How do you guys like the paddle shifters?

Damage Inc · 12-29-2006, 04:22 PM

I'm a manual guy, drove a couple SMG recently and its pretty sweet (blip throttle downshift, etc). Considering a 335 but no SMG option

but looks like you can get the paddle shifters. I'm assuming they dont perform as well as SMG, but do they blip the throttle, etc?

For you who have them, what % of the time do you use them? For the $1300 premium I'll prob just use get the manual but wanted to see experiences from you all who have it.

MacAttack · 12-29-2006, 04:23 PM

Just me....prefer the 6MT.

GregL · 12-29-2006, 04:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MojorisinM3

I'm a manual guy, drove a couple SMG recently and its pretty sweet (blip throttle downshift, etc). Considering a 335 but no SMG option

but looks like you can get the paddle shifters. I'm assuming they dont perform as well as SMG, but do they blip the throttle, etc?

For you who have them, what % of the time do you use them? For the $1300 premium I'll prob just use get the manual but wanted to see experiences from you all who have it.

I know this isn't what you're asking, nor do I have paddle shifters, but keep in mind that the 335 paddle shifters are not like the M3 unit; in the sense that the M3 has upshift on one side and downshift on the other, instead the 335's are pull towards or push away so it can be driven exclusively using the paddle on one side only.

sflgator · 12-29-2006, 05:19 PM

Paddle Shifters are AWESOME!

I hihjly recommend the Auto/Step ZF tranny w/ Paddle Shifters...it's a no-brainer. They're very easy to use...a simple push with your thimb to downshift and an easy pull with your ring & middle fingers to upshift. I only drive by throwing it into DS and then using my paddle shifters...that's it.

3XTR3M3 · 12-29-2006, 05:19 PM

i have paddle shifters and i love em. If youre lookin for FULL control at ALL times the go with 6MT no doubt. But if you do decide to go auto, paddle shifters are a must. Like GregL said, they both upshit/downshift so its a lot better then the previous generation shifters. On the streets I mainly use the shifter but on freeways its always paddles. With an auto trany paddles are only $100 option.

Hope that helps

ALPINE6SPD · 12-29-2006, 05:41 PM

I dont like them. There is no subsitute for a third pedal.

SkipSauls · 12-29-2006, 05:42 PM

I have them and like them, although I don't use them all the time, preferring to use them only when I'm doing some spirited driving. For what it's worth, I entered a Porsche club autocross event in the 335i with automatic and paddles and proceeded to spank everyone who wasn't on R-compound tires, including a e46 M3, a 996, a few Boxsters, and a whole host of older 911s, 944s, and so on. The paddles were great during the event, allowing me to keep the car in the right gear without much effort at all. I like the fact that both paddles behave the same way, taking the guesswork out of it.

Damage Inc · 12-29-2006, 05:49 PM

Thanks for the feedback. I'll have to think about it a bit...

i'm assuming BMW didnt do SMG on the 335 so they could make the option exclusive w\M3.

RMRC · 12-29-2006, 05:56 PM

Like the SMG the paddle equipped steptronic executes perfectly rev-matched downshifts. It’s really pretty sweet. But, it’s not a manual so the shifts are not as direct and are smoothed out some. You don’t have as much control. I think the new auto is a nice compromise if you live in an area with a lot of traffic congestion like I do. If not, I say stay with the 6MT.

wistarf · 12-29-2006, 06:01 PM

I'm a control freak. I took extensive test drives with auto/paddles, but still strongly favor the MT.

Chesmu · 12-29-2006, 06:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ALPINE6SPD

There is no subsitute for a third pedal.

a manual isn't a manual if it doesn't have a clutch.

sflgator · 12-29-2006, 06:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MojorisinM3

Thanks for the feedback. I'll have to think about it a bit...

i'm assuming BMW didnt do SMG on the 335 so they could make the option exclusive w\M3.

Although I'm not certain, I heard that the SMG tranny may be going out of favor, and BMW was "working" on another clutchless manual tranny like Audi's DSG (which most enthusiasts say is better than SMG). Anyone know if this is accurate?

