Voice your opinion about your Transmission... Let's vote :)

[Mr. ///M3 RD]

Let us all make our mark in this poll about what transmission on our M3 makes us tick

I think I covered all the bases sorry f I missed some, then no one is perfect

Result should be fun or? What do you think?

Now this is NOT meant to be a MT verses M-DCT thread (like so many others) let us simply just make a mark so to let other people that plan to purchase an M3 know what you and I think about it.

EDIT ---> Remember it's an open multiple choice poll so be sure to make your mark or marks

[mdosu]

I checked the last box. When i bought my car, I didn't care much whether I got a 6MT or DCT. As long as the S65 was under that hood, that's all it mattered to me.

Of course, I didn't build my car or anything, I searched and found the car with the key features I care more about: E90, fold down rear seats, SSII, tech package.

[Team Plutonium]

Voted for 6MT, I'll always pick it as long as it is available... any car.

[Ghetto2315]

OP, you forgot "I drive a M-DCT because I can't drive a MT and won't admit it, so I tell everyone M-DCT is better than MT to justify my decision"

[mdosu]

Originally Posted by Ghetto2315

OP, you forgot "I drive a M-DCT because I can't drive a MT and won't admit it, so I tell everyone M-DCT is better than MT to justify my decision"

I believe, i think there are few out there.

[Mr. ///M3 RD]

Originally Posted by Ghetto2315

OP, you forgot "I drive a M-DCT because I can't drive a MT and won't admit it, so I tell everyone M-DCT is better than MT to justify my decision"

I try to be a Gentleman at all times so I avoid those kind of questions

[pharmdphd98]

Originally Posted by M3RD

Let us all make our mark in this poll about what transmission makes us tick

I think I covered all the bases

Result should be fun or? What do you think?

There should be two more categories: those who have actually owned a DCT and disliked it enough to switch to 6MT and vice versa. Test drive is not sufficient to give you a real sense of how much fun/easy the transmission is to live with. The fact that you made this post tells me you are thinking about this issue after owning both gearboxes. Please shed some light on the matter because I sold a 6MT and ordered a DCT for ED in November!

[pharmdphd98]

Oh, by the way, I would have voted "6MT in the M3 is not satisfying enough so it made the DCT a more attractive option"

What BMW has done is simultaneous selling a manual gearbox that is robust but unsatisfying to drive while making available one of the very best automated gearboxes in the world for us to "choose". For those of us who have the extra cash the choice is kind of made for us. One only has to look at the ionic figure of the M3 family, the M3 GTS, to see that BMW has chosen the DCT as THE only tranny option for the top dog in the M3 family.

[///Montreal3]

Drove both and went with M-DCT as I felt it is better matched to the motor.

I also own a gated 5MT and another 6MT, so I wasn't too worried about not getting my MT fix.

I really don't think you can go wrong with these S65-powered M3s - just get what you like!

[BimmFiniti]

Originally Posted by pharmdphd98

Oh, by the way, I would have voted "6MT in the M3 is not satisfying enough so it made the DCT a more attractive option"

What BMW has done is simultaneous selling a manual gearbox that is robust but unsatisfying to drive while making available one of the very best automated gearboxes in the world for us to "choose". For those of us who have the extra cash the choice is kind of made for us. One only has to look at the ionic figure of the M3 family, the M3 GTS, to see that BMW has chosen the DCT as THE only tranny option for the top dog in the M3 family.

Not sure I understand the issue people have with the M3 6MT. My initial impression with it was that it was OK, but after living with it for the past 6 months, I really like it. It has a "snicky", precise nature that is pretty unique. I've owned many MT cars. Here's my ranking of the transmission - and clutch - for some of the cars I've owned:

1) (tie) 2002 Porsche 911 (996), 2007 Porsche Cayman S
2) 2010 E90 M3
3) 2006 Civic Si
4) 2001 E46 330i (still own)
5) 2002 Infiniti G35 coupe
6) 1985 Mazda RX-7 GSL-SE

[M3 Esq.]

Originally Posted by pharmdphd98

There should be two more categories: those who have actually owned a DCT and disliked it enough to switch to 6MT and vice versa. Test drive is not sufficient to give you a real sense of how much fun/easy the transmission is to live with. The fact that you made this post tells me you are thinking about this issue after owning both gearboxes. Please shed some light on the matter because I sold a 6MT and ordered a DCT for ED in November!

I am doing the same as I am trading my 6MT for a DCT. I have the DCT on order for PCD in October. I like the 6MT don't get me wrong, this is my 3rd 6MT equipped BMW, but it's time for a change. I want the DCT for the track and I am sick of dealing with the 6MT in stop and go traffic on my daily commute.

[Parkanzky]

I was very anti flappys paddles and was actively looking for a nice e90 with three pedals when a friend twisted my arm into taking his DCT equipped e90 on a country drive. I bought a DCT car a couple weeks later.

I'm still a big manual transmission fan, but I suddenly understood what people were talking about when they said how great DCT is in this car. It suits it perfectly. If I were buying a 911 I'd be shopping for a manual transmission. But this motor feels to me like it belongs with the DCT.

