Where did the paddle shifters go on the new 2008 BMW 5-Series?

While we were testing the new 2008 BMW 5-Series we noticed something missing...the steering wheel mounted paddle shifters for the new automatic transmission like on the new 3-Series.

Don't fear, BMW tells us that paddle shifters will start being offered as an option beginning with the June production 5-Series cars. Cost has yet to be determined but our guess is that it will be around $200 extra.

Rupert - 5/21/2007 7:09:40 PM

+5 Boost

Me too.
It looks angry though, and that rim is pretty thick.

Chip - 5/21/2007 6:54:16 PM

+1 Boost

Theyre available now, only if you order the Sport Automatic Transmission ($500.00) versus the standard auto tranny. Ive heard the shifts are drastically quicker with the sport tranny and it really makes the car behave differently.

SevorbeupstryIsBack - 5/22/2007 11:35:57 AM

+1 Boost

Yep. Shifts in 100 ms. Fastest autobox on earth.

mikeydred20 - 5/21/2007 7:00:52 PM

-10 Boost

DISAGREE TO PLAIN, ALMOST EVERY LUXURY COMAPANY KNOW HAS THREE SPOKE STEERING WHEEL, FOR ALL NEW THEY COULD DO BETTER.

S4cabriofoxone - 5/21/2007 8:39:40 PM

+4 Boost

TURN OFF THE CAPS LOCK.

jt716 - 5/21/2007 7:33:02 PM

+5 Boost

this 5 series is a definite beauty!:D

S4cabriofoxone - 5/21/2007 8:39:12 PM

+5 Boost

To hell, where they blong. You need to row your own gears in a hot rod sedan like the 550i.

supermoto - 5/22/2007 12:18:30 PM

+2 Boost

I call BS on that one. There is a reason that 80% of Ferrari are now sold without a manual transmission. Manual is slow! Ask any F1 driver if they would rather shift for themselves or win races. I enjoy shifting as much as anyone, but the days of manual transmissions are numbered, RIP.

MunichRob - 5/22/2007 5:38:53 AM

0 Boost

Yeah even if the 535i is almost as fast as the 550i, I'd still take the 550i no question...it's a V-8, what more can I say.

SevorbeupstryIsBack - 5/22/2007 11:38:46 AM

+2 Boost

I totally agree here. The twin-turbo engine is awesome but nothing beats a proper BMW V8.

My ideal Fünfer would be a 6-speed manual with M-sport package and some nice BMW Individual options. And let's not forget an Eisenmann exhaust.

supermoto - 5/22/2007 12:20:35 PM

+3 Boost

Bet a 535 with a proceed will pwn a 550

SevorbeupstryIsBack - 5/22/2007 12:59:09 PM

0 Boost

What's a "proceed"? Chiptuning?

Mark - 5/22/2007 12:17:20 PM

+2 Boost

Flipy flopy paddles to shift with...blah. Just shift like you were born to do!

Freaking wussies!!

jon21 - 5/22/2007 3:20:44 PM

-1 Boost

What? bmw with padddddddddle shhhifffttter? Hahaahhaahhaa!!!! ;)