In any case, you really can't go wrong with the 335i Auto w/ Paddle Shifters...it's the best of both worlds to me!

Snowkone · 12-29-2006, 06:57 PM

Got auto w/paddle shifters and love it! I'm with SkipSauls in that I don't use it all the time, but when it's time to punch it, it's right there. If you are going auto, paddle shifters are a must!

Toast · 12-29-2006, 07:17 PM

not officially but rumor has it that bmw has deal with borg warner for there twin clutch tranny (dsg)

Lost Horizon · 12-29-2006, 08:00 PM

Very happy with the paddles and the very fast shifting auto... after 2 million shifts on many manuals, the bloom has worn off the rose and was getting old, so this auto came around just in time..

picus · 12-29-2006, 08:24 PM

I like my paddles. No, it isn't a manual, but I like my wife more than I like my car, so it's a good compromise.

orionredwing · 12-29-2006, 10:13 PM

I moved from a 5 speed in my last car to paddle shifters.

I did my research on the new ZF automatics and was extremely impressed. It shifts super fast and is extremely smooth. Performance wise, I don't think I can shift faster in a MT than the paddhe shifter does.

So get the MT if you like shifting (I still do!) - no automatic will replicate that feeling of control. But if you're considering an automatic because of a lifestyle change, I guarantee you'll have no regrets with the performance. I'm loving the paddle shifters.

musc · 12-29-2006, 10:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sflgator

Although I'm not certain, I heard that the SMG tranny may be going out of favor, and BMW was "working" on another clutchless manual tranny like Audi's DSG (which most enthusiasts say is better than SMG). Anyone know if this is accurate?

In any case, you really can't go wrong with the 335i Auto w/ Paddle Shifters...it's the best of both worlds to me!

There was rumor of a dual-clutch 8-spd SMG in development for the E90/92 M3. Haven't heard much more about it. This would be smoother than the current SMG, particularly for auto mode; however, I don't know many people who use the SMG in auto mode (I use sequential 99.5% of the time) The biggest short-coming of the SMG is the difficulty in launching. This an area where I think the current paddle-shifted step would be superior.

I test drove a 335i Sedan with auto and found the shifts to be quick and crisp. I'd prefer the paddles to have the configuration of the current SMG (left downshift, right upshift), but other than that, I'd be happy with auto coming from the current SMG. The paddle shifted step is by far BMWs best available automatic.

trekster · 12-29-2006, 10:43 PM

I have a question, Which transmission will handle potential hp upgrade in the future better?

This is what's bugging me on what to get. I wouldn't mind getting a auto with shifters since I live in Los Angeles and this is going to be my daily driver. But then again, I like to modify my cars and was wondering what tranny would be able to with stand more power.

Btw, how long are the order process on a 335i?

KennyVendetta · 12-30-2006, 07:17 AM

Trekster it is about two months from start to finish...

smokin · 12-30-2006, 07:57 AM

i love the paddles.

i wish they were configurable though so you could have one side to go up and one side to go down instead of both sides being the same.

BMWDavid · 12-30-2006, 09:49 AM

I had an 05 and an 06 M3. Both were SMG with competition package. The M3 has launch control and drivelogic which lets you control how responsive the transmission is. The 335 doesn't have these features but, I think that the shifts are pretty quick. If you order a sport package with an auto, BMW will automatically configure the car with paddles.

