Rather drive a Supercharged Manual or Double Clutch Transmission E9x?

[LarThaL]

Originally Posted by aka_phox

If you had the choice...Would you rather drive a supercharged Manual or supercharged M-DCT? Why?

I have a 6MT, and on a stock motor, I love it. If I was going to supercharge, however, there is no question that I would go with DCT. Same reason that I would not get a 6MT M5. The stock M3 is close to the limits in terms of torque on what I would want with a manual gearbox in a RWD car. As you start to get into big power/torque, you are best to keep both hands on the wheel for better control. Also, to modulate big torque with a foot clutch becomes increasing difficult, even for seasoned manual drivers. Now, if you have AWD, those limits get raised somewhat, but still, all this big power is better dealt with by a computer. When you have to start being too delicate with the throttle/foot clutch interplay, part of the fun is lost IMO. That's not to say you can't learn to do it, but it is just less enjoyable when you have to be overly cautious all the time.

[schnell325]

I'm a 6MT, and wished I was DCT.

[Raucky2000]

For me it's DCT all the way...even though I haven't driven a supercharged e9x m3, but it's on the list of things to do.

[IMG]

I like my 6MT and the stock clutch is easy and cheaper to replace than the DCT clutches which require some work .
I've driven DCT on the track and loved it but the 6mt requires more involvement which I like.

[JDM3]

Originally Posted by img

I like my 6MT and the stock clutch is easy and cheaper to replace than the DCT clutches which require some work .
I've driven DCT on the track and loved it but the 6mt requires more involvement which I like.

Shocker...

[GIdriver]

DCT

[pbonsalb]

Originally Posted by LarThaL

I have a 6MT, and on a stock motor, I love it. If I was going to supercharge, however, there is no question that I would go with DCT. Same reason that I would not get a 6MT M5. The stock M3 is close to the limits in terms of torque on what I would want with a manual gearbox in a RWD car. As you start to get into big power/torque, you are best to keep both hands on the wheel for better control. Also, to modulate big torque with a foot clutch becomes increasing difficult, even for seasoned manual drivers. Now, if you have AWD, those limits get raised somewhat, but still, all this big power is better dealt with by a computer. When you have to start being too delicate with the throttle/foot clutch interplay, part of the fun is lost IMO. That's not to say you can't learn to do it, but it is just less enjoyable when you have to be overly cautious all the time.

I have not found that to be the case. My turbo 99M3 weighs 3200 lbs, has a 5 speed, makes 500 lbs rwtq by 4000 rpm and has 500 rwhp at 7000 rpm, and is very predictable and controllable. I drive it year round in NH (with snow wheels in the winter). It is really a lot of fun. Much more fun than my modded E90 M3. I would want the DCT solely because it is faster in a straightline and around a track.

[aka_phox]

Originally Posted by pbonsalb

I have not found that to be the case. My turbo 99M3 weighs 3200 lbs, has a 5 speed, makes 500 lbs rwtq by 4000 rpm and has 500 rwhp at 7000 rpm, and is very predictable and controllable. I drive it year round in NH (with snow wheels in the winter). It is really a lot of fun. Much more fun than my modded E90 M3. I would want the DCT solely because it is faster in a straightline and around a track.

Originally Posted by img

I like my 6MT and the stock clutch is easy and cheaper to replace than the DCT clutches which require some work .
I've driven DCT on the track and loved it but the 6mt requires more involvement which I like.

Originally Posted by LarThaL

I have a 6MT, and on a stock motor, I love it. If I was going to supercharge, however, there is no question that I would go with DCT. Same reason that I would not get a 6MT M5. The stock M3 is close to the limits in terms of torque on what I would want with a manual gearbox in a RWD car. As you start to get into big power/torque, you are best to keep both hands on the wheel for better control. Also, to modulate big torque with a foot clutch becomes increasing difficult, even for seasoned manual drivers. Now, if you have AWD, those limits get raised somewhat, but still, all this big power is better dealt with by a computer. When you have to start being too delicate with the throttle/foot clutch interplay, part of the fun is lost IMO. That's not to say you can't learn to do it, but it is just less enjoyable when you have to be overly cautious all the time.

These are all good points...which have me thinking about the physical limitations on the car with a supercharger...less work with DCT = less strain on the car...or manual gear box = more driver involvement but more strain cause by human error.

Also taking in the consideration as being able to keep both hands on the wheel during shifting with a DCT...but i wouldnt be tracking the car so this really wouldnt be an issue--just thinking out loud

[DATM3]

I had the option of buying a DCT M3 or MT M3 to put a supercharger on it and I chose MT. I did test drive a stock DCT M3 prior to purchasing an M3 and although it shifted fast it was just another automatic to me. I also didn't see much difference shifting on a NA M3 and a FI M3 as I drove my car before and after driving the supercharged M3 (both are MT). I haven't drove a supercharged DCT M3 yet though.

[aka_phox]

Originally Posted by aznboi319

I had the option of buying a DCT M3 or MT M3 to put a supercharger on it and I chose MT. I did test drive a stock DCT M3 prior to purchasing an M3 and although it shifted fast it was just another automatic to me. I also didn't see much difference shifting on a NA M3 and a FI M3 as I drove my car before and after driving the supercharged M3 (both are MT). I haven't drove a supercharged DCT M3 yet though.

