Paddle Shifters on 335i

BimmerDreamerFL · 08-09-2006, 12:46 AM

The paddle shifters available with steptronic & sports package sound interesting. I know they're only $100 more, but since (in my opinion) they kinda spoil the 'clean' look of the steering wheel -- are they really that useful?
(And how do they work?)

Thanks,
BimmerDreamerFL

Luongo · 08-09-2006, 12:50 AM

Definately get it, especially if it is only $100. Will help with resale in the future.

mattldm · 08-09-2006, 08:47 AM

I think you have to get them if you order steptronic and sport package.

cntlaw · 08-09-2006, 09:07 AM

$100 ! get it.

BenMW · 08-09-2006, 09:08 AM

I think it makes the interior look even better. So I think you just have to get them and I think every auto person would want them.

KL2DC · 08-09-2006, 09:23 AM

Can't go wrong with a $100 option...

r_liebo · 08-09-2006, 09:36 AM

Having owned cars with shifters on or near the wheel like this it really depends on how you drive. AFter the newness wore off, I found myself using them only rarely. It still is no substitute for a real clutch as far as driver involvement, and the new auto tranny is allegedly so good at shifting, I don't think they are necessary. The paddles let you control the shifting by clicking them. I haven't driven the BMW version, but my guess is one side upshift, other side downshift (I've heard both together goes neutral, which if true, would be neat). You can still use the standard autobox sprouting out of the tunnel, at any time. The advantages are more direct and quick control over what gear you are in, while being able to maintain 2 hands on the wheel. For professional drivers, this setup is key, but for the average Joe, it is more for the experience than actual performance.
I would also question a bit its affect on resale. At least in the U.S., you still really have two schools of thought. The "manual" crowd and the "auto" crowd. Unlike Europe, where the benefits of paddle shifters have trickled down into more mainstraim enthusiast thinking, the U.S. hasn't gotten there yet (part of why everyone in the U.S. screamed so much for a manual M5, which we are now getting -- U.S. only, I believe). THerefore, I don't think there is a huge demographic of customers who would say "I'd love to buy your car because it is an auto, but I have to have the paddle shifters." More likely "auto vs. manual" will be the dealbreaker.
That being said, it is only $100. That is peanuts.
Just my 2 cents.

oneshare325 · 08-09-2006, 09:46 AM

My friends GTI has them and he loves them, and my mothers grand prix has them also! I think they are totally worth it! Just because it is cool to tap them right before a sharp turn, and then again on the way out! Get them!

ALPINE6SPD · 08-09-2006, 09:51 AM

its worth it.

Jch330 · 08-09-2006, 01:59 PM

definitly worth it

typerlover · 08-09-2006, 03:04 PM

Is it possible to get paddle shifters on a 328 with sport package?

cntlaw · 08-10-2006, 02:39 AM

amazing, I only found paddle shifters from M, AMG , now I read that even the new generation Civic 2.0 has it. No wonder it is a $100 option.

Ninjaneer · 08-10-2006, 06:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by typerlover

Is it possible to get paddle shifters on a 328 with sport package?

Looks like it is only a 335i type of option. It doesn't show up as an option on the 328i/xi order guide or pricing sheet found on the forums.

BTW both steptronic + sport package are required to get it.

KevinC · 08-10-2006, 08:33 AM

Yet another toy for poseurs who don't want or can't shift a "real" manual transmission. If you want an automatic, fine, get one. If you want to shift for yourself, fine, get a 6MT.

Useful in an F1 car, dopey Pep Boys accessory on a street car.

Ninjaneer · 08-10-2006, 08:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KevinC

Yet another toy for poseurs who don't want or can't shift a "real" manual transmission. If you want an automatic, fine, get one. If you want to shift for yourself, fine, get a 6MT.

Useful in an F1 car, dopey Pep Boys accessory on a street car.