12-29-2006, 04:22 PM	#1
Damage Inc Lieutenant Colonel 808 Rep 1,944 Posts Drives: 2017 M2 Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Nashville iTrader: (1)	How do you guys like the paddle shifters? I'm a manual guy, drove a couple SMG recently and its pretty sweet (blip throttle downshift, etc). Considering a 335 but no SMG option but looks like you can get the paddle shifters. I'm assuming they dont perform as well as SMG, but do they blip the throttle, etc? For you who have them, what % of the time do you use them? For the $1300 premium I'll prob just use get the manual but wanted to see experiences from you all who have it.
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12-29-2006, 04:23 PM	#2
MacAttack Colonel 29 Rep 2,134 Posts Drives: fast enough Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Afghanistan iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 BMW [0.00]	Just me....prefer the 6MT. __________________ 2007 E92 335i Coupe: Monaco Blue/Premium/Sports/Winter Package/Nav/CA/6MT/TT/Active Cruise/Active Steering/iPod/Rear Shade/Tint/Short Shifter/OEM Alum Pedals//
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12-29-2006, 05:19 PM	#4
sflgator Major General 148 Rep 5,389 Posts Drives: '09 MB C63 AMG & '08 MB GL450 Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: U.S. iTrader: (1)	Paddle Shifters are AWESOME! I hihjly recommend the Auto/Step ZF tranny w/ Paddle Shifters...it's a no-brainer. They're very easy to use...a simple push with your thimb to downshift and an easy pull with your ring & middle fingers to upshift. I only drive by throwing it into DS and then using my paddle shifters...that's it. __________________ \|2009 RENNtech MB C63 AMG \| Black/Black Leather/Black Maple \| Premium II \| MultiMedia \| iPod \| \| TeleAid \| Charcoal Filter Delete \| BMC High-Flow Air Filters \| High-Flow Secondary Cats \| Clear Side Markers \|
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12-29-2006, 05:19 PM	#5
3XTR3M3 Lieutenant Colonel 99 Rep 1,575 Posts Drives: E92 AW M3 6MT Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: LA iTrader: (1)	i have paddle shifters and i love em. If youre lookin for FULL control at ALL times the go with 6MT no doubt. But if you do decide to go auto, paddle shifters are a must. Like GregL said, they both upshit/downshift so its a lot better then the previous generation shifters. On the streets I mainly use the shifter but on freeways its always paddles. With an auto trany paddles are only $100 option. Hope that helps
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12-29-2006, 05:41 PM	#6
ALPINE6SPD Lieutenant General 157 Rep 10,411 Posts Drives: 2010 BMW 328i Sport Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Highland Lakes NJ iTrader: (2)	I dont like them. There is no subsitute for a third pedal. __________________ 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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12-29-2006, 05:42 PM	#7
SkipSauls First Lieutenant 40 Rep 361 Posts Drives: E70 X5 35d Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Longmont, CO iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 E92 335i Coupe [0.00]	I have them and like them, although I don't use them all the time, preferring to use them only when I'm doing some spirited driving. For what it's worth, I entered a Porsche club autocross event in the 335i with automatic and paddles and proceeded to spank everyone who wasn't on R-compound tires, including a e46 M3, a 996, a few Boxsters, and a whole host of older 911s, 944s, and so on. The paddles were great during the event, allowing me to keep the car in the right gear without much effort at all. I like the fact that both paddles behave the same way, taking the guesswork out of it.
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12-29-2006, 05:49 PM	#8
Damage Inc Lieutenant Colonel 808 Rep 1,944 Posts Drives: 2017 M2 Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Nashville iTrader: (1)	Thanks for the feedback. I'll have to think about it a bit... i'm assuming BMW didnt do SMG on the 335 so they could make the option exclusive w\M3.
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12-29-2006, 05:56 PM	#9
RMRC Lieutenant 19 Rep 475 Posts Drives: 2011 E90 335d Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: West iTrader: (0)	Like the SMG the paddle equipped steptronic executes perfectly rev-matched downshifts. It’s really pretty sweet. But, it’s not a manual so the shifts are not as direct and are smoothed out some. You don’t have as much control. I think the new auto is a nice compromise if you live in an area with a lot of traffic congestion like I do. If not, I say stay with the 6MT.
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12-29-2006, 06:01 PM	#10
