D3/B3 - to paddle, or not to paddle, that is the question

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Switch-Tronic - Buttons or Paddles

Buttons
4
36%
Paddles
7
64%
 
Total votes: 11

churchie386
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D3/B3 - to paddle, or not to paddle, that is the question

Post by churchie386 » Wed Jan 06, 2021 11:06 pm

I had buttons on my E90 D3BT and more recently paddles on my Porsches, both work well. I think if one is really pushing on paddles are more suited (one can be less accurate when reaching for 'em with bunch of fingers); that said for an Alpina most of the time the subtle touch and accuracy of a finger seems more in keeping.

On mobile.de, buttons on new G2x cars still seem popular in Germany, but all UK cars pre-ordered by Sytner have CNC paddles. Would buttons limit resale in the future?

If new Alpinas only had buttons I would not be disappointed, but the CNC paddles on the Sytner demo did feel good.
What is the forum view - go classic or move with the times?
Present & Past: Alpina D3BT (F31); Alpina D3 S (G21); Subaru Forester XT (SG 2.0); Porsche 718 Cayman; Golf R (Mk7); 911 (997.2); 911 (996); Subaru WRX STI (Hatch); Alpina D3BT (E90); BMW 330i (E91); Elise (S1); Skoda Fabia VRS (Mk1); Peugeot 106 GTi; Skoda Octovia VRS (Mk2 estate); Subaru Impreza WRX (Wagon); Subaru Impreza Turbo (Wagon); Lancia Delta Integrale Evo; Golf VR6; Peugeot 205 GTi 1.9; BMW M3 (E30); Peugeot 106 GTi; Renault Clio 16v; Peugeot 205 GTi 1.9; Escort Mk3; Escort Mk1

ScooBeeFive
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Re: D3/B3 - to paddle, or not to paddle, that is the question

Post by ScooBeeFive » Wed Jan 06, 2021 11:26 pm

I’d probably go paddles, but it’s a very personal choice. As with yourself, I’ve tried them on some Porsches and they work well. I must admit, I quite enjoy manual shifting with the gear lever too. It’s easier sometimes if you have some steering lock applied.

Whichever you choose, don’t worry about resale value - you’re speccing a new car for you, not the next owner. Go for what you want and enjoy it.
Paul

2013 F11 B5 BiTurbo Touring #135 - Alpina Blue
2017 F33 B4S BiTurbo Cabrio #235 - Tanzanite Blue

Jonnywishbone
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Re: D3/B3 - to paddle, or not to paddle, that is the question

Post by Jonnywishbone » Wed Jan 06, 2021 11:38 pm

I have previously shared my view on this, but paddles all the way.

Firstly, the CNC milled paddles on the G2x Alpina’s, as you have experienced, look and feel really high quality. Personally I’m sold on the looks alone. Secondly, I think I’d be less inclined to use the ‘box in auto mode with the nipples versus the paddles.

I very much doubt your choice will materially affect resale value either way.
Last edited by Jonnywishbone on Wed Jan 06, 2021 11:45 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Sal

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hap
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Re: D3/B3 - to paddle, or not to paddle, that is the question

Post by hap » Wed Jan 06, 2021 11:40 pm

Button for me
Drove an aventodor on track and trying to change mid corner and steering wheel in opposite lock was very hard and felt my fingers. Couldn’t reach also when changing had to be quite forceful
On Mine nice n simple delicate and easier on twisty bits
The cnc paddles do look lovely but alpina always been buttons to me

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JohnW
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Re: D3/B3 - to paddle, or not to paddle, that is the question

Post by JohnW » Thu Jan 07, 2021 12:07 am

I retro fitted E90 LCI paddles on all of mine. Alpina fitted the B3 GT3 with paddles as standard too.
JohnW
2008 B3 BiTurbo Coupe #161
Previous: 2011 D3 BiTurbo Saloon #373, 2014 F30 320iX M Saloon, 2009 M3 DCT Coupe, 2008 B3 BiTurbo Coupe #074, 2009 E82 123d Coupe, 2006 E92 325i Coupe, 2002 E46 325iSE Coupe, 1998 E36 318iSE Saloon

churchie386
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Re: D3/B3 - to paddle, or not to paddle, that is the question

Post by churchie386 » Fri Feb 05, 2021 10:42 pm

I went with the paddles in the end.
Thanks all for the input.
Present & Past: Alpina D3BT (F31); Alpina D3 S (G21); Subaru Forester XT (SG 2.0); Porsche 718 Cayman; Golf R (Mk7); 911 (997.2); 911 (996); Subaru WRX STI (Hatch); Alpina D3BT (E90); BMW 330i (E91); Elise (S1); Skoda Fabia VRS (Mk1); Peugeot 106 GTi; Skoda Octovia VRS (Mk2 estate); Subaru Impreza WRX (Wagon); Subaru Impreza Turbo (Wagon); Lancia Delta Integrale Evo; Golf VR6; Peugeot 205 GTi 1.9; BMW M3 (E30); Peugeot 106 GTi; Renault Clio 16v; Peugeot 205 GTi 1.9; Escort Mk3; Escort Mk1

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