Optional Steering Wheel Buttons Vs. Standard Column Stalk
1 - 20 of 22 Posts
I have the multifunction steering wheel on my Macan and decided to order my 718 without it. The Macan does not have the extra stalk because the multi-display functionality is all handled by the buttons on the steering wheel.
I prefer the uncluttered wheel on a sports car and didn't care about it being heated.
In any event, I am pretty sure the cars with the multifunction wheel have one less stalk on the column but all functionality is the same. The steering wheels controls certain other non multi-display function like radio controls, e.g. volume and, IIRC, possibly some cruise control functionality. I'm on the road for a couple weeks otherwise I would go out to the garage and take a look.
I prefer the uncluttered wheel on a sports car and didn't care about it being heated.
In any event, I am pretty sure the cars with the multifunction wheel have one less stalk on the column but all functionality is the same. The steering wheels controls certain other non multi-display function like radio controls, e.g. volume and, IIRC, possibly some cruise control functionality. I'm on the road for a couple weeks otherwise I would go out to the garage and take a look.
I appreciate everyone's replies.
Since the functionality of the steering wheel buttons is rather limited. I think I'll pass on it. It's a bit strange that they put dials on the wheel, rather than rocker buttons. That means you have to take your hand off the wheel to use them. I might as well reach down to the knobs on the infotainments system. Also the steering wheel heat is a wasted feature here in SoCal.
Since the functionality of the steering wheel buttons is rather limited. I think I'll pass on it. It's a bit strange that they put dials on the wheel, rather than rocker buttons. That means you have to take your hand off the wheel to use them. I might as well reach down to the knobs on the infotainments system. Also the steering wheel heat is a wasted feature here in SoCal.
You spin the dials with your thumbs. Not sure i understand why anyone would take their hands off to use them.
I've adjusted the volume while shifting and turning at the same time using the steering wheel controls. To do that with the regular volume knob is pretty much impossible, since my right hand is moving the stick shift (and left hand is on the wheel). I suppose one of you gifted folks who a can steer with their knees could pull it off, but sadly I wasnt blessed with that talent.
I've adjusted the volume while shifting and turning at the same time using the steering wheel controls. To do that with the regular volume knob is pretty much impossible, since my right hand is moving the stick shift (and left hand is on the wheel). I suppose one of you gifted folks who a can steer with their knees could pull it off, but sadly I wasnt blessed with that talent.
Joined
·
294 Posts
I take it you’re in LHD car. Can’t do this on the RHD. ?
There is absolutely no need to take your hands of the wheel to use the roller switch. The rotational movement is more vertical (up/down) as apposed to circular.
The one thing I don’t like about the MFSW is the lack of buttons to cycle through radio stations/music tracks. One can customise the <> button but this only give you the option to choose one; Either Skip Foward OR Go Back.
My car has GT steering wheel without the buttons, but I've just had a loan car for a few days that had non-GT multi function wheel (i.e. with buttons). I did find the buttons were quicker and easier to use (particularly for scrolling), than the stalk on my car. Functionality is exactly the same. The rim of the muti-finction wheel also felt thicker/chunkier, which I'm guessing is down to the heating element. It felt pretty good to be honest, although I personally prefer the slightly smaller diameter of my GT wheel.
Thanks for all the responses.
It sounds like the roller buttons can be used without taking your hands off the wheel. However, it also sounds like you cannot cycle back and forth through radio station presets, although you can customize one button to go one direction.
Considering that 95% of the time I use the steering wheel buttons to cycle back and forth through radio station presets, it doesn't sound like this optional steering wheel will be of much benefit to me.
Let me know if I cam mistaken on any of this.
It sounds like the roller buttons can be used without taking your hands off the wheel. However, it also sounds like you cannot cycle back and forth through radio station presets, although you can customize one button to go one direction.
Considering that 95% of the time I use the steering wheel buttons to cycle back and forth through radio station presets, it doesn't sound like this optional steering wheel will be of much benefit to me.
Let me know if I cam mistaken on any of this.
Joined
·
596 Posts
I have used it to make telephone calls by saying "Call 'name'" and it works relatively well. I do not use it very often and I have never made a call saying only the numbers. When I ordered my Cayman in February 2018, I had to specifically ask for Voice Control but now I think it is part of the Nav system.
Joined
·
610 Posts
United Kingdom - Standard on the GTS. I have not tried to ask to dial a number. I will try tomorrow but doubt it works. What I can confirm is that the capacity is "only" 4000 names which sadly I surpass by some considerable margin. It's time to have a personal and professional contact list me thinks...
Joined
·
294 Posts
I can confirm this works for radio stations too. It’s an acceptable solution imo but I’d still prefer dedicated buttons for skipping.
Not a dealbreaker by any stretch and still preferable to no buttons at all.
My preference is for no controls on the steering wheel. My 2015 Macan S has a multi-function wheel and my 2018 718 (base model, 6mt, pasm, lca, pdls, bordeaux/black leather pkg) has only stalks, which work well for me. My sales rep said that a heated steering wheel can reduce fatigue on long drives, especially if you have some tendency toward arthritis or have circulation issues. My 2011 Cayenne S had a heated steering wheel. I used it year round, and think he was right. But I was told that the latest heaters don't work if the exterior temp is above 45F (which doesn't happen often in AZ), and I did not order it on either the Macan or 718. When it gets cold here (like under 40F!), I wear gloves, and I don't miss the heater. I sometimes think I might like the smaller steering wheel on the 718, but it is fabulous as is...it just turned 15000 miles, and I like it more every mile I drive it.
Joined
·
1,891 Posts
IMHO, the multifunction wheel's rollers (there are two), which are designed to be used (and work well) with your thumbs, are designed precisely so that you don't have to take your hands off the wheel when you're adjusting something. The base wheel's stalk forces one to do exactly what you're trying to avoid doing.
Also IMHO, I abhor stalks that are packed with too much functionality. The one that isn't deleted that actuates cruise control is horribly counterintuitive and located in a place that's neither easily seen nor ergonomically tactile. It's one of the few missteps in the cockpit's design.
The multifunction wheel is a must-have. IIRC, it can be set to scroll through radio presets -- it scrolls through song lists on SD card and/or CDs fine, so I can't imagine that it wouldn't function as a preset scroll when the radio is selected.
Joined
·
2,538 Posts
Not true. I've accidentally triggered it in temps well above that and wondered why the wheel was getting hot.
Went to the dealer to see the scroll button in action to change stations, and just get a general feel for what the buttons do. When I asked if we could turn the infotainment system on in the showroom so I could try out the buttons, the salesman blew me off, and just said the "<>" button can be programmed to change stations.
When I arrived, there was not one other customer inside or outside the entire dealership, and the salesman was just standing around talking to a another salesman when I came in. This was my second visit seeing this salesman at the dealership, so obviously I was a potential customer trying to decide what to order.
I left the dealership. I'd had enough of that treatment.
When I arrived, there was not one other customer inside or outside the entire dealership, and the salesman was just standing around talking to a another salesman when I came in. This was my second visit seeing this salesman at the dealership, so obviously I was a potential customer trying to decide what to order.
I left the dealership. I'd had enough of that treatment.
1 - 20 of 22 Posts