wistarf Second Lieutenant 15 Rep 219 Posts Drives: 335i Coupé Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: San Diego iTrader: (0)	I'm a control freak. I took extensive test drives with auto/paddles, but still strongly favor the MT. __________________ 07 335 MT, silver on black, sport, premium.
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12-29-2006, 06:57 PM	#13
Snowkone Private First Class 1 Rep 171 Posts Drives: 2007 335i Coupe (Sold) Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Texas iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 335i Coupe [0.00]	Got auto w/paddle shifters and love it! I'm with SkipSauls in that I don't use it all the time, but when it's time to punch it, it's right there. If you are going auto, paddle shifters are a must!
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12-29-2006, 07:17 PM	#14
Toast Private 2 Rep 85 Posts Drives: X3.5m, A4 Avant Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: San Gabriel, CA iTrader: (0)	not officially but rumor has it that bmw has deal with borg warner for there twin clutch tranny (dsg) __________________ X3.5m \| A4 Avant
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12-29-2006, 08:00 PM	#15
Lost Horizon Captain 29 Rep 633 Posts Drives: 435 MPPK+1970 XKE OTS Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Victoria BC iTrader: (0)	Very happy with the paddles and the very fast shifting auto... after 2 million shifts on many manuals, the bloom has worn off the rose and was getting old, so this auto came around just in time..
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12-29-2006, 08:24 PM	#16
picus Brigadier General 125 Rep 4,172 Posts Drives: e92 SG 335i Coupe Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Toronto, ON iTrader: (0)	I like my paddles. No, it isn't a manual, but I like my wife more than I like my car, so it's a good compromise.
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12-29-2006, 10:13 PM	#17
orionredwing Captain 106 Rep 728 Posts Drives: 335i Sedan, 135i Coupe Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: San Jose iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 335i [10.00]	I moved from a 5 speed in my last car to paddle shifters. I did my research on the new ZF automatics and was extremely impressed. It shifts super fast and is extremely smooth. Performance wise, I don't think I can shift faster in a MT than the paddhe shifter does. So get the MT if you like shifting (I still do!) - no automatic will replicate that feeling of control. But if you're considering an automatic because of a lifestyle change, I guarantee you'll have no regrets with the performance. I'm loving the paddle shifters. __________________ PROcede \| AMS FMIC \| AR Catless DPs \| AR Oil Cooler \| BMS DCI Wavetrac LSD \| KW V3 w/ Swift Springs \| M3 Front Suspension
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12-29-2006, 10:43 PM	#19
trekster LV2XLR8 4 Rep 65 Posts Drives: Cadillac CTS-V Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Downey,CA iTrader: (0)	I have a question, Which transmission will handle potential hp upgrade in the future better? This is what's bugging me on what to get. I wouldn't mind getting a auto with shifters since I live in Los Angeles and this is going to be my daily driver. But then again, I like to modify my cars and was wondering what tranny would be able to with stand more power. Btw, how long are the order process on a 335i?
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12-30-2006, 07:17 AM	#20
KennyVendetta Salsero 41 Rep 260 Posts Drives: 335 Crimson Red Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: San Diego, CA iTrader: (0)	Trekster it is about two months from start to finish... __________________ 335 Sedan \| Crimson Red \| Cream Beige \| Burl Walnut \| Step \| ZSP\| ZPP \| CA \| PDC \| Sunshade \| Paddle Shifters Pick up - Jan 18 2007
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12-30-2006, 07:57 AM	#21
smokin Second Lieutenant 9 Rep 228 Posts Drives: BMW 335 Coupe Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: London, England iTrader: (1) Garage List 2006 335d coupe [0.00]	i love the paddles. i wish they were configurable though so you could have one side to go up and one side to go down instead of both sides being the same.
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12-30-2006, 09:49 AM	#22
BMWDavid 435 Rep 860 Posts Drives: MSport F30 Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: BMW Secret Test Facilities iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 BMW M3 Sedan [0.00] 2005(sold but not f ... [10.00] 2006 X3 [0.00] 1984 633csi [0.00]	I had an 05 and an 06 M3. Both were SMG with competition package. The M3 has launch control and drivelogic which lets you control how responsive the transmission is. The 335 doesn't have these features but, I think that the shifts are pretty quick. If you order a sport package with an auto, BMW will automatically configure the car with paddles. __________________
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