BTW I'm sure you're just generally speaking (not attacking any1), but I drive a manual right now and I'm more than capable of driving one. However, I decided to go auto with my new car cos I'm a little tired of manual lately, mostly cos of my 1 hr commute to/from work and occassionally hitting rush hour. Also, coming from an underpowered car, what I'm ordering will be more than fast enough for me. I'm not into racing down roads much, but have had my fair share of fun

Now, if I was to get an M-series car, no question about it, I'd get a manual. For now though, I want to sit back and relax, with a good amount of speed at my disposal regardless.

longtran · 08-10-2006, 10:03 AM

get them for 100 now or pay more to get them later..

bobnaz · 08-10-2006, 10:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by typerlover

Is it possible to get paddle shifters on a 328 with sport package?

I don't think it comes with the GM auto tranny.

ALPINE6SPD · 08-10-2006, 12:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobnaz

I don't think it comes with the GM auto tranny.

it does not come with the 328 at all.

Pretender · 08-10-2006, 01:11 PM

Dude, if I have to pay $300 now for my car to have it, I will. Just for 100 bucks to get a super cool feature. Why not?

DrRT · 10-09-2006, 11:50 PM

There are many who think it depends on how you drive, styles, trafic vs. free lanes, etc, etc... here is the correct advice: get it.

Step + paddles = shifting heaven.

Manual => if you want to appear to be "cool" and that you know "true" driving. It is like using a PC with character-based MS-DOS instead of Windows. One uses MS-DOS to appear that you "know" the system and have "control" because you manually "type" the commands. Fuck that shit... back then MS-DOS was considered cool, now everyone knows it is retarded.

KevinC · 10-09-2006, 11:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DrRT

Step + paddles = shifting heaven.

Manual => if you want to appear to be "cool" and that you know "true" driving. It is like using a PC with character-based MS-DOS instead of Windows. One uses MS-DOS to appear that you "know" the system and have "control" because you manually "type" the commands. Fuck that shit... back then MS-DOS was considered cool, now everyone knows it is retarded.

The truth is that fucktards that have a problem embracing proven technology that puts driving one step ahead of what it was before.

Dude, I'm sorry, but that might have been THE worst post in the history of this forum! Your analogy of comparing a manual tranny to MS-DOS is so completely disjointed it ain't even funny.

KevinC · 10-09-2006, 11:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DrRT

0 car accidents
provoked 4 other cars to crash
pulled over by cops 12 times
2 tickets!!!

Should have read this first. COMPLETELY discredits your stupid "fucktard" post. You find this something to brag about? Stay the fuck away from me on the road.

