can you not reach the big aluminum area on the back? If not, this seems like a huge design error from BMW.

You upshift from behind the steering wheel with your fingers. I didn't realize the back part existed. Thanks MINz guy. I would have found it sooner or later.

[4.6is Ryder]

Originally Posted by cmyX6go

You upshift from behind the steering wheel with your fingers. I didn't realize the back part existed. Thanks MINz guy. I would have found it sooner or later.

That's what I was telling you....you don't have to use the thumb notch on the top. As far as a manual vs. paddle, I seriously doubt that I'll ever purchase 3 pedals again.....Phil