MSDLTD

Yeah...seems like the MB boys never counted on taking off from a stop sign or light and making a hard left right away while trying to stay in the manual shift mode....G*d forbid you have to do some evasive manuevering!!!!

I see the E63 got stationary paddles this year...should be in order for the ML.

Fuzz

I wonder if there is any way to retrofit the paddles?

People managed to add SMG paddles onto automatic steptronic BMWs to allow them to shift the trannys with the paddles... you have to figure the wiring is there since there are buttons on the steering wheel already.

AMG_55

there is so much torque that you can go to 2nd at like 2mph

the e/cls/.... paddles arent stationary, they move with the wheel.
i would buy a set of padles or look at one to see if the base is the same size/shape as the buttons you guys have, then they should just po right in

RCTMan

I would test drive a E63 or CLS before making a switch. The paddles look great, but, for me, they did not feel as comfortable or natural as the buttons. I felt like I had to move my finger from the steering wheel to the paddlle to make the shift and then move it back to the steering wheel. With the buttons, I can rest my shift finger on or near the button without moving my had at all. I am sure it has to do with the size and shape of each persons hands, but I prefer the buttons on my ML63 over the paddles. I also test drove the Jag XK (was thinking of an XKR when they come out) and that system is worked better than the Benz shifters (quicker and smoother). And, yes, the paddles are fixed to the wheel, just like the buttons. Almost seems like the paddle were a purely esthetic addition and not a functional one. Also, the ML starts in 2nd gear by default unless you are in M mode.

F10 M5

you can't shift with the gear shift like a tip?

MSDLTD

There is no stick.....the prndl is on the column

BoBcanada

retrofit the stick!!!!!!!

MSDLTD

Correct..they never should have taken it out....The new X5 has a stick similar to the M5

AMG_55

the new x5 stick is ga.y
its got buttons and **** on it