Thread: Paddle Shifting
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      10-05-2009, 04:58 PM   #8
chuck92103
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Drives: 2011 535i
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Suzie's Dad View Post
Greetings from The Dark Side.

I drive an ML550 that has paddle shifters on the wheel that work the way you guys say you'd like: right = up, left = down. I find them very easy to use and more intuitive than the push/pull paddles on the X6 I drove. But you guys also have the option of changing gear using the shift stick; I don't, as the Mercedes has a column-mounted shifter like the old 7 series used to have, so the paddles are my only option for manually changing gear. Of course, I do get two big cup holders.

archwerks: I think F1 paddles are mounted to the wheel, because the driver never takes his hands off the 9-and-3 position, even when turning tightly. In a road car with several turns lock-to-lock, it might make more sense to have taller paddles mounted to the column so that they would be easier to find when turning.
I drove an ML that did not have paddles, but buttons on the back of the steering wheel. Not really for racing, just shifting convenience.
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