This is a good point "I did test drive a stock DCT M3 prior to purchasing an M3 and although it shifted fast it was just another automatic to me."
I felt the same way..

[pbonsalb]

Both work fine. IMG has one of the most powerful supercharged M3s in the forums, if not the most powerful, and runs a manual. If you feel like you cannot handle shifting with a lot of power, then the automatic of DCT is the way to go. It is certainly one less thing to worry about and lets you concentrate solely on your driving while the mechanics and electronics take care of putting the power to the ground. I would change just because the DCT is worth a little more time/speed, but would miss the added driver interaction with the vehicle.

[knolow]

My vote is DCT. The match reving is awsome and even though its a button you can pretend its a manual and click/shift thru the gears. lol

[Groundpilot]

DCT. Once you drive it you will never look back.

[slicer]

I have manual now and will soon have a DCT. I rode in a supercharged DCT car and it was much more efficient at getting the power to the ground. I think a DCT is best for a high-power car for that reason. As others have said it does come down to personal preference. MT is certainly more engaging...

[ZRODDICK]

It looks like DCT owners want to go manual and manual owners want DCT!

[erm324]

One thing to note, if I could do it all over again I would have a hard time deciding between a supercharged dct and a 6mt for one main reason - reliability (ease of upgrade/replacement). I know after taking supercharged m3 to the strip just 2 times the car NEVER drove the same. Meaning from launching the car as hard as I did and trying launch control 5+ times and countless holeshots the DCT took a beating and something (to which this day I still cant figure out) must have happened because now the transmission is unbelievably cklunky/whiny/rough, where it was once smooth/crisp/effortless. It has nothing to do with DCT software or the supercharger or mods, its just simply from beating on the dct from countless launches and high rpm downshifts. It is not the clutches (no slippage), but rather something else within the tranny or something of the sort. The transmission is fine once moving, but is absolutely annoying when putting around town going from a dead stop. I know there are many others who have dragged their dct's and are fine, but this is just from my personal experience with my own car.

With a 6 speed, this would never happen and if the clutches slip its a simple clutch swap/upgrade and no headaches. Also, if you are power hungry there is alot more headroom with built motor setups with the 6MT as of right now because we have no proven upgrades for the DCT (aka izzy's vt3 hitting 680rwhp and no other DCT coming close to that). Built motor DCT setups are limited 600-620wheel because upwards of that youll run into issues with the tranny.

Though, you're going to need more horsepower in the 6speed to keep up with a dct. So there is always two sides to a story....tough decision there. If I could do it again, I would get the DCT but never take it to the track and only race on highway rolls.

[ArthurJGuy]

I have had 6 speed cars my entire life, and I consider myself an above average driver especially around here, but no matter what it seemed like auto cars with similar mods always ran better.

When I drove a DCT car and saw how it behaved I was sold instantly.

[DevJ]

Originally Posted by LarThaL

I have a 6MT, and on a stock motor, I love it. If I was going to supercharge, however, there is no question that I would go with DCT. Same reason that I would not get a 6MT M5. The stock M3 is close to the limits in terms of torque on what I would want with a manual gearbox in a RWD car. As you start to get into big power/torque, you are best to keep both hands on the wheel for better control. Also, to modulate big torque with a foot clutch becomes increasing difficult, even for seasoned manual drivers. Now, if you have AWD, those limits get raised somewhat, but still, all this big power is better dealt with by a computer. When you have to start being too delicate with the throttle/foot clutch interplay, part of the fun is lost IMO. That's not to say you can't learn to do it, but it is just less enjoyable when you have to be overly cautious all the time.

I couldn't agree more.

[DevJ]

Originally Posted by Team Plutonium

I've been driving 6MT will the blower and Dinan gears - no issues, tons of fun, and torque is manageable once you get the hang of it.

I feel like I'd wreck the car because I wouldn't be able to drive it properly lol

[c01000100]

I've never driven e9X DCT SC M3...I've owned e93 DCT stock, e92 6MT stock, e92 6MT SC... When I drove the DCT, I had to work really hard to get a throttle blip, and oh how I love to use the engine sound to let someone know to move out of the way! On the track, with the DCT, I found myself shifting the wrong direction in a turn as the wheel was upside down, and my brain had associated left hand as a down-shift and vice versa. With DCT though, on days that I just didn't want to think(wake up really early), I could just relax, and let the car worry about what gear to be in. With 6MT SC, I'm constantly afraid of revving the engine too much with the clutch not fully engaged and wearing out the clutch too fast. I have in deed misjudged on several occasions the rpm to manually match when downshifting. No matter what, I can think of both good and bad points for each side. Overall, the 6MT fits my driving style better, and on whatever day my clutch goes, I'll just take the hit, and count it as an expected cost. My recommendation is to go with whichever you prefer without the SC, then just give it the extra power. It will still drive calm when you want it to, so it might as well be a pleasure all the time.

[tightie]

I own a 6MT and kick myself in the nuts every single day for not getting DCT.

N/A or Boosted.. Don't make the same mistake I did.

[radiantm3]

I'd rather drive a naturally aspirated manual.