Indicator stalk sides...

SimonB · 08-30-2008, 02:40 AM

Hiya, am about to head out for some culture and was wondering this morning whilst out driving, does anyone know why the indicator stalk is on the left on European cars, yet on the right for Australian cars?

My Pommy friends insist that the left is the "right" side, but I am curious as to why it is so (in best Julius Sumner Millar <sp> voice).

Ideas?

Bah, opera (the Bochelli <sp again> dude)...

shauno · 08-30-2008, 07:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SimonB

Hiya, am about to head out for some culture and was wondering this morning whilst out driving, does anyone know why the indicator stalk is on the left on European cars, yet on the right for Australian cars?

My Pommy friends insist that the left is the "right" side, but I am curious as to why it is so (in best Julius Sumner Millar <sp> voice).

Ideas?

Bah, opera (the Bochelli <sp again> dude)...

Yep on Euro imports its because the steering column is designed for the European left hand drive market and they don't bother re tooling it for the right hand drive market.

For aussie built cars such as falcons they build it on the right hand side an exact mirror to Euro cars ie both of them are on the side next to the drivers door

Alext · 08-30-2008, 08:09 AM

Hang on a minute, cars designed for the UK market (right hand drive) that has the indicator on the left. This is a good question. I actually prefer the indicator on the right so I can keep my hand on the gear if I want.

Timbo · 08-30-2008, 08:15 AM

At the risk of starting a fight, I think the indicator on the left is heaps more convenient.... means your right hand can alwasy be focussed on the wheel

d3syd · 08-30-2008, 09:29 AM

The convention for the "proper" side the indicator stalk should be is the side closest to the driver's door. But as mentioned car companies don't bother moving it for right hand drive markets. After all there would be more LHD cars made than RHD cars.

Interestingly back when Benz over engineered their cars, the indicator stalk was moved to the "correct" side on RHD cars, as per the case in my old 420SEL.

123D-M · 09-02-2008, 03:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by d3syd

The convention for the "proper" side the indicator stalk should be is the side closest to the driver's door. But as mentioned car companies don't bother moving it for right hand drive markets. After all there would be more LHD cars made than RHD cars.

Interestingly back when Benz over engineered their cars, the indicator stalk was moved to the "correct" side on RHD cars, as per the case in my old 420SEL.

^^ +1

135man · 09-02-2008, 03:47 AM

I don't understand why they don't convert it. Other car manufacturers swap it around - it just seems lazy to me.

dodgey · 09-02-2008, 05:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 135man

I don't understand why they don't convert it. Other car manufacturers swap it around - it just seems lazy to me.

Most Euro car manufacturers don't. It's not laziness, it's costs a lot to retool to get the thing swapped around... :biggrin:

SimonB · 09-02-2008, 05:26 AM

Thanks all, I'd forgotten that the UK was the 'odd one out' and that the rest of Europe was 'right' (or 'left').

Question answered. I'll just have to look like a wally now and then when I wipe the windscreen over summer.

dodgey · 09-02-2008, 05:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SimonB

Question answered. I'll just have to look like a wally now and then when I wipe the windscreen over summer.

Set it on Auto?

AussieRacer · 09-02-2008, 05:53 AM

With Bimmers you need to manually turn on the auto wipers each time the car starts. Not like most other rain sensing wipers that you can leave permanently on.

cozza · 09-02-2008, 06:03 AM

Doesn't seem to matter which side it's on, most drivers have no idea it's even there...

Oh, you want this lane now?!
When are you leaving the roundabout?
Whoa! Why are you breaking?!! Oh, you're turning left...

ASSHOLE!!

dodgey · 09-02-2008, 06:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AussieRacer

With Bimmers you need to manually turn on the auto wipers each time the car starts. Not like most other rain sensing wipers that you can leave permanently on.

Really? How quaint!:biggrin:

123D-M · 09-02-2008, 06:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dodgey

Really? How quaint!:biggrin:

gaah! Really? Useless. What part of auto don't they understand? Our Mazda can manage to be always in auto mode.

AussieRacer · 09-02-2008, 06:35 AM

The non-auto on mode on startup was originally meant to be something about protecting themselves from lawsuits, as most systems need to do a calibration wipe to really work properly. Probably also saves the wipers always having to drag across a dry windscreen. And considering what they cost to replace....not a bad thing! Especially screen the rain sensing wipers are total crap when the top part of the wiper becomes scratched.

135man · 09-02-2008, 08:10 AM

Interesting... in the BMW configuration tool (for 135i) it shows the preview of the steering wheel with indicator stalk on the right side. That's why I originally thought it was the right side.

jksgoh · 09-02-2008, 08:17 AM

they prob got lazy and simply mirrored the pics?

bluRider · 09-02-2008, 08:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cozza

Doesn't seem to matter which side it's on, most drivers have no idea it's even there...

