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What are shift paddles, and how do they work in my 2025 BMW X5 xDrive50e?

The shift paddles on the steering wheel are used to change gears manually. The vehicle only shifts at suitable RPM and road speeds. Even in manual mode, the transmission shifts automatically in certain situations, e.g., when speed limits are reached.

 

Temporary manual mode

In selector lever position D, pulling a shift paddle switches into manual mode temporarily. The engaged gear is also displayed in the instrument cluster, for instance D1.

After conservative driving in manual mode without acceleration or shifting via the shift paddles for a certain amount of time, the transmission switches back to automatic mode.

It is possible to switch into automatic mode:

  • Pull and hold the right shift paddle until D is displayed in the instrument cluster.
  • In addition to the pulled right shift paddle, pull the left shift paddle.

 

Continuous manual mode

In Sport program S, pulling a shift paddle switches to manual mode M permanently. The engaged gear is displayed in the instrument cluster, e.g., M1. It is possible to switch into automatic mode:

  • Pull and hold the right shift paddle until S is displayed on the instrument cluster.
  • In addition to the pulled right shift paddle, pull the left shift paddle.
  • Pull the selector lever to D/S.

 

When M2 is set manually while the vehicle is stationary, the transmission will no longer shift back to M1. This shift behavior is maintained until M1 is engaged manually or manual mode M is exited.

 

Shifting

  • Upshifting: pull the right shift paddle.
  • Downshifting: pull left shift paddle.

The selected gear is briefly displayed in the instrument cluster, followed by the current gear.

 

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