[pharmdphd98]

Originally Posted by BimmFiniti

Not sure I understand the issue people have with the M3 6MT. My initial impression with it was that it was OK, but after living with it for the past 6 months, I really like it. It has a "snicky", precise nature that is pretty unique. I've owned many MT cars. Here's my ranking of the transmission - and clutch - for some of the cars I've owned:

1) (tie) 2002 Porsche 911 (996), 2007 Porsche Cayman S
2) 2010 E90 M3
3) 2006 Civic Si
4) 2001 E46 330i (still own)
5) 2002 Infiniti G35 coupe
6) 1985 Mazda RX-7 GSL-SE

As many have pointed out in the past, "feel" of a gearbox is somewhat subjectie; however, many owners have complained about the lack of precision in the M3 6MT. I LOVE manual gearboxes because they are far more involving to drive; the problem is that I have noticed that the imprecision of the manual box has not only slowed me down but caused me embarassment when my passenger tells me, "it looks like you really have struggle/work hard to shift gears in this car". I am a manual veteran with 24 years of experience and currently also own a 2010 135i 6MT. The gearbox in the 135 actually outperforms the one in the M3. This should not happen in a $70K car that is supposed to be one of the best cars in the world.

[Radiation Joe]

I've owned both. Each for about 2 years. I love driving a manual. I'd still be driving the DCT though, if it hadn't tried to kill me so many times.

I honestly believe the DCT is the right transmission for these cars even though I drive a manual. My experience with the DCT was not typical.

[dom_cmh]

My God this thread isn't needed. This discussion is getting so old. It's like talking politics. 6mt lovers like feel and tradition. DCT folks love the technology and speed. Blah blah. Who cares. Enjoy your car and stop trying to prove why your tranny is better if you like it.

Btw 6MT all the way!!!

[Mr. ///M3 RD]

Originally Posted by pharmdphd98

There should be two more categories: those who have actually owned a DCT and disliked it enough to switch to 6MT and vice versa. Test drive is not sufficient to give you a real sense of how much fun/easy the transmission is to live with. The fact that you made this post tells me you are thinking about this issue after owning both gearboxes. Please shed some light on the matter because I sold a 6MT and ordered a DCT for ED in November!

Originally Posted by pharmdphd98

Oh, by the way, I would have voted "6MT in the M3 is not satisfying enough so it made the DCT a more attractive option"

What BMW has done is simultaneous selling a manual gearbox that is robust but unsatisfying to drive while making available one of the very best automated gearboxes in the world for us to "choose". For those of us who have the extra cash the choice is kind of made for us. One only has to look at the ionic figure of the M3 family, the M3 GTS, to see that BMW has chosen the DCT as THE only tranny option for the top dog in the M3 family.

Well let me say this; my first BMW MT was (and still in our famaly) a 1987 BMW 535is the car has a great gear box and shifts are smooth as silk. I still here and then drive this car when my daughter lets me drive it

I mentioned this since I also owned three other M3's before the one I am driving now. The first one was a e46 with SMG transmission, I had no complains about that car or transmission at all. The other two M3's both e92 had MT and I had no problems at all only I disliked the stiffnes during the shifting (nothing like the e28 MT I mentioned earlier).

I have to admit I often thought about (while driving the e92 MT) that I should have gotten a M-DCT only like many others I shopped for the best price and purchased those cars from the dealer off the lot.

Then along came the situation earlier this year when the wife mentioned "We should really go to only one car now that we are retired" Well after a few days discussion she agreed to get rid of her car if I get an automatic. Well more discussion followed and she agreed that I can trade my then almost new M3 wit MT for a new one with M-DCT.

Needless to say I went right to it and found the right car (having options I was looking for). The problem is that shortly after I got the new car home with M-DCT the wife changed her mind and anounced she better keep her car. All is well that ends well as the saying goes, having that second car allows me to keep the M3 in the garage when it rains and it will stay parked in the winter time.

Bottom LIne, both transmissions are fine it is all a matter of personal preference as far as I am concerned. No worries you will love your's once you pick her up in München at Die Welt delivery centre. They will treat you like a king. Once you take her on the road (in busy München traffic) you will be glad you decided on the M-DCT.

Do I miss the MT ... sure I do here and then I do, then I can always use the paddles or the shift. With the M-DCT we always have those options and listening to the rev matching sound with the windows open is priceless.

Happy trails my friend!

Originally Posted by dom_cmh

My God this thread isn't needed. This discussion is getting so old. It's like talking politics. 6mt lovers like feel and tradition. DCT folks love the technology and speed. Blah blah. Who cares. Enjoy your car and stop trying to prove why your tranny is better if you like it.

Btw 6MT all the way!!!

It's not meant to be a thread per say ... it's a poll to make your mark or draw that line in the sand is all did you leave your mark?

[Darth One]

I couldn't make up my mind so I checked every box

[PhillyNate]

Option #2.

[swamp2]

Your post title was incredible poorly chosen. I came very close to ignoring it. Something that explains the poll topic is advised.

[Mr. ///M3 RD]

Originally Posted by swamp2

Your post title was incredible poorly chosen. I came very close to ignoring it. Something that explains the poll topic is advised.

Thanks you make a good point I made the change hope it helps.

PS. I started this poll since there never was one on this subject (only endless discussions). I think it might help others in future (those that like to get a M3 and not have one yet). We nearly had 500 people look in here and only some 79 voting ... this tells me that many others look in here that not yet own a M3 ... perhaps thinking about it.

[HALOTHANE]

I owned a 1M (6MT) and now drive an E92 M3 ZCP (DCT). Having driven manual cars my entire life, I never considered an automatic. The DCT is different, however. It suits the M3 like the manual suits the 1M. Both great. Both different. Both involving.

[Mr. ///M3 RD]

Originally Posted by 1MVO

I owned a 1M (6MT) and now drive an E92 M3 ZCP (DCT). Having driven manual cars my entire life, I never considered an automatic. The DCT is different, however. It suits the M3 like the manual suits the 1M. Both great. Both different. Both involving.

looks like a 50/50 split ... near to it anyway ... nice that we have a choice