Accelerator pedal hinging

PeterNem · 18 Apr 2008 at 22:57

Why are pedals on Mercs and BMWs hinged from the bottom as opposed to being a more conventional pedal?

Any reason for this? Seems mainly on German marques...

jon.bda · 18 Apr 2008 at 22:59

Iveco vans/pickups/etc use it also...

paradigm · 18 Apr 2008 at 23:05

I think its to annoy my foot.

Its probably the ONLY thing I hate about my e36.

Firestar_3x · 18 Apr 2008 at 23:07

Totally no idea, its a pain however, driven several cars like this (Golf / Passat) and i prefer the pedal to be hinged the 'correct way'.

K.C. Leblanc · 19 Apr 2008 at 00:03

I much prefer it hinged at the bottom, makes it easier to keep your heel in the same place.

My Chysler Neon has a pivoted throttle pedal, making it feel like it's floor mounted even it's hinged at the top.

ZG002 · 19 Apr 2008 at 00:42

I find i get more control with it being hinged from the bottom. god knows why tho lol

mjt · 19 Apr 2008 at 01:04

much larger pedal surface area, better for heel-and-toeing?

for some reason, i always thought it was better..
although i did slip getting into a e39 and i managed to break the hinge and the bottom

just used lots of packaging tape and drove rather tentatively to the dealer

Phate · 19 Apr 2008 at 01:11

I've driven a car with the pedal like this, I preferred it to the usual way!

Duke · 19 Apr 2008 at 09:21

I prefer the organ pedal style

[huzeeee] · 19 Apr 2008 at 12:13

Better for heel-toe??? plus i think the idea is that you can rest your heels on the floor and have in effect a foot rest when you are driving.....

DannyW · 19 Apr 2008 at 12:19

passat hire car i had was like this, didn't mind it at all

pitchfork · 19 Apr 2008 at 12:29

I love this design, if people enjoy it, then victory for the germans

German common sense innit.

K.C. Leblanc · 19 Apr 2008 at 13:35

DannyW said:
passat hire car i had was like this, didn't mind it at all

Same here, I am beginning to wonder if anyone other then the hire companies are buying them. I went past a hire depot and more then half the cars were Passats.