Anyone actually use the paddle shifters?

Does it negatively affect transmission life or anything else?

 

I use paddles 90% of the time. It does not have a negative affect on anything.

 

I did heaps in the 4.2, and often in the 5.0 mainly to keep it in gear a little longer to get the engine note I like. I've started using them a little in the XKR for the same reason. Even though I've taken out fuse 19, using the paddles in sport still makes a difference to the engine note. I also do it a little for the performance, but it is more about the noise for me.

 

Is there anyone other than RSC that makes software effecting the transmission for quicker shifts?

 

I think the paddle shifters on twisty mountain roads are a Godsend.

For the average driver who is trying to squeeze more performance out of the car on road or track it's best to initiate "Sport Mode" and forget paddle shifting. Automotive writers/testers have written extensively on this topic.

Pro level drivers can get a touch better numbers using paddle shifting. Very few of us rise to that level of driving competence.

Drivers looking for "better" sound who drive all the time in paddle mode - well there is no reasoning with em. God love em but don't ever buy a car from them.

Use of paddle shifting or any prolonged aggressive driving shortens the life of all mechanical components involved. Of course it does. That's not opinion it's fact. That's not to say it's not fun and sometimes desirable but you got to be realistic.

Ho boy! Let the games begin.

 

If I'm on the right road, with little to no traffic... I use 'em just like I would a true stick. Love the rev-matching, although it feels like I'm cheating.

IMO this car has one of the best non-dual clutch manumatics available (in terms of function*); use it!


Rich

*I have no data on reliability

 

Having a car like this and not using it[for preservation or resale purposes] is like not sleeping with your girlfriend with hopes that she'll be more desirable for her next boyfriend. Its.just.weird.

 

Love to have them when I need them..... In truth maybe 20%-30% of my actual time behing the wheel. The override (shifts at redlne witout input) while in manual mode continues to annoy, and is probably the key benifit to owning a 2010 or newer!

Vince

 

Been using them when I want to stay below 3rd gear. I wish the number was on display when in D. I usually just kick it down one gear for sure to kick it in rears to go up a hill or sprint...

 

Been using mine quite a bit lately and love it, as RW99 stated this really is a nice automatic transmission.

 

I use mine exclusively. In fact, I don't think I ever drive in auto mode. I keep it in sport, dynamic on, and usually in the trac dsc setting.

I agree with the others that this ZF auto is really nice and zippy. Love the sound of downshifting into second...very addicting.

 

Love my paddle shift
Use it regularly

 

Good reason why I buy these types of cars new and not used.

 

+1

 

Does anyone downshift to 1st?

The rev matching down shifting to 1st is not the same as down shifting into 2nd. I find in cumbersome with little rev matching if any. My old 175 was the same. My old 2011 G37 rev matched perfectly into 1st, but really sucked on up shifts.

The ZF transmission up shifts quick for a slush box. I love using the paddle shifters--very engaging driving experience. I don't down shift into 1st until almost stopped. I find it to harsh.

My new SLK 55 AMG has a dual clutch AMG speed shift transmission. It hasn't been delivered yet, but I can't see it shifting any faster than the ZF. I'm happy with the performance of the ZF in the XKR. As a slush box the quick shifts must be a little hard on the transmission. For an engaging driving experience paddle shifting it is the only way to drive the car.

 

...only downshifting to 1st when stopped, personally.

2nd gear is useful even at low RPM; he beauty of the positive-displacement blower is accessing that boost quickly!


Rich

 

Use them 70pct of the time..
Love the revmatching ...

 

I downshift into first all the time. It is a little jerkier than the other downshifts, but that's just the nature of downshifting into 1st gear.

I think it goes a lot smoother if you are braking hard. If you are just coasting to a stop it would not make sense to downshift into 1st.

 

:-) We are all shut little boys, aren't we.
Paddles: Yes! Rev matching: awesome! Red line: shift indicator.

Thanks for the chuckles!

 

That's the annoying thing about the 4.2s. The upshifts happen automatically so I can't bounce the revs off the limiter even if I wanted to!