M3 Contract Hire and DCT

[Hitman999]

I am in the market for a M3 Coupe ... I was considering used 57 plate onwards ... and most of these are between £36K - £39K depending on spec and mileage.

I had a call from a dealer today pushing this deal ...

http://www.bmw.co.uk/bmwuk/pricesand...tion=showOffer

Sounds like a good deal and I am tempted but its only available on DCT.
I guess you got to weigh up whether you want to buy used and own the car and take the depreciation or not own the car and walk away after 42 months.

What are the general opinions on this deal and DCT?
I have only driven the Manual and loved it.

Thanks in advance.

[themetz]

Hey Hitman - think you might be opening ANOTHER can of worms here!!!

M-DCT is fantastic with fractionally quicker change than a skilled manual box.

Some people obviously prefer the direct involvement of a manual box - remember though that with the flappy paddles on the DCT you can override the auto programme for some "manual" stimulation if you fancy it!

You MUST really try and get a test drive with the DCT too if you can. Then your mind will be made up with a hands-on direct comparison rather than the power of persuasion from the forum!

I guess you got to weigh up whether you want to buy used and own the car and take the depreciation or not own the car and walk away after 42 months.

exactly! horses for courses. whatever floats your boat.

[dar2008]

Originally Posted by themetz

Hey Hitman - think you might be opening ANOTHER can of worms here!!!

M-DCT is phenomenal with fractionally quicker change than a skilled manual box.

Some people obviously prefer the direct involvement of a manual box - remember though that with the flappy paddles on the DCT you can override the auto programme for some "manual" stimulation if you fancy it!

Not to highjack the thread... but do I take the above to mean you have the DCT themetz? I agree with you that it's excellent in a lot of ways, but wonder whether you too suffer from the "low speed lag issue"? My local dealer told me it's "expected behaviour", not happy

[themetz]

Originally Posted by dar2008

Not to highjack the thread... but do I take the above to mean you have the DCT themetz? I agree with you that it's excellent in a lot of ways, but wonder whether you too suffer from the "low speed lag issue"? My local dealer told me it's "expected behaviour", not happy

hmmmm.. it is a little bit irritating I can't deny, and has forced a change of driving style compared to ZF auto-box on my 335i. Basically the problem occurs for me when anything above, say, 4th is selected and you coast/brake to lower speeds and then accelerate off, it can, on occasion, confuse the f*ck out of the software and mean it doesn't do anything for a little while it moves all the cogs around and works out what the hell it should be doing (ie selecting 2nd gear).

The problem/confusion stems from the fact that the M-DCT is only a semi-auto and not a full-auto like ZF boxes are fitted to standard models. If you're expecting a full-auto you'll have to stick with a 335i or otherwise be potentially frustrated by the semi-auto on the M3.

I've found that if you change the drivelogic program for normal driving up to 4 or 5 this alleviated most of the occurrences for me. Plus, if I know I'm going to find myself in a coasting to accelaration situation eg entering a roundabout then I tend to use the paddles to pre-empt the downshift to 2nd manually.

I've seen various forum threads around that a software update is imminent to 'cure' this issue - but my dealer pleaded ignorance when I mentioned it.

[Hitman999]

You are right themetz. I will have to test drive the DCT and see what I think.

Going to the stealers later this afternoon to see what cars/specs they have available on the contract hire deal.

[Roaders]

That seems like a very good deal to me - less than half what I am paying a month. I can't quite see how it's such a low monthly payment.

And now the BMW M3 Coupé can be specified with among other things, seven-speed M Double Clutch Transmission with DRIVELOGIC

This implies to me that you can take or leave DCT, seems odd to have a finance offer tied to a certain option.

[donnynsc]

Roaders - This is for business user. Yours must be on a private finace scheme

[Hoops]

If i could have found an AW that is as fully loaded as the manual M3 i have now then i would have bought the DCT over the manual. I do a lot of A406/M25 driving and an auto would make my life much easier. A manual is potentially more engaging on a spirited drive and i personally like to blip the throttle on the downshift which you cant do with a DCT. But overall i would take a DCT over a manual.............provided it had EDC of course, wink wink!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Hitman999]

Just got back from the dealers.

