When did e91 get flappy paddles?

[Gavstar]

Hi
I've sort of set my heart on either a manual or flappy paddle 330i e91 as I don't feel I'll enjoy a standard auto. I also think I want the n52 engine for various reliability and simplicity reasons. So what registration years does this limit me to? N52 ran to 07 or 57? When did flappy paddles become available?
Am I just being silly wanting flappy paddles?!

[craigjm]

Doesn't matter because you can retro fit them

http://www.burgertuning.com/paddleshift.html

[Swervin_Mervin]

As others have said though, you really won't miss them. The box itself won't do anything any different. And if you're prepared to use your left hand with a manual then the sequential shift on the standard auto will surely serve the same purpose?

[Smuler]

Gavstar said:

Hi
I've sort of set my heart on either a manual or flappy paddle 330i e91 as I don't feel I'll enjoy a standard auto. I also think I want the n52 engine for various reliability and simplicity reasons. So what registration years does this limit me to? N52 ran to 07 or 57? When did flappy paddles become available?
Am I just being silly wanting flappy paddles?!

I would think paddles were introduced (albeit I understand as an option) from the beginning of the E91 series. Below is a 2006 touring, albeit a 335i, to prove my point so to speak.


However, I had paddles on a 2008 335i coupe I borrowed; I was initially keen but the novelty wore off within a matter of hours. I would think if you are on a challenging twisty b - road, it can be something different: changing gear yourself, but without taking hand off wheel; but in daily driving it's no manual substitute (which you'll miss if that's your preference) and yet it's not the sort of easy drive you can achieve in more conventional auto mode.


http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/b...

[Swervin_Mervin]

Fairly sure the 335 was the only pre-LCI E9x that came with paddles

[Smuler]

Here's a pre Lci s330i saloon with paddles, can't think why they'd be absent on pre LCI on touring. But I could be wrong.


http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/b...

[martin mrt]

The paddles were only standard on the 335i/d on pre LCI models.

[ladderino]

Smuler said:

However, I had paddles on a 2008 335i coupe I borrowed; I was initially keen but the novelty wore off within a matter of hours. I would think if you are on a challenging twisty b - road, it can be something different: changing gear yourself, but without taking hand off wheel; but in daily driving it's no manual substitute (which you'll miss if that's your preference) and yet it's not the sort of easy drive you can achieve in more conventional auto mode.

More or less how I use my flappy paddles, which is either when on something twisty, or if I need to accelerate and want to manage the downshift myself (typically when overtaking, as don't like leaving the gearbox to sit there scratching it's head and then finally decide to do something).

I do like the combo though, much like I think the E91 is a great all rounder. It's nice to have the auto when stuck in traffic, and then having some control over the gearing when wanted.

Pretty sure I saw some 2006 models with steptronic when I was buying mine, but may have been reserved for just 335 initially.

[Swervin_Mervin]

They all have Steptronic, just not the paddles as std (save for 335)