View Poll Results: How do you SMG?
Voters: 44. You may not vote on this poll
SMG Poll: Paddles or Stick?
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From: Dallas, TX USA
Originally Posted by realtyman' post='241206' date='Feb 16 2006, 10:40 AM
Yeah, but the stick is so much closer to that pretty leg in the passenger's seat. 
paddling with the left frees the right hand for the full attention of anything worthy in the passenger seat.
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My Ride: '05 545i - scheduled for ED pickup in Munich on 7/22!
Originally Posted by JDN' post='241223' date='Feb 16 2006, 12:34 PM
Yeah, but
paddling with the left frees the right hand for the full attention of anything worthy in the passenger seat.
paddling with the left frees the right hand for the full attention of anything worthy in the passenger seat.
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My Ride: '05 545i - scheduled for ED pickup in Munich on 7/22!
Originally Posted by jdubbs' post='241011' date='Feb 16 2006, 12:12 AM
I've only had my e60 for two weeks, so I am still getting used to the SMG, after spending the last 3 years on a manual. I'm noticing that I still tend to drive with my left hand at the 12 o'clock position on the wheel, with my right hand on the gearshift. I'm trying to condition myself to revert back to the 10 and 2 positions, but it is slow going...until I do, I suspect I will still favor the stick over the paddles. Somehow, my body seems to anticipate (i.e., ignore) the car's momentary hestitation in shifting better when I implement it via the stick... some kind of residual sense memory from doing the whole engage clutch-shift-disenage clutch routine.
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From: New York, NY
My Ride: '05 545i - scheduled for ED pickup in Munich on 7/22!
Originally Posted by speedracerF4i' post='241186' date='Feb 16 2006, 11:10 AM
Around corners, or crawling in shopping center's parking lots, I always use the stick. It's hard to shift via paddles when you're turning the wheel.
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From: White Plains, NY
My Ride: 2008 550, Carbon Black Metallic, Natural Brown Dakota Leather, Sport Package, Sport Automatic Transmission, Cold Weather Package, Power Rear and Manual Side Sun Shades, etc.
Retired - 2004 545 SMG, Black Sapphire Metallic, Auburn Dakota Leather, Cold Weather and Sports Packages, Power Rear and Manual Side Sun Shades
I went with "mostly paddles." Like many others, out of habbit I started with mostly stick. I sometimes revert back to stick without even noticing. It still feels very natural.
Shocked that 5 voted for automatic. Wonder if this is true or just non-SMG owners mucking with the results. Why get the SMG if you are mostly or all automatic? I would think those people would be much happier with the Step.
Shocked that 5 voted for automatic. Wonder if this is true or just non-SMG owners mucking with the results. Why get the SMG if you are mostly or all automatic? I would think those people would be much happier with the Step.
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My Ride: '05 545i - scheduled for ED pickup in Munich on 7/22!
Originally Posted by robg' post='241356' date='Feb 16 2006, 04:24 PM
Shocked that 5 voted for automatic. Wonder if this is true or just non-SMG owners mucking with the results. Why get the SMG if you are mostly or all automatic? I would think those people would be much happier with the Step.
People who voted for Auto, want to chime in with your thoughts?
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From: San Francisco, CA
My Ride: 2006 M5, Silver Grey, Silverstone Full Leather, Alumium trim, Active/Ventilated Comfort Seats, HUD, Comfort Access, Split Rear Seats, Rear Seat Heating, etc.
Originally Posted by jet190rs' post='241391' date='Feb 16 2006, 02:06 PM
Maybe they wanted to try SMG, but found that they didn't like it?
People who voted for Auto, want to chime in with your thoughts?
People who voted for Auto, want to chime in with your thoughts?
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From: Bay Area, CA
I can't get my head around which way to shift the paddles so I tend not to use them. The stick feels better. Also, the paddles aren't well-positioned for my hands and I can't reach them all that well.