New Shifter on newer models

Romer · 03-30-2013, 09:39 AM

I am real happy with my Z4. When I was looking for a new car for my wife we were looking at the X5 and X3 and they had changed the shifter to more of an electronic type that you nudged in a direction rather than move up and down to shift the gears. We didn't like it. I looked at the Z4 on the showroom floor had this new shifter as well

Over the years I have gotten the habit of driving with my hand on the shifter al lot. Its very handy in the winter as its best to downshift then and let the engine brake the vehicle to prevent sliding. I also off road and changing gears in low helps while working obstacles.

I found when I rested my hand on the shifter it would accidently shift as it just needs a nudge. Could I learn not to do that, sure. We almost bought the X3 as the handling was better, but my wife liked the luxury feeling and ride of the RX350 better. The shifter didn't enter the equation on the purchase.

I rented an Infiniti on a business trip and they had the same new type of shifter.

What's the rationale for the change by Industry? To me part of the fun of the Z4 is the shifting even with an auto using manual mode. Doesn't seem right on a roadster.

Rafale · 03-30-2013, 10:27 AM

The Z4 at least has paddle shifters which renders shifting with the knob less useful.
The new and old shifters actually are very similar when in manual mode so I am not completely sure what difference you are perceiving. You basically have to move the shifter to the left then nudge it forward and backward for shifting. The big difference is when you want to move to park where you have to push a button instead of shifting the knob forward. I personally have no issue with either and it just takes some getting used to.

nicknaz · 03-30-2013, 10:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Romer

What's the rationale for the change by Industry? To me part of the fun of the Z4 is the shifting even with an auto using manual mode.

Paddle shifters...You can use them to change gear even when the car transmission lever is in D.

Romer · 03-30-2013, 11:48 AM

I have the paddle shifters and the old style shift, but you are right its the same as in manual mode.

The difference in the 2013 model on the floor is that you nudge from Park to Drive or reverse rather than shifting, or the "feel" of shifting. When we test drove the X3 I had to look to make sure I had "nudged" enough times to get from park to drive, was in Neutral twice. With the old style, you can just feel it based on the location of the shaft.

My wife's 2011 RX350 also has a manual mode with paddle shifting and an old style shifter

I'm not saying its a bad thing. I like the old style, but I could get use to it if I have to. I was just wondering the reason. The Paddle shifters make sense, but some models make normal shifting like the old style and the manual mode more the nudge vs always the nudge style.

Its a personal preference thing, but I have used the stick shift rather than those on the steering wheel to shift in manual mode.

Maybe its an age thing being over 50 and having to learn new tricks

This probably does appeal more to the younger generation. Oh no, now I called myself old

BuckarooVT90 · 03-30-2013, 06:21 PM

It's cheaper to make... Less parts and easier commonality of parts across different car models...

03-30-2013, 09:39 AM	#1
Romer BMW and Toyota Enthusiast 73 Rep 212 Posts Drives: 2019 Z4 sDrive30i Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Centennial, CO iTrader: (0)	New Shifter on newer models I am real happy with my Z4. When I was looking for a new car for my wife we were looking at the X5 and X3 and they had changed the shifter to more of an electronic type that you nudged in a direction rather than move up and down to shift the gears. We didn't like it. I looked at the Z4 on the showroom floor had this new shifter as well Over the years I have gotten the habit of driving with my hand on the shifter al lot. Its very handy in the winter as its best to downshift then and let the engine brake the vehicle to prevent sliding. I also off road and changing gears in low helps while working obstacles. I found when I rested my hand on the shifter it would accidently shift as it just needs a nudge. Could I learn not to do that, sure. We almost bought the X3 as the handling was better, but my wife liked the luxury feeling and ride of the RX350 better. The shifter didn't enter the equation on the purchase. I rented an Infiniti on a business trip and they had the same new type of shifter. What's the rationale for the change by Industry? To me part of the fun of the Z4 is the shifting even with an auto using manual mode. Doesn't seem right on a roadster. __________________ 2019 Z4 sDrive30i, 1973 FJ40 Land Cruiser, 2014 URJ Land Cruiser and 2016 Kimberley Kamper
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03-30-2013, 10:27 AM	#2
Rafale Zed Quatre 24 Rep 410 Posts Drives: '11 Z4 35is & '11 535xi GT Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Portland, OR. USA iTrader: (1) Garage List 2011 535i GT xDrive [0.00] 2011 Z4 35is [7.00]	The Z4 at least has paddle shifters which renders shifting with the knob less useful. The new and old shifters actually are very similar when in manual mode so I am not completely sure what difference you are perceiving. You basically have to move the shifter to the left then nudge it forward and backward for shifting. The big difference is when you want to move to park where you have to push a button instead of shifting the knob forward. I personally have no issue with either and it just takes some getting used to. __________________
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03-30-2013, 11:48 AM	#4
Romer BMW and Toyota Enthusiast 73 Rep 212 Posts Drives: 2019 Z4 sDrive30i Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Centennial, CO iTrader: (0)	I have the paddle shifters and the old style shift, but you are right its the same as in manual mode. The difference in the 2013 model on the floor is that you nudge from Park to Drive or reverse rather than shifting, or the "feel" of shifting. When we test drove the X3 I had to look to make sure I had "nudged" enough times to get from park to drive, was in Neutral twice. With the old style, you can just feel it based on the location of the shaft. My wife's 2011 RX350 also has a manual mode with paddle shifting and an old style shifter I'm not saying its a bad thing. I like the old style, but I could get use to it if I have to. I was just wondering the reason. The Paddle shifters make sense, but some models make normal shifting like the old style and the manual mode more the nudge vs always the nudge style. Its a personal preference thing, but I have used the stick shift rather than those on the steering wheel to shift in manual mode. Maybe its an age thing being over 50 and having to learn new tricks This probably does appeal more to the younger generation. Oh no, now I called myself old __________________ 2019 Z4 sDrive30i, 1973 FJ40 Land Cruiser, 2014 URJ Land Cruiser and 2016 Kimberley Kamper
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03-30-2013, 06:21 PM	#5
BuckarooVT90 Private First Class 10 Rep 189 Posts Drives: '13 Z4 sDrive35i DCT Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Virginia iTrader: (1) Garage List 2020 Z4 M40i [8.00]	It's cheaper to make... Less parts and easier commonality of parts across different car models...
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