08-09-2006, 12:46 AM	#1
BimmerDreamerFL Enlisted Member 9 Rep 32 Posts Drives: 328i or 335i (soon - i hope) Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Florida iTrader: (0)	Paddle Shifters on 335i - worth getting? The paddle shifters available with steptronic & sports package sound interesting. I know they're only $100 more, but since (in my opinion) they kinda spoil the 'clean' look of the steering wheel -- are they really that useful? (And how do they work?) Thanks, BimmerDreamerFL
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08-09-2006, 12:50 AM	#2
Luongo Lieutenant 134 Rep 463 Posts Drives: 2018 Porsche Carrera T Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Chicago, Illinois iTrader: (2)	Definately get it, especially if it is only $100. Will help with resale in the future.
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08-09-2006, 08:47 AM	#3
mattldm M40i Soon! 27 Rep 175 Posts Drives: 2020 X3 M40i coming soon Join Date: May 2005 Location: So Cal - 909 iTrader: (0)	I think you have to get them if you order steptronic and sport package.
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08-09-2006, 09:07 AM	#4
cntlaw Major General 235 Rep 6,874 Posts Drives: 330i E90 C55 AMG Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Hong Kong iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 BMW 330i E90 [0.00] 2006 BMW 330i E90 [0.00] 2005 Mercedes Benz ... [0.00] 2002 Z3 2.2 USA Spo ... [0.00] 2002 Toyota MR-S Co ... [0.00]	$100 ! get it. __________________ BMW 2006 330i E90 Jet Black/Black Leathers/Aluminium, Steptronic Active Steering; MTech Aero Kit Carbon Fibre Splitters/Diffuser. Bilstein PSS9 Coilover, Rays VOLK Racing RE30 Formula Limited Edition 18" Pirelli Rosso; Project Mu 355mm Forged 4pot Caliper. HID:Osram D1S 6000K, PIAA 6500K White Ring, Philips Diamond Vision HB4 5000K, PIAA H490/H491 Super Bright 6500K LED Interior Lights. Chrome S.Wheel Cover, Rear Windows Sunshades.
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08-09-2006, 09:08 AM	#5
BenMW Major 53 Rep 1,393 Posts Drives: e92 335i Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Dallas + Chicago(Lake Forest) iTrader: (1) Garage List 2007 330i coupe [0.00] 2002 325ci [0.00]	I think it makes the interior look even better. So I think you just have to get them and I think every auto person would want them. __________________ Retired: e46 cabrio, E36 Cabrio, 02' 525i, 325Ci 02' Style 189 335i sport Wheels for sale PM Me BIG CHANGES COMING SOON- Can anyone help me make a sig pic?
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08-09-2006, 09:23 AM	#6
KL2DC Moderator 319 Rep 17,767 Posts Drives: F36 428i,E90 328i, E85 Z4 3.0i Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: DC Metro iTrader: (23) Garage List 2015 F36 428i [0.00] 2011 E90 328i [0.00] 2006 E85 Z4 3.0i [0.00]	Can't go wrong with a $100 option... __________________ Official DC Metro Registry - Current, New & Prospective Area Members Roll Call!
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08-09-2006, 09:36 AM	#7
r_liebo Private 2 Rep 71 Posts Drives: MBC320 Sport Join Date: May 2006 Location: ATL iTrader: (0)	Having owned cars with shifters on or near the wheel like this it really depends on how you drive. AFter the newness wore off, I found myself using them only rarely. It still is no substitute for a real clutch as far as driver involvement, and the new auto tranny is allegedly so good at shifting, I don't think they are necessary. The paddles let you control the shifting by clicking them. I haven't driven the BMW version, but my guess is one side upshift, other side downshift (I've heard both together goes neutral, which if true, would be neat). You can still use the standard autobox sprouting out of the tunnel, at any time. The advantages are more direct and quick control over what gear you are in, while being able to maintain 2 hands on the wheel. For professional drivers, this setup is key, but for the average Joe, it is more for the experience than actual performance. I would also question a bit its affect on resale. At least in the U.S., you still really have two schools of thought. The "manual" crowd and the "auto" crowd. Unlike Europe, where the benefits of paddle shifters have trickled down into more mainstraim enthusiast thinking, the U.S. hasn't gotten there yet (part of why everyone in the U.S. screamed so much for a manual M5, which we are now getting -- U.S. only, I believe). THerefore, I don't think there is a huge demographic of customers who would say "I'd love to buy your car because it is an auto, but I have to have the paddle shifters." More likely "auto vs. manual" will be the dealbreaker. That being said, it is only $100. That is peanuts. Just my 2 cents.
