Dsg- Direct Shift Gearbox

[hc4361]

I've googled it, of course, but still have no real idea what it means.

Can anyone explain it in plain English - what it is, how it affects the driver, what it looks like?

[Baldric]

Not a bad article here

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Direct-Shift_Gearbox

We've got one in a 170bhp .

[Baldric]

^^^ half my post vanished, I added;
Yeti, works very well for us and of course can be driven as a manual if required, you just don't have a clutch.

[hc4361]

Does it drive the same as a normal automatic?

[Baldric]

Better imo, I never liked Auto boxes 'til I tried DSG, the Yeti is the OH's, when I change the Beemer I will go for one myself.

[jomifl]

It seems you have to initiate the gear change manually but don't have to bother with a clutch.

[Baldric]

No, full auto but you can set to manual shift

[hc4361]

What the chuff are 'dashboard paddles' in relation to DSG?

[Baldric]

Manual controls usually on steering wheel to change up or down
Think 'Flappy Paddles'

[Baldric]

From earlier link

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Direct-Shift_Gearbox#Paddle_shifters