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View Poll Results: Would you like an F1 option on the Z4 DCT
No, I like the steptronic paddles 5 17.24%
Yes, I'd like it standard 14 48.28%
Yes, I'd like it an option via iDrive 8 27.59%
Yes, I'd consider a BMW Accessory wheel that had this 2 6.90%
Voters: 29. You may not vote on this poll

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      12-18-2008, 06:40 AM   #1
AndyE1976
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Would you like an F1 option on the Z4 DCT?

The only thing about the DCT transmission that I don't like is that they've retained the steptronic paddle arrangement where both paddles pull for upshift and push for downshift.

I'd really like to see at least an option for an F1 style right = up, left = down paddle setup, but I'd like to hear whether I'm alone in this.

So the question is would you like to see an F1 option available?

Last edited by AndyE1976; 12-19-2008 at 03:19 PM..
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      12-18-2008, 09:20 AM   #2
kplsoleil
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I'm totally with you on wanting the regular F1 style paddles. That was the way BMW had it on the E46 M3 SMG tranny so I dunno why they went away from that. It's more intuitive a setup to me. Anyone know if you can somehow rewire the paddles to achieve this? I doubt BMW is going to change it
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      12-18-2008, 09:53 AM   #3
AndyE1976
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Yes you can, I found a picture yesterday on ebay of replacement steptronic paddles and it has three wires. One will be a ground or power wire common to both switches and the other two will go to a single switch each - it should be simple to just switch the wires over so that the paddle sends the signal that the push switch used to and vice versa.

There are two issues though: insurance and warranty - I'm not sure what the insurance implications are of doing this, it could void your policy and I'm sure the warranty guys wouldn't like it. On the plus side it would be invisible and I'm sure that most service guys just stick it in D anyway to move your car around.

I can understand why they would persist with the steptronic paddles on the step transmission, but with the DCT they had the opportunity to change things and I'm surprised they didn't want to capitalise on their F1 efforts.
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      12-19-2008, 03:23 PM   #4
AndyE1976
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Looks like 1 vote for every 20 views, so I guess there'll be lots of manual transmissions ordered or people aren't bothered either way.

If the current paddles don't bother you, but you wouldn't mind the option of an F1 change then please vote.

Who knows, if there's a sufficient vote to make this statistically representative then BMW may even consider it.
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      12-19-2008, 03:58 PM   #5
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MT for me.
But yes F1 style would be much preferred.
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      12-20-2008, 05:59 PM   #6
AndyE1976
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Automatic transmissions never appealed to me, but the double clutch technology does seem like a genuine advance in that area and I like the idea that it's still a manual transmission underneath.

I was at Ferrari of Atlanta today and the paddle shifts on the Ferrari's, Maserati's and Astons just looked so much more refined than the relatively clumsy steptronic paddles. Granted these are $100k+ cars, but it really isn't that hard or expensive to make a nice looking paddle - unless you're trying to do a non-F1 style shift like the step or the Porsche DKG.

I'd love to see a BMW Performance option to replace the paddle components with an F1 style paddle similar to the Aston's where they have a small coloured piece in them. What a cheap and easy product for them to produce and it would do a lot to just finish off the interior without being tacky.
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      12-23-2008, 10:08 AM   #7
AndyE1976
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So far it seems that a majority want F1 as standard. That might be difficult, but I think F1 as an option either official or not is a possibility.

I had hoped to be able to write to BMW and point them to this poll, but 17 responses isn't enough to persuade them. However, BMW aren't the only option.

If you want to see a factory option then there needs to be more votes, otherwise I'll explore the feasbility of different aftermarket options.
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      12-23-2008, 11:08 AM   #8
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MT for me too.....but I agree that DCT sounds interesting. However, if only it also had a third pedal.....
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      12-29-2008, 06:25 AM   #9
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Well you all know what this means - BMW is leaving itselt space for potential Z4 M which comes with F1 paddles..
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      12-29-2008, 07:28 AM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by michal12 View Post
Well you all know what this means - BMW is leaving itselt space for potential Z4 M which comes with F1 paddles..
It's possible. They've said the V8 won't fit, but they've also suggested that future M's would have FI on a 6cyl, so not being able to fit the V8 is not a big deal. The M-DCT in the M3 has SMG/F1 style paddles and it does appear to be one of the ways they differentiate between M's and lesser models.
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      12-29-2008, 12:57 PM   #11
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I like the setup now cause you can easily down shift,up upshift in a turn with ease without needing to grab the other side of the wheel. probable why BMW has it this way
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      12-29-2008, 03:41 PM   #12
AndyE1976
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 218dhb View Post
I like the setup now cause you can easily down shift,up upshift in a turn with ease without needing to grab the other side of the wheel. probable why BMW has it this way
Isn't 'D' what you use when you want to drive one handed?

If I buy a DCT and put it in manual mode it'll be because I want to use the paddles, so having two hands on the wheel isn't a concern. If I feel lazy it'll stay in 'D'.

There's a school of thought that, generally, if you're changing gear mid-corner you screwed up the corner.

I think the overriding result from the poll though is that most people would like the opportunity to choose.
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