How to shift gears in the BMW 1 Series with the shift paddles on the steering wheel

Shifting via the gearshift paddles on the steering wheel

Shifting can be done very quickly with the Shift Cock button, as there is no need to take your hands off the steering wheel.

When using the automatic transmission, the system switches to manual shift mode if the gears are shifted via the shift paddle buttons on the steering wheel.

If you have not shifted and accelerated with the Shift Cock button for a period of time, the system will switch back to automatic shift mode. Manual mode is active if the gear selector lever is at the shift slot M/S.

Shift in high gear with a short pull on the right shift rocker button +.

Shift lower gears by pulling briefly on the left shift rocker button _.

Upshifting or downshifting is only performed at the right rpm and speed, e.g. no downshifting at high engine rpm.

The selected gear is briefly displayed on the combination instrument and then the current gear is redisplayed.