i think it depends on the driving style and how far your seat is relative to the default arm rest, if you sit quite forward (i do, i use the BMW advanced driving training position), the arm rest sliding forward helps close the gap.

 

i seem to use it whenever i drive.... that is because i don't drive with 2 hands on the wheel. I find it annoying driving with 2 hands on the wheel. my left hand is on the wheel, and my right elbow is on the rest and my hand on the gear selecter (dunno why, i have an auto)

 

It's an option in Germany, but comes as standard with some other things.

 

my position is exactly like yours . but i know why my hand is on the gear selector. when i'm in d mode, i sometimes switch to ds mode. when i'm in ds mode, i change it to manual mode. all depends on the driving condition.

 

You have a point.

 

 

I have a manual, and use it nearly every time I drive. I too push my seat very far forward to have better control. In an automatic, I'm all the way back!

 

???

 

I need to push the clutch pedal fully, and be up closer to do that. I sit more upright and can push the pedals in.

On an automatic, I don't need to be in to push anything all the way to the ground--at least not on a regular basis. So, I sit back much further.

 

SueBMW,

A bit off topic and uut of curiosity from your E60 signature "Early-build excessivley problematic 2004".

How is an early build 2004 car so problematic. E60s came out back in mid 2003, so they will have teething problems but a 2004? That's strange.