Paddle shifters worth it?

[ArmedAviator]

I was driving my mom's new Ford Explorer Platinum with the 3.0L twin turbo and 6AT and was playing with the paddle shifters. I seriously had to check to see if had a DCT because the shifts were crisp and faaaaast. When I pressed on the paddle, it was shifting in under half a second based on my non-scientific calculation.

Anyway, this had me thinking of adding in paddle shifters on my M37x. However, when I play with manual mode using the shift handle, it leaves much to be desired. I press the handle to + or - and it takes a full second, if not more, to begin the shift. To me, this seems excessive.

Do those of you with paddle shifters in these cars enjoy using them or do they let you down? It'd cost me just over $500 to get the parts...is it really worth $500?

FWIW, I think the transmission shifts great when driving around in Sport mode and letting it do it's own thing. My only complaint is when getting back on the throttle after letting off for a turn, I press the gas and nothing happens for a second.

[LeRoy712]

I for one don't use my paddle shifters too much because IMO they don't seem too responsive. Not as crisp and quick as I would like them to be. I'm like you in the fact that I drive in Sport mode 95% of the time and have been fine with the auto doing its thing. So for me it wouldn't be worth it. To others it might be. It's all about what you like.

[adeedpb]

Personally I love them because it allows you to keep both hands at the wheel. The shift delay is annoying but not as annoying as keeping one hand on the wheel and having to reach down to shift.

[pedsemdoc]

I didn't have paddle shifters on my M45, although Dean (DeanM45) added them himself - I changed gears with the center console shifter.
I sometimes forget that I have them in my M37, muscle memory seems to kick in and I go to the shifter instead of the paddles....BUT they're nice to have when you have both hands on the steering wheel and don't want to move them ANNND they look cool!!

Shifts seem pretty good but the only cars I can compare it to that have the manumatic option were my non-sport 2000 Acura TL (seems a little less crisp vs Acura) and my wife's 2012 Dodge Durango (M seems better) Curious if upgrading with a TransGo might solve the shifting delay??

Seems like you could the parts used for cheaper than $500, wondering if the G37 paddles are compatible with the M, seems like some guy on the myg37.com classifieds is regularly selling theirs - might be worth looking into

[ArmedAviator]

Hmmm, sounds like I'd only get very occasional use out of them...it's sad these cars are so neutered by the transmission "manual" shift delays. I understand it's no DCT, but I'm sure it's easily capable of initiating a shift with much less delay.

If I go ahead with this, I may try to source the bracket and paddles used, but I'll get the M-specific trim pieces new (unless they are also shared with the Gs?).

[Frog]

Never use mine. Just sport mode

[M37xfan]

Had '09 Maxima with paddle shifters....never used them.

[biggie]

I only use mine when I'm doing some fun driving (by myself), but love them when I use them.

[16q70l]

Coming from an Acura Tl I really miss having them. I also love how infiniti mounts them to the column. They are so much nicer looking and elegant not just some plastic tabs that are an afterthought. I am trying to get a hold of the mounting bracket now and order the parts to install them.

[SwissCheeseHead]

My wife's 328i has them and I never use them when I drive her car.

[DFW2011M56S]

I use them when I really run it hard because it bounces off the rev-limiter in normal drive or sport mode before it shifts at WOT. The TCM is too slow at shifting for the power I am making. My 2wd Titan did the same thing once it started making good power too.

[DredM56]

I use them when I really run it hard because it bounces off the rev-limiter in normal drive or sport mode before it shifts at WOT. The TCM is too slow at shifting for the power I am making. My 2wd Titan did the same thing once it started making good power too.

How much power are you making? I don't even see anything available for the car to add significant power.

On my G the paddle shifters were pretty useless I only really ever used them to engine brake. Upshifting has a huge delay. So you would bounce off the limiter unless you hit the shifter way before redline. The stick was the same only a little bit better.

The transmission on the V8 shifts much quicker and harder. I don't have the paddles on the M though. If they would shift the same as the stick I would be interested. I assume it's the difference in transmissions though that caused the delay because it was still there with the stick. So if your M is a V6 then they would likely be a waste of money.

[beachbum718]

I drove stick shift for 7 years.before i got into luxury cars.had 3 different rx7s.loved rotarys! That being said.i barely use my paddles.i like the feel of the gear shifter .brings me back to my crazy high reving days.with tbe m37 ,you dont need two hands to drive ever.

[Larz]

I don'tr have paddles and don't want them. I rarely even shift manually with the gear knob. I just use sport (DS) mode if I'm in that mood. All paddles have going for them is that they look brilliant. It's like adding CAI. It looks brilliant, but in reality, performance is not changed to any significant degree and nobody but you will ever see your CAI, making it even less worth the trouble or cost. If you really want paddles, buy a set of fake ones on Ebay and save yourself lots of money.

[Debonair]

Fake paddles? Haha.

I use the paddles in my Subaru for passing and engine breaking. I find myself reaching for them in the M sometimes. I want to add them but not bad enough to drop $300+ just yet.