Paddle shifters are "paddles" or buttons mounted on or near the steering wheel of a vehicle that enable the driver to manually transfer gears while maintaining control of the vehicle. First used to help race car drivers achieve better maneuverability, BMW was one of the first mass manufacturers to have this sporty feature.
BMW paddle shifters are integrated into the steering wheel and allow the driver to control the gear shifting without ever having to take their hands off the wheel. The paddles are located on either side of the steering wheel and can be used to upshift, downshift, and even engage cruise control. This allows the driver to keep their hands on the wheel and their eyes on the road at all times, for maximum safety and convenience.
Why use paddle shifters in my BMW?
There are two primary advantages paddle shifters have over conventional transmission controls:
1) Hand on the wheels always
2.) The ultimate driving experience
Not only does this allow you more control over your BMW, but in slick road conditions you can quickly downshift for a safer ride. Paddle shifters also allow you to have a sporty and responsive driving experience, even in an SUV. After all, Paddle shifters were invented for the purpose of allowing race car drivers better handling and control of their race cars while traveling as fast as possible.
How do I use my BMW Paddle Shifters?
Your BMW owner's manual should contain specific instructions on how your paddle shifters operate. Typically, the system's controls or buttons will have a "+" or "-" designation on them.
The paddle shifters on your BMW, are the two small levers on the top on either side of the steering wheel. Flicking the paddle shifters up will kick the gears to a higher gear and flicking them down will change to a lower gear.
Did BMW invent Paddle Shifters?
No, they were first utilized in Formula 1 racing in an effort to make driving simpler and increase vehicle speed. Ferrari pioneered the first genuinely successful paddle shifters that combined a semi-automatic gearbox and an electro-hydraulic shifting system so that drivers did not have to remove their hands from the steering wheel to change gears. This trend has naturally evolved and trickled down from supercars to sports vehicles to more standard SUVs. BMW was one of the first manufacturers to add these to their cars.
The paddle shifters are a convenient way of changing gears in your BMW. They come in handy when driving on slick roads in Macon or Forsyth or on windy roads in Perry. Give them a try the next time you’re driving your BMW. Or come in for a lesson with our BMW Genius