Oh, you want this lane now?!
When are you leaving the roundabout?
Whoa! Why are you breaking?!! Oh, you're turning left...

ASSHOLE!!

too true ... unfortunately ...

Wraith · 09-02-2008, 06:49 PM

Another interesting thread guys :smile:

1st off, I agree with Alext, ie: IMHO the indicator stalk should be on the right side for RHD cars !!!

Now this is something I'm very familiar with since I own 2 German built Opels (well one is put together by Bertone) and both of those have the indicator stalk on the left...and I absolutely hate it

It took me ages to get used to it and everytime I hop into one of my many other vehicles, I invariably turn on the wipers or vice versa until I re-adjust, damn nuisance !!!

However the latest models from Opel (Astras, Vectras etc.) actually have the indicator stalks revised for the RHD production cars, ie: indicator stalk on the right hand side !!!

So why then can't a 'higher end' German manufacturer like BMW do the same :iono: their cars after all are a hell of alot more expensive, I believe the tooling costs would be more than covered by the product end market pricing !!!

135man · 09-02-2008, 11:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wraith

So why then can't a 'higher end' German manufacturer like BMW do the same :iono: their cars after all are a hell of alot more expensive, I believe the tooling costs would be more than covered by the product end market pricing !!!

We seem to agree on a lot. The first car I drove with indicator stalk on the left hand side of the wheel was a Vectra. At the time I thought 'how lazy, why not change it'. But to see BMW doing it doesn't make much sense - I mean, they convert EVERYTHING else around except that. I thought BMW were real perfectionists with their cars. That's another reason to got for a GT-R :smile:

WAY · 09-02-2008, 11:54 PM

Because I have pretty much ever only owned Euro cars (with one Japanese car), I don't understand the big deal of left hand stalk. Can someone explain to me why a right hand stalk is better for RHD cars? Sorry if I am just a bit slow on this one lol.

minijet · 09-02-2008, 11:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WAY

Because I have pretty much ever only owned Euro cars (with one Japanese car), I don't understand the big deal of left hand stalk. Can someone explain to me why a right hand stalk is better for RHD cars? Sorry if I am just a bit slow on this one lol.

I'm with you on that one Way.
I think it is to do with having a free hand to change gears and the other to indicate?

My friend had previously expressed this preference for a Right hand stalk as he can steer and indicate with the same hand as well as changing gears with the left

