Anyone go from DCT to 6MT?

[armyav8tor]

When I test drove the M3 back in 2008, the DCT was not available yet. I drove the 6MT M3 on 2 occasions and both times I beat the hell out of them. Heel toe and all that good jazz because in Germany, the car salesman toss you the key and tells you to have fun (he/she does not go on the test drive with you). I came away unimpressed (slight improvement over the 335i but still rubbery and chunky) and placed an order for the DCT without ever test driving it. Diving into unproven technology was a gamble I was willing to take, that's how much I disliked the 6MT. Now, the DCT was not always perfect and for a few moments there I thought I had made a mistake but surprisingly, the issues were all software related which were fixed after many software updates.

As far as satisfying the senses, based on theory alone, I agree that a manual transmission offers more satisfaction knowing that you removed yourself from another layer of electronic nannies. Much like it is more satisfying to drive with traction control off on the track. But I didn't like the 6MT M3 and from the test drives, I knew that I would hate having to drive it everyday. This is because I've had vast experience with manuals (20 yrs). I've come across some awesome manual transmissions and some awful transmissions and I knew while the 6MT M3 was not awful (better than the 335i's) it was going to piss me off (I'm a perfectionist when it comes to driving). So in my case, the DCT offer more satisfaction for my senses. It was never about being able to drink a cup of coffee and drive at the same time. It was never about getting stuck in stop and go traffic. My daily driver is a Mazdaspeed 3 and that transmission is an extension of my body much like the DCT is in the M3. I don't need to place any extra concentration on my shifts, it does it automatically and it will be perfect 99% of the time. The 6MT M3 did not offer that. I wanted to love it but for the e92 M3, DCT > 6MT.

DCT, makes perfect use of the V8's powerband.

6MT, I'm pretty good with a manual.

[evoBLAST]

Dct > Mt > Smg

[SenorFunkyPants]

Originally Posted by ILSMKU

Well Senior,
If you hit the gas too hard, your 3k clutch dump. There for you have go easy out of the hole.

The rate at which the clutch is engaged and at what revs, is a function of how quickly the throttle pedal is pressed and how far. With a bit of practice you can get off the line any way you want.

Originally Posted by ILSMKU

Throwing a rev every once in awhile to a passing friend isn't something only 16yr old do.

As a workaround you could open your window and shout "Look at me everyone!!"

Originally Posted by ILSMKU

You've never parked and opened your door to mske sure your not over the lines? Or drove into a car lift? Prime exames of when you might open your door to quickly peek.

If you had paid attention you would have seen that I was agreeing with you.

Originally Posted by ILSMKU

Sounds like you are "D" mode driver only. I'm not that guy. No offense. Just saying.

I'm not but if it makes you happy to think so, be my guest.

[yosman8]

Originally Posted by CSanto

I stopped into my local dealer today, and I told him the reasons why I want to trade my 09 for a 13 M3.

He agreed with all my points.
-No warranty on my car
-M4 still 2 years+ out
-Last Year of the V8 M3 will retain value well

He disagreed with my idea of going from my DCT to a 6MT.

I was just wondering if anyone has made this switch. Otherwise, I dont know if I could buy the exact same car as I have...again lol.

I'm doing the opposite! I'm going from an 08 e90 6MT M3 to a 2013 e92 DCT M3. I have always loved driving manuals but the DCT is too sweet to pass up. You can still get the ass end out with it and it's so much smoother. The shifting in the 6MT was surprisingly notchy from 1-2 and it was near impossible to get a nice shift from 1-2 WOT. Anyways, in conclusion, I'd stick with the DCT, it's just a better tranny for this M3, e46 it was the opposite as that SMG was awful. Hope this helps!

[CSanto]

I'm the OP. Instead of going from an 09 to a 13, i decided to SC my 09 DCT car.

Thanks for the input!

[yosman8]

Originally Posted by CSanto

I'm the OP. Instead of going from an 09 to a 13, i decided to SC my 09 DCT car.

Thanks for the input!

Great decision . Pics?

[Grail05]

Originally Posted by Lute

[CSanto]

Originally Posted by yosman8

Great decision . Pics?

Will post pics and a review once I drive the car. Install happens next week!

[BIGW0RM]

Originally Posted by SenorFunkyPants

The rate at which the clutch is engaged and at what revs, is a function of how quickly the throttle pedal is pressed and how far. With a bit of practice you can get off the line any way you want.

True. But every once in a while one might get excited and mash it. Its a fine line you speak of, buts it's not THAT hard. I admit.

As a workaround you could open your window and shout "Look at me everyone!!"

