I just found that DS is actually a mode and not just manual shift mode. What a cool feature and although it's been chilly/slick, it's great amusement to see how the car reacts to inputs.

Here's a quick observation:

• Tends to downshift sooner on acceleration
• Tends to downshift on brake application
• Holds gear a little longer on sustained throttle input

What else have you all noticed? Anyone tracked their car in this mode?

 

I actually like using the paddle shifters when in regular D.

If I want to pass someone, I downshift, then go. Then when I start driving normally, it automatically goes back to D.

 

Yeah, that's a great feature when wanting to pass someone.

 

And that's a feature neither TL-S nor IS350 sport. Does 335i do that?

Nevertheless, G35S is a heck a lot of value for its money.

 

No paddle shifters= teh suck


J/K.

Actually, the only reason that I use teh paddle shifters to pass someone is that the tranny doesn't seem to do exactly what I want it to. When I give it half throttle in 5th, I want it to drop to 3rd, but it tends to only drop to 4th, and if I give it a little more to get it to go to 3rd, it drops all the way to 2nd and takes off.

Typically, when cruising at 40mph in 5th, I want to hit 3rd to pass someone, not 4th or 2nd.

So... tap tap (paddles), go.

 

I tracked my G35S back in November, I used DS mode with VDC the entire time on the track. It was my first time at a performance driving school and I wanted to concentrate more on my line than making sure I was in the proper gear. The auto's 3rd gear finishes at ~95mph so I could have probably used that gear for 75% of the track.

IMO, the DS mode did a great job keeping the car in the optimum gear. I was on it pretty hard all day and the VQ loves high revs. It was a great experience and hope to do it again soon. I highly recommend it. Next time out I'll be running the blue group. My instructor said that I was consistently a top 5 car out of 35. I give a lot of credit to my G35.

 

DS = Deactivate Slowness or Double Sexiness

 

DS tends to get me in trouble.... It eggs you on to press the gas a little harder so you can feel the downshift, next thing you know you're doing 80 and the speed limit is 45

 

yep im lovin it

 

LOL nice , you could also add dramatic speed

 

If you abruptly apply the brakes, it'll downshift in standard D mode too.

 

I'm curious, and this isn't a a poke at anyone - just because I like it, doesn't mean everyone should. But if you have paddles, why not use them? I bought the sport because the paddles are the perfect compromise between a) wanting to choose the gear myself, instead of the car reacting to me, and b) not wanting to mess with a 6MT, out of laziness & lack of agreement that it makes much of a difference (yes yes, I know, "true" sports sedans have a 6MT... ).

So are most other drivers interested in a better auto, without caring to actually control the gear choice?

 

tbh, i didnt get a 6MT because traffic in Miami is dreadful nowadays. when i feel like driving a little bit more aggressively, i tend to just put it in DS mode just because its less effort for the same effect. however, when im at the drag strip, its paddles all the way

 

The vette, ferrari f430, lambo gallardo, and porsche 911, oh yea and nissan GTR all come in "auto" whether it's paddle shift, DSG style, or just plain auto, they are all fast, and some auto's like in the ferrari and BMW m3 (SMG) have faster auto trannys than the manual...

 

Let's not mix together auto with torque converter and automated manual with an actual clutch and synchros.