08-30-2008, 02:40 AM	#1
SimonB 135 to 335 M Sport to X3 30d M Sport 164 Rep 1,788 Posts Drives: 2018 X3 30d, optioned up! Join Date: May 2008 Location: Perth, Western Australia iTrader: (0)	Indicator stalk sides... Hiya, am about to head out for some culture and was wondering this morning whilst out driving, does anyone know why the indicator stalk is on the left on European cars, yet on the right for Australian cars? My Pommy friends insist that the left is the "right" side, but I am curious as to why it is so (in best Julius Sumner Millar <sp> voice). Ideas? Bah, opera (the Bochelli <sp again> dude)... __________________ 2018 X3 30d, Carbon Black Metallic, M Sport Package, Panorama glass sunroof, Lumbar support, Instrument panel in Sensatec, Ambient Lightning, Harmon Kardon Surround Sound , Dynamic Damper Control
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08-30-2008, 08:09 AM	#3
Alext Banned 138 Rep 2,042 Posts Drives: B M W Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Everest iTrader: (2)	Hang on a minute, cars designed for the UK market (right hand drive) that has the indicator on the left. This is a good question. I actually prefer the indicator on the right so I can keep my hand on the gear if I want.
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08-30-2008, 08:15 AM	#4
Timbo First Lieutenant 4 Rep 302 Posts Drives: BMW 135 Join Date: May 2008 Location: Australia iTrader: (0)	At the risk of starting a fight, I think the indicator on the left is heaps more convenient.... means your right hand can alwasy be focussed on the wheel
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08-30-2008, 09:29 AM	#5
d3syd Major 50 Rep 1,474 Posts Drives: 135i MT, LMB, ProNav Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Scamander, Tasmania iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 135i Coupe [0.00]	The convention for the "proper" side the indicator stalk should be is the side closest to the driver's door. But as mentioned car companies don't bother moving it for right hand drive markets. After all there would be more LHD cars made than RHD cars. Interestingly back when Benz over engineered their cars, the indicator stalk was moved to the "correct" side on RHD cars, as per the case in my old 420SEL. __________________ Fun Car: 135i Manual LeMans Blue / Beige Leather / Grey Poplar / pro nav / euro plates. Delivered 24 June 08 Family Car: Land Rover Discovery 4 SDV6 Spare Car: Volvo V70 Sydney Car: MB 420SEL
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09-02-2008, 03:47 AM	#7
135man New Member 1 Rep 21 Posts Drives: Join Date: Sep 2008 iTrader: (0)	I don't understand why they don't convert it. Other car manufacturers swap it around - it just seems lazy to me.
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09-02-2008, 05:26 AM	#9
SimonB 135 to 335 M Sport to X3 30d M Sport 164 Rep 1,788 Posts Drives: 2018 X3 30d, optioned up! Join Date: May 2008 Location: Perth, Western Australia iTrader: (0)	Thanks all, I'd forgotten that the UK was the 'odd one out' and that the rest of Europe was 'right' (or 'left'). Question answered. I'll just have to look like a wally now and then when I wipe the windscreen over summer. __________________ 2018 X3 30d, Carbon Black Metallic, M Sport Package, Panorama glass sunroof, Lumbar support, Instrument panel in Sensatec, Ambient Lightning, Harmon Kardon Surround Sound , Dynamic Damper Control
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09-02-2008, 05:53 AM	#11
AussieRacer Major 24 Rep 1,058 Posts Drives: 2008 135i Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Aust iTrader: (0)	With Bimmers you need to manually turn on the auto wipers each time the car starts. Not like most other rain sensing wipers that you can leave permanently on. __________________ Current: 135i Auto, Le Mans Blue - w/ Bridgestone RE-11 rears, GP Thunder 7500k angels, & "golf tee" mod plus a few M3 suspension bits and pieces...
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09-02-2008, 06:03 AM	#12
cozza ///Mthusiast 135 Rep 1,751 Posts Drives: M135i (March delivery) Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Melbourne, Australia iTrader: (0)	Doesn't seem to matter which side it's on, most drivers have no idea it's even there... Oh, you want this lane now?! When are you leaving the roundabout? Whoa! Why are you breaking?!! Oh, you're turning left... ASSHOLE!! __________________ ///M135i: AUTO \| ALPINE WHITE \| CORAL RED LEATHER \| HEATED SEATS \| SUNROOF \| NAV \| DAB TUNER \| HARMAN KARDON \| PERFORMANCE BITS 'N' PIECES
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09-02-2008, 06:35 AM	#15
AussieRacer Major 24 Rep 1,058 Posts Drives: 2008 135i Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Aust iTrader: (0)	The non-auto on mode on startup was originally meant to be something about protecting themselves from lawsuits, as most systems need to do a calibration wipe to really work properly. Probably also saves the wipers always having to drag across a dry windscreen. And considering what they cost to replace....not a bad thing! Especially screen the rain sensing wipers are total crap when the top part of the wiper becomes scratched. __________________ Current: 135i Auto, Le Mans Blue - w/ Bridgestone RE-11 rears, GP Thunder 7500k angels, & "golf tee" mod plus a few M3 suspension bits and pieces...
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09-02-2008, 08:10 AM	#16
135man New Member 1 Rep 21 Posts Drives: Join Date: Sep 2008 iTrader: (0)	Interesting... in the BMW configuration tool (for 135i) it shows the preview of the steering wheel with indicator stalk on the right side. That's why I originally thought it was the right side.
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09-02-2008, 08:17 AM	#17
jksgoh Major 141 Rep 1,448 Posts Drives: M2 Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Melb, Vic, Aus iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 E82 125i [0.00]	they prob got lazy and simply mirrored the pics?
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09-02-2008, 06:49 PM	#19
Wraith Captain 13 Rep 814 Posts Drives: Join Date: Jun 2008 iTrader: (0)	Another interesting thread guys :smile: 1st off, I agree with Alext, ie: IMHO the indicator stalk should be on the right side for RHD cars !!! Now this is something I'm very familiar with since I own 2 German built Opels (well one is put together by Bertone) and both of those have the indicator stalk on the left...and I absolutely hate it It took me ages to get used to it and everytime I hop into one of my many other vehicles, I invariably turn on the wipers or vice versa until I re-adjust, damn nuisance !!! However the latest models from Opel (Astras, Vectras etc.) actually have the indicator stalks revised for the RHD production cars, ie: indicator stalk on the right hand side !!! So why then can't a 'higher end' German manufacturer like BMW do the same :iono: their cars after all are a hell of alot more expensive, I believe the tooling costs would be more than covered by the product end market pricing !!!
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09-02-2008, 11:54 PM	#21
WAY Brigadier General 458 Rep 4,822 Posts Drives: Fast ones Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Melbourne, Australia iTrader: (0)	Because I have pretty much ever only owned Euro cars (with one Japanese car), I don't understand the big deal of left hand stalk. Can someone explain to me why a right hand stalk is better for RHD cars? Sorry if I am just a bit slow on this one lol.
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