LMAO! That's funny. I live in southern California. We have a million car people here. Sometimes you might see a friend at a corner gas station, drive thru, stuck at a red light, or running down the sidewalk. Whatever the case is. Its ok to throw a rev and follow it up with a friendly wave. What do you suggest one does? HONK and wave? To me the HONK is rude. But a nice car with a nice sounding engine and exhaust throwing a slight rev and hello wave is hardly childish. I understand where you are coming from. But that's not what I meant. But your response was very funny! Sadly we do have 16yr olds here that have parents that buy them the M3 and Ive had a couple chase me down trying to race me while pretty much sticking there head out there window with the "look at me face" you mention. So I know what you mean, but thats not what Im trying to imply with my options of what the DCT lacks.


If you had paid attention you would have seen that I was agreeing with you.

My bad.

I'm not but if it makes you happy to think so, be my guest.

I enjoyed your replied. The look at me one made me laugh pretty good. Thank you.

[Goat Rodeo]

Originally Posted by SenorFunkyPants

As a workaround you could open your window and shout "Look at me everyone!!"

[enigma01]

1-2 shift notchy? Maybe if this is the first BMW MT... I don't get it. I am going MT to MT to MT. My new M3 to be picked in Munich is going to be another MT.

[SenorFunkyPants]

Originally Posted by ILSMKU

I live in southern California. We have a million car people here. Sometimes you might see a friend at a corner gas station, drive thru, stuck at a red light, or running down the sidewalk. Whatever the case is. Its ok to throw a rev and follow it up with a friendly wave.

Fair enough
I do love a good sounding exhaust, I'm always on the edge of buying one for my car.

[gatorfast]

Originally Posted by enigma01

1-2 shift notchy? Maybe if this is the first BMW MT... I don't get it. I am going MT to MT to MT. My new M3 to be picked in Munich is going to be another MT.

Agreed. Each MT has a different clutch engagement, shifter feel, etc but at the end of the day the operation is still the same. Maybe im easy to please but I have yet to experience a MT in a new car I have owned and thought it was way better/worse than any other one I have driven

[Projectile]

I switched from '09 DCT to '11 6MT specifically because I wanted a manual transmission again.

My DCT was flawless and amazing, but it just wasn't as much fun. I couldn't care less if some other car is faster than my e926MT, or if a lap time or quarter mile time is a little bit longer with my 6MT. Street racing other cars is for serious losers, and a quarter mile or lap time is about you and your skill. It's a no brainer that these will be shorter with a DCT because the DCT reduces the amount of skill required.

At the end of the day, you should get what you like more. For me, the fun factor drove the decision. I love my 6MT.

[choiceE93]

I'm over 30 and drove manual since I was 16 years old, other than an ISF (8 speed was eh... but a fun/good/practical car tho). Like most, I was about pick up a GTR. But I decided on an E93 6MT.
Why a E93 not an E90/92?
Because I wanted it.
Why a 6MT and not DCT?
Because I wanted a 6MT

Yea, I'm a newb to the forums and I read about all the differences (or shall I say differences in opinions) between E93 and E92/0... and I didn't let IMO's imact my decision because at the end of the day, you are the one that's going to drive it.

I think most people (maybe BMW community) are swayed and jaded by what other people think.
Who cares what others think.

[enigma01]

Originally Posted by choiceE93

Like most, I was about pick up a GTR. But I decided on an E93 6MT.
Why a E93 not an E90/92?
Because I wanted it.
Why a 6MT and not DCT?
Because I wanted a 6MT

Don't pay too much attention to people who criticize the e93 or the MT. I have the exact combination, and I enjoyed every minute of it. Sure, it is heavy, but it's all forgotten when you put the top down and listen to the V8 sing.

I am picking up the e92 (also MT) in a few weeks because I want a nimbler car, but the e93 is still one of the best choices if you want a convertible.

[Hedoniste]

Dad has DCT and I have 6MT. It's a different experience. Hard to tell which one is better. Only a matter of choice....

[Ken37.73]

You'll never regret 6MT and you'll never feel apologetic for having it.

With DCT you'll forever be explaining why it's "better".

[BIGW0RM]

Originally Posted by Ken37.73

You'll never regret 6MT and you'll never feel apologetic for having it.

With DCT you'll forever be explaining why it's "better".

Well said!

[BIGW0RM]

Ive finally made up my mind. Selling my 2011 E92 DCT for a 2013 6MT and I cant wait to pick it up Monday!

DCT is bad ass. I do think it's a better overall fit the the car. But Ive never owned a V8 manual and since I only drive 10 miles a day M-F, why not drive them how I see fit.


For a months I keep going back and forth and I finally made up my mind. Its a done deal now. 6MT here I come!

[Hyperjack]

Originally Posted by ILSMKU

.......For a months I keep going back and forth and I finally made up my mind. Its a done deal now. 6MT here I come!

congratulations!!

[BIGW0RM]

Originally Posted by Torxist

Glad you got your mind right.

I know right? It finally hit me today. Thank god.

Originally Posted by Hyperjack

congratulations!!

You the man HyperJack! I couldn't have done it without you man! Thanks again for all of your solid advice.