Well here is the deal ... they are pushing the DCTs and the offer is only available with DCT. Cars come with EDC. There are not many cars left and the price you pay is based on the spec of the car. You are unlikely to pay the price quoted on the website as there will inevitably be some variation on the standard car spec quoted on the site. This is available on Personal Contract hire ... just add the VAT.

An example is as follows based on annual mileage of 12,000 miles a year.

Here is the car spec:

M3 Coupe Jerez Black, Bamboo Beige interior, DCT, EDC, 19" wheels, seat heating front, Anthracite wood trim, PDC, BMW ConnectDrive Assist, BMW ConnectDrive Online, Voice control, Bluetooth phone prep + telematics, Loudspeaker system - BMW Business, USB Interface, Exterior trim high gloss shadowline, sun protection glass, supaguard.

The total purchase price of the car above new is £59,015

The figures ...

Deposit: £2000
Admin Fee: £200

Initial payment: £879 inc VAT
41 monthly payments of £879 inc VAT

Total Cost over 42 months = £39,118

You hand back the car at the end.

What do people think??

[Hoops]

Originally Posted by Hitman999

Cars come with EDC

GOOD!!!!!

But im not keen on the beige interior and i wouldnt touch the wood trim with a barge pole!!! Otherwise not a bad spec.

[Hitman999]

I had a look at the beige interior and wasn't that keen either but you only have a choice of the cars available with the options they already have. There was another car Jerez black with black interior but it had a lower spec so wasn't too keen on it.

It's a toss up really ... wait for the right used car to come along ... or go for one of these ...

[M3-FAST]

Originally Posted by Hitman999

Just got back from the dealers.

Well here is the deal ... they are pushing the DCTs and the offer is only available with DCT. Cars come with EDC. There are not many cars left and the price you pay is based on the spec of the car. You are unlikely to pay the price quoted on the website as there will inevitably be some variation on the standard car spec quoted on the site. This is available on Personal Contract hire ... just add the VAT.

An example is as follows based on annual mileage of 12,000 miles a year.

Here is the car spec:

M3 Coupe Jerez Black, Bamboo Beige interior, DCT, EDC, 19" wheels, seat heating front, Anthracite wood trim, PDC, BMW ConnectDrive Assist, BMW ConnectDrive Online, Voice control, Bluetooth phone prep + telematics, Loudspeaker system - BMW Business, USB Interface, Exterior trim high gloss shadowline, sun protection glass, supaguard.

The total purchase price of the car above new is £59,015

The figures ...

Deposit: £2000
Admin Fee: £200

Initial payment: £879 inc VAT
41 monthly payments of £879 inc VAT

Total Cost over 42 months = £39,118

You hand back the car at the end.

What do people think??

Hi Hitman - I reckon you can push for a better deal than that - I have ordered an E90 M3 and switched from PCP to COntract Hire as it was cheaper with the current deals on offer.

I have ordered:

Alpine White with Red Leather
DCT
19" wheels
Bluetooth with telematics
BMW Connected drive online
USB
Logic 7 sound
Sun protection glass
Heated front seats
Carbon Structure Leather trim
High Gloss Shadowline

This is on a 36month deal (3 + 35) & is quote a lot cheaper than what you have been quoted and 'stuck' with a compromised spec. I don't mean that badly, just that the chances of you choosing that exact combo of options is pretty slim, and there is bound to be one option you do want and one you don't. Only two options that are insisted upon by BMW are 19's and DCT so if you don't want either you are stuck!

PM me if you want any more details

[themetz]

Originally Posted by redE93cab

I reckon you can push for a better deal than that

+ 1.

If you're making a purchase through a business - try financing with Lombard. They gave me deal that no one else could get near. PM me and I'll give you contact that might be able to help at Lombard.

Originally Posted by Hitman999

It's a toss up really ... wait for the right used car to come along ... or go for one of these ...

Definitely DON'T compromise on the spec you really want. Spending a whack of cash like this will mean you'll only regret if you don't get something you really wanted... then you'll resent the fact EVERY time you get in the car.

