Paddle Shifters / Schaltwippen

Paddle shifters, also known as shift paddles, are mechanisms located on the steering wheel or steering column of a vehicle that allow drivers to manually shift gears without needing a traditional manual transmission. Typically found in vehicles with automatic or semi-automatic transmissions, paddle shifters provide a more engaging driving experience by allowing manual gear control while keeping both hands on the wheel. One paddle is used for upshifting (typically the right paddle) and the other for downshifting (usually the left). These shifters are common in performance cars, but they are increasingly found in a wider range of vehicles for improved driving precision and control. Some of the key benefits include:

• Increased control over gear selection for better performance and fuel efficiency.
• Faster gear shifts compared to manual transmissions.
• An easy way to enhance the sporty feel of driving, even with an automatic transmission.

Paddle shifters are especially popular in sports cars, luxury vehicles, and even in motorsports due to their quick responsiveness and ability to offer manual control while using an automatic transmission.

Unlike magnetic paddle shifters which use usually two neodymium magnets to create resistance and lock the shifters in place, the standard paddle shifters are using springs or other rubber elements. Most paddle shifters consist of 3 or 4 pieces. The most important one is the shifter paddle itself, that the driver interacts with. The second one is the counter part of that lever that is fixed to the steering wheel with a screw. They are assembled by a plastik or metal shaft to allow rotation and keep them in place. The last and final piece is a small PCB board, that registers each shift and sends the signal to the ECU, telling the transmission to shift gears.

Using paddle shifters is very simple and intuitive. While driving, pull the left paddle for downshifting, and the right paddle for upshifting. These paddle shifters are especially useful in manual mode or sport mode for enhanced control and quicker gear changes.

We have created video tutorials for you to show how you can easily install them in your own vehicle. You can find the tutorials here.

We prefer carbon fiber. But there are a few other materials that can be used to make paddle shifters. Using high quality aluminium is very common and can be easily finished with anodizing or painting (like the body parts of a car), or powder coating. The best and most durable option however is using carbon fiber. Carbon fiber is a very rigid, stiff material and provides an amazing, unique finish.

Currently we support a wide range of models. If you drive a BMW F or G series model, we got you covered. We also offer magnetic paddle shifters in structured or gloss carbon fiber versions.