[Bubbles]

..................

[JSpira]

The key control on the MFL is the voice command. Since it can control almost everything in the car, it's very conv. to use (and more conv. compared to the voice command button on the console) and not at all distracting.

[omg516]

I have a MT and I pretty much only use the steering wheel controls. I usually keep 2 hands on the steering wheel and only have my hand on the shifter when I need to shift.

[!Xoible]

on my old MT (g35) i used to use them all the time.... for some reason in auto i tend to use the stereo controls on dash board rather steering wheel... idk

Ideally you *shouldnt* have your hand on shift knob except for a second or split second when you shift (driving school days ) so both hands *should* be on steering wheel 95% of the time at least

[billspreston]

^^ mantis I thought your 335i was a 6MT?? I find myself pretty much exclusively using the steering wheel controls in my car with the manual transmission.

[dmz]

I use the steering control exclusively. It just feel more natural to the touch than trying to fing the right button on the radio.

[gdnyc]

I use the steering wheel control as well. The controls on teh radio are awkwardly placed. Much easier using the steering wheel controls

[stressdoc]

I really miss the cruise control buttons on the steering wheel that the E46 had.

[Potty_Pants]

About 75% of the time I use steering wheel volume controls.

ppp

[cheluto2]

I use the steering wheel controls almost exclusively, as well. My hands are on the steering wheel except when actually shifting. What I do miss is having the previous/next buttons on the left side, next to the volume control like in the E46's. I don't know why they changed that.

[bimmrav]

Originally Posted by omg516

I have a MT and I pretty much only use the steering wheel controls. I usually keep 2 hands on the steering wheel and only have my hand on the shifter when I need to shift.

+1

[Bubbles]

I guess I am in the minority here.

[BMdblU]

Love the volume control on the wheel. The knob on the dash is tiny,

[AU335]

I use my steering wheel control about 95% of the time. Usually my hands are always on my wheel until i need to shift.

[raleedy]

I really disliked the cruise control controls on the steering wheel in my E39; it was a definite step backward from the E34's stalk on the right-hand side of the steering column. The current stalk on the left-hand side is almost as good, but RH would be better because of the frequent use that the turn-signal stalk gets on the LH. Why not buttons? Probably a personal preference, but there was at least one design problem: a button that had two different functions depending on whether the cruise control was engaged or disengaged, and no indicator to tell which state it was in.

[danimal]

+1 to those who say keep both hands on the wheel except while shifting. I use the steering wheel buttons pretty much always. The controls on the radio are awkward (even w/o iDrive).

Also, the cruise on the E9X has so many features, it kind of needs a stalk. You have set, resume, accel +1, accel to the nearest 5, decel -1, decel to the nearest 5, and cancel. Even with four directions and one button, the push/pull is still multi-function (set or accel/decel, depending on whether the cruise is engaged or not). I always feel I should be able to "set" by pushing the "Resume" button, but that doesn't work. Also, if I'm in a hurry, I do sometimes mix up the cruise and turn signal stalks. I'm not sure if this is because they are both on the left side, or just that they are close together. Not a big deal though--it all works well enough.

-Dan

[jpsimon]

i use the volume controls quite a bit

[Roowah]

I use the steering wheel controls most of the time. I find it much more convenient while driving than having to reach over and use the dash controls. I do miss the cruise control on the steering wheel as in my old E46, but I've gotten used to the stalk.

[Tommy420]

Love the steering wheel control...especially the two shortcut buttons. One I have it set to access my phone address book via bluetooth, the other I have set to switch between Sirius/Aux/FM/CD. I love those buttons!

[laperacfo]

You should always have your two hands on the steering wheel. Your hand should only be on the shifter when you need to shift.

[BoostedBMW]

If i'm approaching a turn or something, right before I downshift i'll usually turn down the volume quick by pressing the button on the steering wheel a few times. I pretty much only use it for volume, but its pretty convenient when you're shifting.

[runnerx]

I use them everyday. I even use Voice recognition as well.