I use everything. I down shift a lot on snow & ice. If I only want to slow down, I'll downshift with the steering wheel Tiptronic switches and allow the car to freely upshift as it likes. However, if I need to hold the down shift on an incline before a turn at the bottom I will use the center console manual lever.

In winter driving and towing, it beats getting on the brakes, locking the wheels up & sliding--out of control. My sales lady suggested using the steering wheel levers to down shift and make my brakes last longer.

The only problem occurs when I forgt I used the center console to manually down shift but then the rev limiter saves me.

Gr8 SUV's!

 

Never!

 

The one advantage of the steering wheel levers is the tranny will upshift freely when it likes. Thus, it allows down shift braking.

The disadvantage is that shifts from the steering wheel are not as aggressive; the tranny takes its time aligning. However, during my winter drive up the Alcan I stayed on the steering wheel levers almost exclusively--because I did not know the car very well.

The advantage of manual mode on the center console is that it shifts more aggressively, more positively and then it holds that gear--even when I over revved it a time or two.

 

great question.

in my ex-993 tip, I used the tip buttons 100% of the time.

in my ex-CS and current CTT, I never use them. I found them to be a little too far away for my thumbs to use; while in the 911, their position are perfect.

 

just when towing

 

Initially, I tried manual shifting while towing and my engine temps went up drastically. I found it better to let the car drive itself. However, once I hit the snow & ice on the Alcan, I manually down shifted using only the thumb levers. That way the car would upshift itself avoiding over heating. I saw some 10 degree grade signs and it was like a damned roller coaster descending virtual single lane SNOW covered to the creek bottoms and right up the mountains on the other side. It took all I had (and the CT) to keep me and the trailer on the road!

 

20% of the time!! Don't like the feel of the shifters

 

I only use them to drop a gear in order to pass when the revs are below 2k ... typically dawdling on the highways... otherwise, just turn off PSM and gooooo

 

Almost never, unless I hit it by accident. I forget they're even there, if I need to downshift I'll use the gearshift in the center console.

 

Never. Hate those friggen things. Worst location ever.