DCT paddles, how do they feel?

Jlomb436 · 10-17-2010, 08:36 PM

Hey folks. Just looking to get some opinions. I have a E90 335i with Step, and I noticed I just don't use the paddles, because - well they just seem non response. I use the left to downshift every now and then I guess, but that's about it.

How do the DCT's compare to the stock 335i paddles? Are they more clicky? I dare use the term, "shorter throw?" Seems like the stock ones you have to move them an inch to get to them shift, where I'm looking for more of a click/button.

Thanks for the feedback! -Jeff

Krozi · 10-17-2010, 08:49 PM

More "clacky" and have a much shorter through. They actually feel REALLY nice, and a shit ton better than the SMG paddles in the E46 M3

GTiceman · 10-17-2010, 09:06 PM

i love mine

they feel so much more solid and definitely more like you would expect a paddle shifter to feel on a sports car

JayKay335i · 10-17-2010, 09:17 PM

Theres actually a long pause before actually shifting when using the step paddle shifters. They're pretty useless.

Jlomb436 · 10-17-2010, 09:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JayKay335i

Theres actually a long pause before actually shifting when using the step paddle shifters. They're pretty useless.

Totally. Here's my question.

I'm assuming the DCT paddles won't increase my shift times? But at least they feel would be better, a little more sporty.

hipnotic · 10-17-2010, 09:53 PM

they feel pretty good, but i use the gear box more

Jlomb436 · 10-17-2010, 10:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by josh06lau

they feel pretty good, but i use the gear box more

I'm the same as well. That also feels "slow" to me, but I didn't buy a 6 speed so that's my fault

I really need to test these things out before i spend $500 bucks, I'll keep checking the dealer.

Tag · 10-17-2010, 10:54 PM

If you're asking about the 335is' 7-Speed double clutch trans its fast as hell. Much faster than 6AT Steptronic. Faster than you can shift a MT yourself. It's the fastest trans BMW makes for the 3er.

michaelthepsycho · 10-17-2010, 11:06 PM

Actually... The 7 DCT is only faster in response time, not much so for shift times. The 100ms Steptronic shifts are also better than manual. One just needs to anticipate the shift a little bit earlier because of the input lag. That's the only thing killing Steptronic. If you want to shift at 7k... Better pull the lever at 6.8k...

Jlomb436 · 10-17-2010, 11:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by michaelthepsycho

Actually... The 7 DCT is only faster in response time, not much so for shift times. The 100ms Steptronic shifts are also better than manual. One just needs to anticipate the shift a little bit earlier because of the input lag. That's the only thing killing Steptronic. If you want to shift at 7k... Better pull the lever at 6.8k...

Yea, I noticed that when I took it for a test drive a year ago. Sales guy just smiled haha.

I'm not referring to the actual tranny itself, I realize that the DCT tranny will obviously be faster, but I do hate the lag when I press the button on my step. But even worse, is the actual pressing of the paddles on the step. For some reason I'd prefer a button then the actual lever.

JayKay335i · 10-17-2010, 11:36 PM

I dont know if you can retrofit the DCT paddles. You can rewire your existing paddles to be just pull for both sides, one being up and one down, like on the DCT.

Jlomb436 · 10-17-2010, 11:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JayKay335i

I dont know if you can retrofit the DCT paddles. You can rewire your existing paddles to be just pull for both sides, one being up and one down, like on the DCT.

Hmmm, I heard you can. I can only assume so since people sell them here on the forums. I could be totally wrong though.

I noticed that people only pull them, does anyone know if you can push the dct paddles?

10-17-2010, 08:36 PM	#1
Jlomb436 Lieutenant 55 Rep 465 Posts Drives: 09 E90 Space Gray 335i Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: California iTrader: (0)	DCT paddles, how do they feel? Hey folks. Just looking to get some opinions. I have a E90 335i with Step, and I noticed I just don't use the paddles, because - well they just seem non response. I use the left to downshift every now and then I guess, but that's about it. How do the DCT's compare to the stock 335i paddles? Are they more clicky? I dare use the term, "shorter throw?" Seems like the stock ones you have to move them an inch to get to them shift, where I'm looking for more of a click/button. Thanks for the feedback! -Jeff
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10-17-2010, 08:49 PM	#2
Krozi Colonel 167 Rep 2,736 Posts Drives: 2008 E92 ///M3 Alpine White Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: SoFla - Bonita Springs iTrader: (24)	More "clacky" and have a much shorter through. They actually feel REALLY nice, and a shit ton better than the SMG paddles in the E46 M3 __________________ 2008 E92 ///M3 Alpine White//Fox Red//6MT// Florida Bimmer - Join us on FaceBook!
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10-17-2010, 09:06 PM	#3
GTiceman Parrothead 137 Rep 1,232 Posts Drives: E90 M3 Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Tampa iTrader: (5) Garage List 2020 BMW X3 M40i [0.00] 2009 BMW M3 [0.00]	i love mine they feel so much more solid and definitely more like you would expect a paddle shifter to feel on a sports car __________________ \|e46 M3 Stahlgrau/Red\| - Sold \|E92 335i BSM/Saddle\| - Sold \|e90 M3 Space Gray/Fox Red/6MT\| See Garage for Mods
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10-17-2010, 09:17 PM	#4
JayKay335i Banned 189 Rep 5,046 Posts Drives: ///M323 DCT Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: North Dakota; its best DUHHHHHH iTrader: (1)	Theres actually a long pause before actually shifting when using the step paddle shifters. They're pretty useless.
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10-17-2010, 09:53 PM	#6
hipnotic Major General 149 Rep 6,604 Posts Drives: e92 335i Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: So. Cal iTrader: (7) Garage List 2008 335i coupe [7.00]	they feel pretty good, but i use the gear box more
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10-17-2010, 10:54 PM	#8
Tag this is the way 18149 Rep 8,527 Posts Drives: N-1 starfighter Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Chicago iTrader: (3)	If you're asking about the 335is' 7-Speed double clutch trans its fast as hell. Much faster than 6AT Steptronic. Faster than you can shift a MT yourself. It's the fastest trans BMW makes for the 3er.
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10-17-2010, 11:06 PM	#9
michaelthepsycho Lieutenant Colonel 76 Rep 1,644 Posts Drives: 11 Montego Blue E90 335i Step Join Date: May 2009 Location: CA iTrader: (4)	Actually... The 7 DCT is only faster in response time, not much so for shift times. The 100ms Steptronic shifts are also better than manual. One just needs to anticipate the shift a little bit earlier because of the input lag. That's the only thing killing Steptronic. If you want to shift at 7k... Better pull the lever at 6.8k... __________________ Former car 2011 BMW 335i Step - Montego Blue / Chestnut Brown
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10-17-2010, 11:36 PM	#11
JayKay335i Banned 189 Rep 5,046 Posts Drives: ///M323 DCT Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: North Dakota; its best DUHHHHHH iTrader: (1)	I dont know if you can retrofit the DCT paddles. You can rewire your existing paddles to be just pull for both sides, one being up and one down, like on the DCT.
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