[MMVI]

I would like to send a message to BMW for their DSG style box to ask for paddles behind the wheel (like an M3) rather than the buttons in the cleft of the wheel.

I have driven both types and think the current SMG style change is difficult to use. I would ask that their new box is a paddle system but am interested in starting a poll to see what people would prefer.

Note too, and this is my two penneth worth. They should NOT! move. Or if they do only a little arc as the wheel is turned.

Many thanks for participating, I hope BMW read this and take note
(if it goes for paddles that is).

Regards GB.

[NFS]

Paddles for definite ... but they HAVE to rotate with the wheel ....

This is how Porsche do it and it works, on a track you realise why .... forget about all that push pull stuff you should be gripping the wheel tight with both hands.

and .... you shouldn't really be changing gear on a bend ...

[kevE90]

I was just watching this video

long German video review of BMW 335i (space gray) (good one)
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=24617

I thought the 335 steering wheel shifters were push only but as you can see they work as paddles as well. (4min 7 sec into video.)

[MMVI]

You're right. At the very beginning you can see a lever function as part of the moulding that forms the button visible from the seat.

Have they always been like this. I am embarrassed to say that I have never noticed this before. However... I am sure that the M3 style levers are better as I think they stay relatively still.

I firmly believe that the levers should not move with the wheel.
Buttons on the wheel can be missed, not found, be upside down when you need them. I had a car where the horn buttons were on the wheel arms and I could never find them because they were never in the same place.

Well spotted..

[ALPINE6SPD]

paddles

[MrSilver]

Paddles are just cooler imo.

[espo]

Where's the other option: Neither.

Haven't tried either of them, so I couldn't say. But what is wrong with a good old fashion "stick" interface (even for the SMG transmission)?

However if you are really interesting in an F1 style interface, it would have to be paddles behind the wheel, upshift with right hand, downshift with left, and it would have to move with the wheel.

[xG35c]

Originally Posted by needforspeed

Paddles for definite ... but they HAVE to rotate with the wheel ....

This is how Porsche do it and it works, on a track you realise why .... forget about all that push pull stuff you should be gripping the wheel tight with both hands.

Actually, Porsche has a toggle switch on the steering wheel. Conceptually good, but the location works out to be ackward for reaching with your thumb (or any other finger for that fact). I think Mercedes locates buttons behind the wheel where they line up with your trigger finger!