Upshift/Downshift Question
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Lead Lap
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 526
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From: PA
Upshift/Downshift Question
Upshift/Downshift direction is sometimes different depending on car brand. So, fo the 3IS, if I am in fouth gear, which paddle shifter takes me to thid gear, the "+" or the "-"?
I ask because it is the opposite for BMW vs, Audi. I know, because i accidently took my wife's Audi to the red line trying to shift from third to fourth!
I ask because it is the opposite for BMW vs, Audi. I know, because i accidently took my wife's Audi to the red line trying to shift from third to fourth!
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From: Under an IS F since 2008
The MINUS "-" paddle... 
Also, I only recommend using the paddles when in Manual Mode on the gate shifter...
I've been driving the IS line for over 13 years... So it's normal for me
~ Joe Z
Also, I only recommend using the paddles when in Manual Mode on the gate shifter...
I've been driving the IS line for over 13 years... So it's normal for me
~ Joe Z
Thread Starter
Lead Lap
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 526
Likes: 3
From: PA
Thanks Joe! Why do you recommend using the paddles only when in Manual Mode in the gate shifter?
Thread Starter
Lead Lap
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 526
Likes: 3
From: PA
Is this correct information?
Thread Starter
Lead Lap
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 526
Likes: 3
From: PA
So, my main concern behind my starting this thread was being able to downshift, rather than brake to slow the car to avoid brake dust accumulation. Is the simplest way to do this just hitting the "minus" paddle to slow the car, then either letting the transmission automatically go back to D or holding the "plus" paddle for three seconds after the car slows to return to D?
I am still waiting for the delivery of my car, so I can't just experiment with the actual vehicle. That's why I'm asking all of you. Tx.
I am still waiting for the delivery of my car, so I can't just experiment with the actual vehicle. That's why I'm asking all of you. Tx.
Pit Crew
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 112
Likes: 111
From: Elk Grove, CA
IMO, that's not a very good reason to be downshifting but hey, it's not my car. 
I'd rather clean brake dust than add more wear and tear to the power train, but that's just me.
If you leave the car in automatic mode and command a downshift with the left paddle it will go back into automatic mode on it's own. In my last hot rod (C63), you'd have to hold the right paddle like you mentioned for it to return to automatic mode.
I downshifted on my test drive yesterday and the engine doesn't offer much "braking". On my C63, I could bring the car to a near stop with downshifting alone and it would do it quickly. However that was a different animal all together, so my best recommendation is use the brakes for what they're for and use downshifting for spirited driving.
I'd rather clean brake dust than add more wear and tear to the power train, but that's just me.If you leave the car in automatic mode and command a downshift with the left paddle it will go back into automatic mode on it's own. In my last hot rod (C63), you'd have to hold the right paddle like you mentioned for it to return to automatic mode.
I downshifted on my test drive yesterday and the engine doesn't offer much "braking". On my C63, I could bring the car to a near stop with downshifting alone and it would do it quickly. However that was a different animal all together, so my best recommendation is use the brakes for what they're for and use downshifting for spirited driving.
Lead Lap
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 539
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From: Cali
Like unixadm mentioned, yes if in D, hitting - will downshift but not provide much braking because of its smooth rev matching and will not provide much engine braking.
Yes, it will go into D after a few seconds after manually shifting gears with paddles and yes you don't have to shift gear shifter to M to use the paddles which is great.
Yes, it will go into D after a few seconds after manually shifting gears with paddles and yes you don't have to shift gear shifter to M to use the paddles which is great.
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Lead Lap
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 526
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From: PA
Like unixadm mentioned, yes if in D, hitting - will downshift but not provide much braking because of its smooth rev matching and will not provide much engine braking.
Yes, it will go into D after a few seconds after manually shifting gears with paddles and yes you don't have to shift gear shifter to M to use the paddles which is great.
Yes, it will go into D after a few seconds after manually shifting gears with paddles and yes you don't have to shift gear shifter to M to use the paddles which is great.
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Pole Position
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 248
Likes: 1
From: TX
I disagree. Whenever I'm in manual mode I use the transmission to slow the car down and it does a great job. When you use an actual manual to downshift and slow down, you should also be rev-matching then before letting up the clutch. Those who actually use the clutch to slow them down are doing it so so wrong and causing unnecessary wear on their car. But the simple act of being in a lower gear with the engine at higher revs, off the throttle, will slow you down plenty, in all instances.
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