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08-09-2006, 09:46 AM	#8
oneshare325 Brigadier General 199 Rep 4,178 Posts Drives: E90 325i, E82 135i Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Arlington, VA iTrader: (11) Garage List 2018 BMW M3 [0.00] 2006 325i [0.00]	My friends GTI has them and he loves them, and my mothers grand prix has them also! I think they are totally worth it! Just because it is cool to tap them right before a sharp turn, and then again on the way out! Get them!
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08-09-2006, 09:51 AM	#9
ALPINE6SPD Lieutenant General 157 Rep 10,411 Posts Drives: 2010 BMW 328i Sport Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Highland Lakes NJ iTrader: (2)	its worth it. __________________ 2010 AW e90 328i: 6 speed, Black Leather, Dark Wood trim, ZPP, ZCW, ZVP,ZSP, Nav, Xenon BMW Performance CF Rear spolier and Gloss black grills 2008 Candy White MKV GTI 2.0T 6 Speed Manul Gone 2008 AW X3 3.0si: 6 speed Returned 2006 AW e90 330i: 6 speed Dinan Stage 1 Returned
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08-09-2006, 01:59 PM	#10
Jch330 Second Lieutenant 14 Rep 242 Posts Drives: E92 328, BS CB, CA, Nav, PDC Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Palm Beach/ Bloomfield Hills, MI /Oxford, OH iTrader: (0)	definitly worth it
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08-09-2006, 03:04 PM	#11
typerlover Private 3 Rep 73 Posts Drives: coming soon Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Middle iTrader: (0)	Is it possible to get paddle shifters on a 328 with sport package?
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08-10-2006, 02:39 AM	#12
cntlaw Major General 235 Rep 6,874 Posts Drives: 330i E90 C55 AMG Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Hong Kong iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 BMW 330i E90 [0.00] 2006 BMW 330i E90 [0.00] 2005 Mercedes Benz ... [0.00] 2002 Z3 2.2 USA Spo ... [0.00] 2002 Toyota MR-S Co ... [0.00]	amazing, I only found paddle shifters from M, AMG , now I read that even the new generation Civic 2.0 has it. No wonder it is a $100 option. __________________ BMW 2006 330i E90 Jet Black/Black Leathers/Aluminium, Steptronic Active Steering; MTech Aero Kit Carbon Fibre Splitters/Diffuser. Bilstein PSS9 Coilover, Rays VOLK Racing RE30 Formula Limited Edition 18" Pirelli Rosso; Project Mu 355mm Forged 4pot Caliper. HID:Osram D1S 6000K, PIAA 6500K White Ring, Philips Diamond Vision HB4 5000K, PIAA H490/H491 Super Bright 6500K LED Interior Lights. Chrome S.Wheel Cover, Rear Windows Sunshades.
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08-10-2006, 08:33 AM	#14
KevinC your average JAMF 3182 Rep 4,107 Posts Drives: '21 M2 Comp, '19 Golf R Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Cochise County, AZ iTrader: (0) Garage List 2019 VW Golf R [10.00] 2021 BMW M2 Competi ... [5.00]	Yet another toy for poseurs who don't want or can't shift a "real" manual transmission. If you want an automatic, fine, get one. If you want to shift for yourself, fine, get a 6MT. Useful in an F1 car, dopey Pep Boys accessory on a street car. __________________ '21 M2 Comp '19 Golf R
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08-10-2006, 10:03 AM	#16
longtran Lieutenant General 1439 Rep 16,628 Posts Drives: E90 M3 Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: CA iTrader: (105) Garage List 2006 325i [0.00]	get them for 100 now or pay more to get them later..
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08-10-2006, 01:11 PM	#19
Pretender Colonel 150 Rep 2,419 Posts Drives: 06 330i, 07 328i, 16 X1, >17M2 Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Bay Area, CA iTrader: (1) Garage List 06 330i [0.00]	Dude, if I have to pay $300 now for my car to have it, I will. Just for 100 bucks to get a super cool feature. Why not? __________________ It's a great time to be alive
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10-09-2006, 11:50 PM	#20
DrRT Private First Class 4 Rep 124 Posts Drives: M3 Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: M3 iTrader: (0)	There are many who think it depends on how you drive, styles, trafic vs. free lanes, etc, etc... here is the correct advice: get it. Step + paddles = shifting heaven. Manual => if you want to appear to be "cool" and that you know "true" driving. It is like using a PC with character-based MS-DOS instead of Windows. One uses MS-DOS to appear that you "know" the system and have "control" because you manually "type" the commands. Fuck that shit... back then MS-DOS was considered cool, now everyone knows it is retarded. __________________ 0 car accidents provoked 4 other cars to crash pulled over by cops 12 times 2 tickets!!!
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