A car's steering wheel may include "paddles" or buttons strategically positioned to allow the driver to manually change gears without moving their hands off the steering wheel. BMW was one of the first automakers to offer these entertaining features, which were first used to assist race car drivers in achieving better handling.
The steering wheel's integrated paddle shifters from BMW allow the driver to manipulate gear selection without ever taking their hands off the wheel. The paddles may be used to upshift, downshift, and even activate cruise control. They are situated on either side of the steering wheel. For optimal safety and convenience, this enables the driver to maintain both hands on the wheel and eyes on the road at all times. Furthermore, the BMW paddle shifters give the driver total control over the car's speed and acceleration, making negotiating tricky terrain and twisting highways a breeze.
How do my BMW's paddle shifters work?
Paddle shifters have two main advantages over traditional transmission controls:
1) Allow your hands to always stay on the steering wheel - it's simply safer
2.) Better control
This not only gives you better control over your BMW, but it also enables you to downshift quickly for a safer ride on slick roads. Within an SUV, paddle shifters enable you to have a sportier driving experience.
How should my BMW paddle shifters be used?
The paddle shifter functions can vary based on model, but in general the system's buttons or controls typically feature a "+" or "-" symbol on them for upshifting and downshifting.
The gears are changed to a higher or lower gear by moving the paddle shifters up or down, respectively.
Were paddle shifters invented by BMW?
No. To make driving easier and boost speed, they were initially used in Formula 1 racing. Ferrari invented the first genuinely popular paddle shifters. After realizing how brilliant the invention was, the popularity progressed from racecars to sports cars and now even SUVs have them. However, BMW was one of the first mass automakers to include them in their vehicles.
In your BMW, the paddle shifters are a practical way to change ratios. When traveling through Auburn, Phenix City, or on winding roads in Columbus, they’re a useful feature. Next time you drive your BMW, try them out! If you have questions regarding your BMW functions, please reach out to our BMW Genius to schedule an appointment to learn more about your BMW technology and how to get the most out of every drive.