Living with QP Semi-Auto Gearbox

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Living with QP Semi-Auto Gearbox

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30/5/2010 16:28:00

wazzo

Posts: 9
Since: 3/11/2008
Status: offline

This may be an old chestnut, but. What is it like in real-life with the QP semi-auto, flappy paddle gearbox. It is low speed manoevring that I am realy thinking about. Is it Ok or a nighmare reversing into a garage, do you have to park at the far end of the Tesco's car park to find an empty space that you can drive forwards into and out of? Or, is it perfectly easy to use, just balancing throttle and brake?

I ask because I have driven a couple of ZF auto versions, but never a S-A and there are many around at the 4 year old and £30k bracket, but not here (in NI), so I would have to travel to find out and i just wondered what your experiences are?

thanks

Paul

30/5/2010 19:01:36

Safrane

Posts: 2479
Since: 27/1/2008
Region: Bristol
Status: offline

If you ignore Mr Clarkson and try one the semi auto is a doddle to park as long as you don't expect Auto creep to hold you on an incline.

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4200 CC
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31/5/2010 0:48:34

noor

Sponsor

Posts: 373
Since: 17/5/2006
Status: offline

Give it a try and im sure once you get the hang of it youl love it.

Before i got mine i was worried about the CC box, but once i got used to it then it was fine and became second nature.

31/5/2010 9:04:21

scotdunc

Posts: 31
Since: 30/3/2010
Region: Herts
Status: offline

Im with noor on this one, I was a bit intimidated using the duo select, but you will find that you have to re-teach yourself certain driving skills.... its a bit like having to adapt to the car, rather than the car adapting to your style.
Ive owned my QP for a couple of months now, and actually love "flapping my paddles"

31/5/2010 10:37:28

wazzo

Posts: 9
Since: 3/11/2008
Status: offline

Thanks guys, you have confirmed my predujices: it'll be OK, it'll be more than OK. I always take what Clarkson says with a big pinch of salt - it is entertainment and he is notoriously fickle/inconsistent. I'll probably look for an example with both front & rear parking aids, as it is a big motor - or I'll kick the other car out of the garage so that the QP can sit there in splendid isolation.

31/5/2010 13:54:20

scotdunc

Posts: 31
Since: 30/3/2010
Region: Herts
Status: offline

Definately a bonus to have front and rear parking sensors, makes manoveurs that little bit more easy, as its a big car to see all four corners

1/6/2010 8:10:52

Fishtank

Posts: 152
Since: 20/5/2010
Status: offline

As long as its set up right, and that includes with the balance weights,not just SD2/3 should be ok.

1/6/2010 18:36:52

BentleyBoy

Posts: 30
Since: 24/1/2010
Status: online

quote:

ORIGINAL: scotdunc

Definately a bonus to have front and rear parking sensors, makes manoveurs that little bit more easy, as its a big car to see all four corners

I have got sensors front and rear but if the aircon is on full blast you can hardly hear them. Anyone else got this problem or is there some method of turning up the volume or reducing the noise on the aircon

Paul

2/6/2010 4:43:45

xxxpres

Posts: 37
Since: 1/2/2010
Status: offline

The F1 box is not hard to live with if you learn how to use it, just keep in mind the amount of time you let the clutch slip so as not to wear it prematurely. As for the parking sensors. They are very very useful, and yes, you can adjust the volume on the QP for the sensors through the NIT unit. The hill holder function is very useful for maneuvering an F1 car. My only problem is that crawling in traffic with this gearbox is hardly comfortable. However, since you have another car, you always have a second option for transportation.

Good luck, happy hunting.

2/6/2010 9:39:24

BentleyBoy

Posts: 30
Since: 24/1/2010
Status: online

quote:

ORIGINAL: xxxpres

The F1 box is not hard to live with if you learn how to use it, just keep in mind the amount of time you let the clutch slip so as not to wear it prematurely. As for the parking sensors. They are very very useful, and yes, you can adjust the volume on the QP for the sensors through the NIT unit. The hill holder function is very useful for maneuvering an F1 car. My only problem is that crawling in traffic with this gearbox is hardly comfortable. However, since you have another car, you always have a second option for transportation.

Good luck, happy hunting.

Thanks for that but where is the NIT box and how do I adjust the volume

Thanks

Paul

2/6/2010 12:06:23

xxxpres

Posts: 37
Since: 1/2/2010
Status: offline

The NIT is the radio, Navigation, Infotainment Telephone system. Go into either volume or vehicle controls, you should find the option there. Good luck.

2/6/2010 14:56:01

BentleyBoy

Posts: 30
Since: 24/1/2010
Status: online

The only controllable volumes are
minimum volume on start up which only contols the radio etc
setting for TA announcements
setting for alarm buzzer.

None of these affect the traffic sensors and the hand book has no reference to higher volumes.

Any other suggestions?

Thanks

Paul

4/6/2010 10:05:24

xxxpres

Posts: 37
Since: 1/2/2010
Status: offline

Let me go look through my system again, I belive that it could be hidden somewhere in the door lock sub menu or something, it could also be related to the alarm buzzer, this could adjust the volume of all warning alarms including the parking sensor. Let me double check and get back to you.

6/6/2010 12:57:52

wazzo

Posts: 9
Since: 3/11/2008
Status: offline

Thanks guys for the feedback. A follow up question is on the "kiss point": is this a once and for all set up (like tracking theroetically is) and only has to be checked /adjusted rarely, or does it have to be re-adjusted every service to take account of clutch wear? I would kind of expect the former as the hydaulic operation should self-adjust, but I want to make sure because if the latter, then it is another reason to be in hoc to dealers (especially in NI).
Thanks

Paul

7/6/2010 20:23:48

sjn2004

Posts: 387
Since: 20/4/2008
Status: offline

Normally its only adjusted when a new clutch is fitted.

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