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Model specific boards => Golf mk7 => Topic started by: mrzen on 28 May 2014, 11:32

Title: Sequential Shift on VAG gearboxes
Post by: mrzen on 28 May 2014, 11:32
I've often wondered this - but I find the sequential gearbox on VAG cars counter-intuitive - I want to push when I'm braking, and pull when I'm accelerating, but the engineers have done it the other way round.

Rally cars seem to do it right, as to BMWs in my experience...

I'd be interested in hearing the general consensus?

Make your vote to see the results...
Title: Re: Sequential Shift on VAG gearboxes
Post by: JBirchy on 28 May 2014, 11:43
Totally agree with you mrzen. VW have it the wrong way round IMO!

Range Rover have changed it on the new Sport and Jag have it 'correct' on the F-Type too. You should pull back to upshift and push forward to downshift in my opinion.
Title: Re: Sequential Shift on VAG gearboxes
Post by: corgi on 28 May 2014, 11:44
I'm with you.

The reason it is done like that is because under acceleration it is easier to pull the leaver as that is you're (equal and opposite) reaction to acceleration... the reverse, of course is true for braking...
Title: Re: Sequential Shift on VAG gearboxes
Post by: mrzen on 28 May 2014, 11:47
There should be a way of reversing it perhaps, so the driver can decide...
Title: Re: Sequential Shift on VAG gearboxes
Post by: Hawaii-Five-O on 28 May 2014, 12:39
I'm with you guys on this. However, I got used to it as this is my second DSG box.
Title: Re: Sequential Shift on VAG gearboxes
Post by: Ivor Mk4 Turbo on 28 May 2014, 14:20
There should be a way of reversing it perhaps, so the driver can decide...


I remember on my old E46 330, the down shift was the "wrong" way around (pull=downshift & v/v) - opposite to what it must be now on newer BMW auto's, then??

However, there was a simple fix.................

You just popped the gaitor off & switched the +/- wires - ever so simple.  (I'm not sure, but I can't remember switching it back when I sold the car on!  They may have got a bit of a shock one day!).  :grin:

Perhaps someone could have a look at this on their DSG???  :undecided:
Title: Re: Sequential Shift on VAG gearboxes
Post by: mrzen on 28 May 2014, 14:30
The BMWs I drove were newer, with the funny shaped joystick gear lever like this:

(http://parkers.bauercdn.com/PageFiles/153670/BMW_X1_Longtermer_040913(27).jpg)

You can see this is the other way round to the VAG ones...
Title: Re: Sequential Shift on VAG gearboxes
Post by: mrzen on 28 May 2014, 14:46
Quick Google images search for "auto gearlever" and by no means an accurate poll, but

Push to downshift:
Maserati
BMW
Holden!
All rally cars (afaik)

Push to upshift:
VAG
Porsche
Bugatti
Hyundai
Peugeot
Smart

Interesting that more seem to do it in the counter-intuitive way!

Must get on with some work now.
Title: Re: Sequential Shift on VAG gearboxes
Post by: corgi on 28 May 2014, 15:15
Quick Google images search for "auto gearlever" and by no means an accurate poll, but

Push to downshift:
Maserati
BMW
Holden!
All rally cars (afaik)

Push to upshift:
VAG
Porsche
Bugatti
Hyundai
Peugeot
Smart

Interesting that more seem to do it in the counter-intuitive way!

Must get on with some work now.

Think newer (PDK) Porsche cars are pull to change up... have a look on google images...

Title: Re: Sequential Shift on VAG gearboxes
Post by: mrzen on 28 May 2014, 15:21
Seems then that people have noticed that it's wrong and manufacturers are gradually catching on...

(http://www.porscheboost.com/images/imported/2013/03/HCW3R-1.png)

"established motorsport principles"...
Title: Re: Sequential Shift on VAG gearboxes
Post by: Ivor Mk4 Turbo on 28 May 2014, 16:12

Think newer (PDK) Porsche cars are pull to change up... have a look on google images...


You beat me to it!  ;)
Title: Re: Sequential Shift on VAG gearboxes
Post by: Ivor Mk4 Turbo on 28 May 2014, 16:14
The BMWs I drove were newer, with the funny shaped joystick gear lever like this:

(http://parkers.bauercdn.com/PageFiles/153670/BMW_X1_Longtermer_040913(27).jpg)

You can see this is the other way round to the VAG ones...


How it should be, IMO.  :)
Title: Re: Sequential Shift on VAG gearboxes
Post by: mike. on 28 May 2014, 20:37
I like it the VAG way.

If I want to go faster I push forward
If I want to slow down I pull back.

The BMW way seems counter intuitive to me

But then I use the paddles 90% of the time so it doesn't really matter.  :laugh:
Title: Re: Sequential Shift on VAG gearboxes
Post by: Ivor Mk4 Turbo on 29 May 2014, 15:32
I like it the VAG way.

If I want to go faster I push forward
If I want to slow down I pull back.

The BMW way seems counter intuitive to me

But then I use the paddles 90% of the time so it doesn't really matter.  :laugh:



Interesting.  :)

I just find when I'm breaking hard (obvs. to slow down) & my weight is going forward, my instinct is to push forward on the lever to counter the forces, & v/v when accelerating, the forces are going the other way, i.e. pushing me back into the seat.
Title: Re: Sequential Shift on VAG gearboxes
Post by: mrzen on 29 May 2014, 17:20
Totally with you Ivor - it seems so counter intuitive the other way that I just can't use it... and I've had a DSG equipped car since 2008...
Title: Re: Sequential Shift on VAG gearboxes
Post by: rocknob on 29 May 2014, 21:50
100% agree. Much more intuitive to pull for up shifts and push for downshift. And pretty much every motorsport car is like that. I have been think of pulling the gaiter off and checking how hard it would be but I pretty much just use the paddles.

Btw The Mercs you push the lever sideways
Title: Re: Sequential Shift on VAG gearboxes
Post by: Ivor Mk4 Turbo on 30 May 2014, 09:45
100% agree. Much more intuitive to pull for up shifts and push for downshift. And pretty much every motorsport car is like that. I have been think of pulling the gaiter off and checking how hard it would be but I pretty much just use the paddles.

Btw The Mercs you push the lever sideways


:o  Deffo have to spec/use the paddles with that one, then!  :grin:
Title: Re: Sequential Shift on VAG gearboxes
Post by: dubber36 on 30 May 2014, 12:37
You have paddles, so why are you using the shift lever? I've not used mine once in my Passat.
Title: Re: Sequential Shift on VAG gearboxes
Post by: Booth11 on 30 May 2014, 13:09
Use the paddles, or get a manual  :wink: