Paddle Shift: Steering Wheel or Steering Column Mount? - Page 2

Terk · 22nd December 2005, 16:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by MRichmond

I like them where they are -- on the wheel. Most racing instructors will tell you that you should not be shifting while making a tight turn. Instead, the shifting and braking should be finished before you enter a turn. Therefore, the paddles are where they should be for track use. On roads, the only time that they are out of reach is when making a 90-degree turn from a stop and want to shift up to second during the turn. During these turns, it is easiest to use the lever. I like how the paddles are integrated with the wheel.

I also totally agree with this and in the case of the sharp right turn from stop, I just used the shift lever. It is nice that BMW have provided both options for shifting.

AJ · 22nd December 2005, 17:12

when driving straight- paddles. when driving through turns that require more than 270 degrees turn of the steering wheel (ie i have to lose my grip)- console shifter.

bmw has done an excellent job giving us the options to shift both ways- true to the sporting nature of the car

alex
few cars

jais46 · 22nd December 2005, 17:42

I like the paddles where they are (my E46 M3 was SMG as well as my current 645). In hard, fast turns, I'm not usually shifting and I've have learned where to "find" the paddles if I need to shift.

I love having the option of floor shifting. I'm always going back and forth between the paddles and the console shifter. If I'm uncomfortable getting to the paddles because of some weird position it's in (when turning hard), I'll just hit the console shifter.

BD 997 · 22nd December 2005, 17:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by rodman31

Well, I guess I will be in the minority here, but I like them on the wheel. Having tracked the M3 w/performance package down at BMW performance center, they are in the perfect spot. I drive 9 & 3 and can always reach the paddles in this position, maybe longer fingers??

As stated, the shifter is always a quick option, nice to have options!!!

Happy Holidays Everyone!!!!

im with you...

mhh · 22nd December 2005, 18:18

I've got a Gallardo with column mounted paddles as well as the M5 and I slightly prefer the column mount, but it is no big deal due to the stick shift as well on the M5. The wheel mounted paddles are better than the column mounted when doing 90 degree turn and needing to change gears while you are doing it.

Only problem is that I now occasionally go for the gear lever on the Gallardo and it isn't there.

DonGargon · 22nd December 2005, 18:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by mhh

I've got a Gallardo with column mounted paddles as well as the M5 and I slightly prefer the column mount, but it is no big deal due to the stick shift as well on the M5. The wheel mounted paddles are better than the column mounted when doing 90 degree turn and needing to change gears while you are doing it.

Only problem is that I now occasionally go for the gear lever on the Gallardo and it isn't there.

Nice to have input from someone with both systems.

Last point illustrates where BMW M are foresighted enough to provide the best overall system!

Luck guy by the way!

Have you tested the M5 and Gallardo side by side. I had an encounter with one on the motorway and although not scientific, I did manage to out do him from 110 - 150+. Maybe he wasn't giving it 100% but he was very aggressive and by the look of the regular blue flashes from the exhausts, I'd say he was going at a fair old pace.

Was a joy to see it in motion though - truely lovely car

mhh · 22nd December 2005, 21:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by DonGargon

Have you tested the M5 and Gallardo side by side.

I haven't driven them side by side - hard to drive two cars at once

- but I drive them about as often as each other and I suspect there isn't much between them. The Gallardo feels faster in most conditions due to the stronger midrange and lighter weight, and it certainly handles better, but the top end of the M5 is very strong.

BTW, after the Lambo, the M5 feels like it is invisible - which is nice on those days you don't feel like any attention. It gets noticed only by car enthusiasts which is preferable to the attention an exotic gets from everyone on the street.

jkrutch · 23rd December 2005, 05:08

You and I are two peas in a pod. I also have a G, but mine is a 6 speed. I agree 100% with your assessment. The torque comes on much earlier and the 1,000lb difference is apparent. Where I can't comment is on the top end of the M5. I finally broke 1k miles. I am a week away from 1,200! What amazed me is that in cooler weather (mid 50's) the Lambo broke the tires loose in 1st gear. Even with AWD and a very tall 1st gear, the torque overwhelms the tires.

All I can say is that we are very fortunate to have 2 of the most amazing cars available.

Quote:

Originally Posted by mhh

I haven't driven them side by side - hard to drive two cars at once

- but I drive them about as often as each other and I suspect there isn't much between them. The Gallardo feels faster in most conditions due to the stronger midrange and lighter weight, and it certainly handles better, but the top end of the M5 is very strong.

BTW, after the Lambo, the M5 feels like it is invisible - which is nice on those days you don't feel like any attention. It gets noticed only by car enthusiasts which is preferable to the attention an exotic gets from everyone on the street.