Reubenbuttery
New member
Hi, I'm looking to purchase my first Z4!!! We are viewing an automatic coupe with paddle shifts. Can anybody recommend these or are there any common faults with them to look out for
Automatic with paddle shift
- Thread starter Reubenbuttery
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Was it a 5 speed steptronic automatic that someone has retrofitted paddles to, or a 6 speed sequential manual gearbox (SMG) model?
I understand there is less that can go wrong with the former but hopefully someone a bit more knowledgeable will be along shortly to offer some more detail.
I understand there is less that can go wrong with the former but hopefully someone a bit more knowledgeable will be along shortly to offer some more detail.
Reubenbuttery
New member
Think it's the six gear, but will find out tomorrow . Thanks for the replies, never driven an automatic before!!
My zed is manual, which I much prefer. But my daily driver is a 535D with sports auto box and paddle shifts. I use the paddles all the time, either to change up or down when in 'auto', or in manual mode. Still prefer a manual though, but if I did a lot of town stop/start driving the auto would be best. Then again, I wouldn't want to be driving a zed!
Taz x said:
x2 - I use the paddles rarely, rather use the stick to change when hooning as it feels more 'natural'. Paddles are good for relaxed manual driving though if you get the urge to take it out of manual.
I don't think the pre-facelift autos have paddles, and they only have 5 gears. The facelift models (not sure if this applies to all, but does for the 3.0) have a different engine and 6 gears. I believe the auto only has paddles as standard if it is the Sport variant and with the m-sport multi-function steering wheel. If I am wrong someone will correct me very quickly
Z4coupebeaver
Member
I've got a manual but the BMW auto is very very good. The paddles are very useful. Go for it.
hi & welcome
you will know once tried if its for you .
for me manuals are to be tolerated & the auto,s/paddleshift now are so quick & seamless that they really do offer the best of both worlds.
love mine & yes . would definitely recommend 3.0si/auto sport coupe
after all sorts of performance cars the ZedC is my golden child
you will know once tried if its for you .
for me manuals are to be tolerated & the auto,s/paddleshift now are so quick & seamless that they really do offer the best of both worlds.
love mine & yes . would definitely recommend 3.0si/auto sport coupe
after all sorts of performance cars the ZedC is my golden child
It's been said before I think, but we all have a moan and honk about the problems, and we miss all the folks who have zero problems with their cars. I've had the normal faults (springs done before i bought her, and sticky steering) but otherwise fantastic. And close to 10yrs old now...
Taz x said:
Agreed I do like the manual gearshifter but again use it marginally more than paddles and a lot less than auto..
Bing said:Bit off topic, but I read so many posts on here of people coming from Porches, TVRs and other performance cars and just loving the Z so much. Makes you think that even with it's niggles BMW really did get the Z right in a big way
well said Mr B .
last few years ive had a 5 series sport/6 series/air cooled 911/water cooled 911.
taken overall for pleasure ,styling ,performance & running costs my Zc is the star performer & whilst i parted with the others if the zed had to go i would not be happy & can't think of anything i would want to replace it with
Bing said:Z4coupebeaver said:
Yup, in full auto in mine you can barely feel the changes it is so smooth. If you press on it feels like a train, just near constant acceleration. I love it, best auto I have driven by far
Same - the auto in the 3.0si is brilliant. Press that little Sport button, put your foot down and it will rev right up to the limit and hold a gear in the 4 to 5000 range for as long as you like giving amazing response. The paddles are just a bonus - I prefer to leave it in sport mode and let the car handle the changes. It's braver than me when it comes to using the full range of the tachometer
I also drive an Audi Q5 3.0 tdi auto with paddles. I use to think that was impressive until I got my Z4, it now seems pretty sedate by comparison. Highly recommended.
My 04 has SMG which is 6 speed with paddles. The gear changing isn't as smooth as a normal auto but still love it all the same. Would still choose over a manual if buying a pre facelift Zed again due to the car being my daily drive.
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Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD
I like my auto.
No need for the handbrake.
No roll back on hill starts.
No stalls.
No duffed gear changes.
Effortless in stop/start town traffic.
Cruise control only works properly if you have an auto.
The 3 litre engine suits the auto box really well. Doubt I'd get an auto for smaller engined versions though.
No need for the handbrake.
No roll back on hill starts.
No stalls.
No duffed gear changes.
Effortless in stop/start town traffic.
Cruise control only works properly if you have an auto.
The 3 litre engine suits the auto box really well. Doubt I'd get an auto for smaller engined versions though.