No problem ks!

I knew there had to be some sort of explanation to your post...

 

I was really confused at first regarding this when I got my SMG. It at first seamed backwards. Now after some time, it is fine.

 

I had a 2001 330i with steptronic with the upshift forward and the downshift back. When I drove a 2002 325 loaner the upshift was back and the downshift was forward. I test drove a 2002 540 and the upshift was back and the downshift was forward. It seems to me that in MY2002 they changed it.

 

Agreed. Changed in 2002. I had the 2001, too. I've had the 2004 since August 2004 - like 8 months - and I still go back to my old habits and shift backwards now and then.

For first timers, it's no problem, you learn on this car. For repeat buyers, it's like reversing the gas and brake pedals - it was a learned behavior that we were expected to change one day.

I'd like the option to change it, and have a nice digital display telling me which way it's currently set up.

 

I'm sure it's confusing to have to adapt to the new way of shifting but something tells me that BMW isn't going to change it again. Once you get used to the new way, you'll feel "normal" again.

Having something this critical be user adjustable might end up causing more problems since there'd be no standard and there'd be the potential for many more missed shifts, etc.

 

I'm sure it's confusing to have to adapt to the new way of shifting but something tells me that BMW isn't going to change it again. Once you get used to the new way, you'll feel "normal" again.

Having something this critical be user adjustable might end up causing more problems since there'd be no standard and there'd be the potential for many more missed shifts, etc.
[/quote]

You're right; I agree. (See how easy that was) I can't imagine the chaos this would cause in families, dealerships, valets, etc. And, yes, after another 50 wrong-way shifts, I'm sure I'll figure it out.

 

It took me a few shifts to get the SMG paddles down as well. Thankfully, the car won't let you do too much damage to it since it won't let you overrev the engine, etc.

The only thing that went wrong during my paddle learing curve was that I exceeded the break-in rpms maybe twice...

Good luck with your learning curve! You'll get it in no time I'm sure...

 

If we hit the limter on the Steptronic does it automatically shift to a higher gear?

 

Yep.