Tiptronic paddle shift conversion for Audi A6?

[Gunner Bill]

I'm liking my tiptronic gearbox and shifting manually seems to suit me better than the auto function.

It seems to me that the gear change in manual mode isn't a mechanical action but rather flipping the lever back or forwards activates a switch which then changes gear.

Can I "remote" this function to buttons on the steering wheel by delving into the center console?

Can paddle switches be bought for general use?

[Dilligaf10]

To be honest I had the paddle change on my A6 and after a couple of weeks never bothered much with them again. I found it much easier to use the gearstick moved across to the left into "sequential" change.

[ecain63]

The paddles are only ever of any use when you need to overtake / accelerate very quickly and without reaching for the Tiptronic. Instead of flooring it and waiting for the 'kickdown' you can double tap the '-' paddle, bringing you into the power band and your ready for action. Other than that i never use them. I have an RS6 and its quite handy when Pork / Pasta comes along side, but thats its only use.
I think the RS6 wheel with paddles can be wired to most Tiptronic boxes so long as its the same generation (ie C5 to C5 etc). Have a nose in RS246.com and you'll find plenty of DIY techs on there that will know the ins and outs of the process.

The other use actually is when you want to get into a higher gear to aid fuel economy. Sometimes, for example if you are going uphill the gearbox will keep you in 3rd gear above 30mph to give you more response. With the paddles you can force it into 4th, or 5th if you are above 40mph. You can do this with the Tip but its easier / more convenient with the paddles.

Eddie.

[blueg33]

I hardly ever use the paddles. Sport mode has better throttle response than tiptronic mode which seems to have similar throttle response to regular auto mode. Apart from the "cool" factor with my sons mates, i wouldn't notice if you took the paddles away