Originally Posted by bmwbailey

A manual is potentially more engaging on a spirited drive and i personally like to blip the throttle on the downshift which you cant do with a DCT.

BTW the M-DCT does throttle blip on downshift!

[Neil McRae]

it sure does and its awesome !

BMW's deal isn't so good in my view and remember you never own the car which might be an issue.

[dar2008]

Originally Posted by Hitman999

Just got back from the dealers.

Well here is the deal ... they are pushing the DCTs and the offer is only available with DCT. Cars come with EDC. There are not many cars left

I bet the stealer told you that one...

As others have said you should be able to push a much better deal than that one and express more choice over your options...

[Hoops]

Originally Posted by themetz

BTW the M-DCT does throttle blip on downshift!

I didnt realise that - great stuff. Im already thinking of my next car, if i decide to stick with an M3 i will definitely go with the DCT box. And i totally agree on NOT compromising on the spec - wait for the right car with the right spec - it'll pay dividends long term.

[Neil McRae]

Originally Posted by dar2008

I bet the stealer told you that one...

As others have said you should be able to push a much better deal than that one and express more choice over your options...

Its a point of fact, with the factory having shut down and few cars kicking about there is a definate shortage of DCT cars available. I've had about 20 dealers trying to find me a car.

[Hitman999]

Test driving a M3 with DCT tomorrow.

Will let you know how I get on ...

[M3-FAST]

Originally Posted by Hitman999

Test driving a M3 with DCT tomorrow.

Will let you know how I get on ...

....be interested to hear your views buddy - be sure to press that 'M' button

EDIT!

Mate at the dealer just text me some pics - it landed this morning

Just needs prepping and she will be ready for collection

Couple of taster pics for ya - sorry for the thread hijack!

[Hitman999]

Looks good Red

Back after my test drive and lets just say there is a huge smile on my face

The DCT is absolutely superb.
I first tested with the setting to one bar to gently ease myself in.
This soon changed to the highest setting. The DCT box is very smooth and no jerking or noticable change of gear at all.

I also tried the manaul paddle shift. Again no noticable delay. I tried to tap down twice too to see what the response was to simulate a change from 4th to 2nd in a manual box and was pleasantly surprised. Shifting up is really smooth and you can get into 7th gear by the time you are doing 40mph.

Driving in D mode and pressing the M button the car completely changes ... and when you floor it there is an endless surge of power which seems to have no limits ... and the sound of that engine ... sweet!

I must admit I was a bit sceptical when I went as I have always driven a manual but the DCT gives you the best of both worlds. If you are on the motorway and you want to relax just stick it in D. If you want more control shift up and down as if you are in a manual.

I think I am now swayed to get one with DCT

[M3-FAST]

Originally Posted by Hitman999

Looks good Red

Back after my test drive and lets just say there is a huge smile on my face

The DCT is absolutely superb.
I first tested with the setting to one bar to gently ease myself in.
This soon changed to the highest setting. The DCT box is very smooth and no jerking or noticable change of gear at all.

I also tried the manaul paddle shift. Again no noticable delay. I tried to tap down twice too to see what the response was to simulate a change from 4th to 2nd in a manual box and was pleasantly surprised. Shifting up is really smooth and you can get into 7th gear by the time you are doing 40mph.

Driving in D mode and pressing the M button the car completely changes ... and when you floor it there is an endless surge of power which seems to have no limits ... and the sound of that engine ... sweet!

I must admit I was a bit sceptical when I went as I have always driven a manual but the DCT gives you the best of both worlds. If you are on the motorway and you want to relax just stick it in D. If you want more control shift up and down as if you are in a manual.

I think I am now swayed to get one with DCT

Excellent - I am collecting my car on Saturday so will be able to give you my views after driving it over the weekend. Your write up is comparable with just about every motoring review written on it though. It really is the best of both worlds

[themetz]

Originally Posted by redE93cab

I am collecting my car on Saturday

Congrats Red looks like a nice bit of kit!

...and only two more sleeps to go!!

PS what's your spec?