11-09-2018, 06:42 PM | #1 |
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Pointer: BMW choice of gear shift pattern?
I almost hate to ask this since I expect that it has been done over and over again on the forum. Still, a quick search didn't reveal anything.
Why did BMW, on the automatic used in the X3, decide to make reverse a push to the front of the shift lever, and drive a pull to the rear? On the 4Runner I had previously, drive was a forward push (you know, in the direction you want the car to go), and reverse a pull to the rear (the direction you go when you back up). This seemed most intuitive to me. I still have rare moments driving the X3 when I get things switched around. "Oh yeah, if I want to go forward pull the stick the opposite direction." Not that it makes any difference, but I've wondered why BMW arranged things this way. If this has been done to death, just send me a pointer to earlier threads. Thanks! |
11-09-2018, 07:48 PM | #2 |
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It's done this way because it makes more sense this way.
When you're driving, the thrust pushes your body against the seat, your natural motion is to pull the lever to raise gears. The opposite when you're braking and want to reduce gears. |
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11-09-2018, 08:10 PM | #3 |
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I feel like the question is about Drive vs. Reverse not rowing through the gears.
If it's for what I think it is, then I agree, I want to go forward for drive and back for reverse as well. Not sure why that isn't the setup. |
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11-09-2018, 09:03 PM | #6 | |
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No cars go into drive by pushing the lever forward. Or in reverse pulling it back once you're in drive. : |
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11-10-2018, 04:12 PM | #7 |
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LOL that might be true. In 30 years of car ownership this is only my 2nd automatic, the other one being an old Ford Ranger which had it as up or down on the steering column. As such I did keep occasionally trying for a few months to drive forward by pushing it forward. Like boats I guess, I don't do a lot of boating but maybe that's where it came from, the times I have.
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11-10-2018, 04:23 PM | #8 | |
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Lots of fun today with the fresh snow |
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11-15-2018, 06:54 PM | #9 |
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I always thought it was because it mimics the movement of the prototypical PRND pattern in most steering wheel and console-based shifters. P is on top, then next notch down is R, followed by N and then D (and D1, D2 if applicable). On steering wheel shifters, if memory serves it is the same sequence only left to right. Translating gear positions to a joystick with only 2 detents, it kinda makes sense when you take the P out of the equation by giving it its own button.
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