30 Day Review – M-DCT and 6MT

[Mr C]

I have had my 2011 E90 M-DCT for 30 days, so here is my M-DCT v my E92 6MT review:

Please note my E90 M-DCT has NOT had the 1200 mile Service yet.

I started off by driving it in “D” mode. I played with the buttons a bit, but the shifts are too quick and the REVs are a bit too low. In “S” mode, the thing is shit hot! The shifts are lightning fast, and very precise. The only problem I have when using “S” mode is when starting out in “1” and making a turn, I’m having trouble following the “+” on the paddle. I love how the M-DCT Blips the throttle, when going into a turn. It would take me a lot of practice to do that with my 6MT. I have not used the “M” button as of yet, I wanted to wait until after my 1200 mile service. From what others have said, the M-DCT is supposed to really come alive when using S3-S6. As far as smoothness, the M-DCT is smoother (you don’t have the sometimes NOTCHY shift) than my 6MT, but that may be because I can get a little sloppy, with the Clutch Pedal.

What I LOVE (oops, I said the “L” word) about my 6MT is the interaction between the driver and the transmission with every shift.

Which one do I like better, well I’m not telling, that way I won’t start any FLAME wars.

Do I regret getting a second M3, NO, when I drive them back-to-back there is enough difference in how the two cars feel.

[frenchM3dreamer]

do you "need" those Post-It notes to remember which one you're driving?
damn, 1 M3 is sweet, 2 is pure heaven!

it's refreshing to see someone actually having EXPERIENCED both at the same time

[sameh]

You do know that while turning if you need to shift you can use the shift knob not the paddle so you don't have to follow the paddle around.
You'll get used to switching between using the paddles and the shift knob. I surprise myself with many maneuvers I do while on the phone and not paying attention.

[mrad01]

I've had both too. I'll say it though, I preferred the 6MT as a daily driver. But the auto was better on the track. Pretty much all there is to it.

[PKL]

Originally Posted by sameh

I surprise myself with many maneuvers I do while on the phone and not paying attention.

6MT FTW

[Mr C]

Originally Posted by frenchM3dreamer

do you "need" those Post-It notes to remember which one you're driving?

No, the POST-IT notes are a joke!

[GOLFFRR]

^ i bet you still try to shift sometime lol, have to remind yourself in the DCT NO THIRD PEDAL

[MonteCarloM3]

driving with a DCT is like getting used to manual transmission. it takes time and technique on how to do it properly, be patient and in the end you will be happy you did.

[Mr C]

Originally Posted by GOLFFRR

^ i bet you still try to shift sometime lol, have to remind yourself in the DCT NO THIRD PEDAL

I have already tried to depress the CLUTCH Pedal in the M-DCT at least 10 times. That feels funny when I depress and nothing is there!

On the other hand, when I pull the 6MT into the garage, I have to remember not to take my foot off the CLUTCH PEDAL when the car is in gear. That way the car won’t JUMP forward and hit something. Too much stuff to remember!

[Mr C]

Originally Posted by MonteCarloM3

driving with a DCT is like getting used to manual transmission. it takes time and technique on how to do it properly, be patient and in the end you will be happy you did.

Yes, the car still rolls if you take your foot off the brake when it is in “D” mode. Still getting used to that too!

[mdosu]

Originally Posted by Dakar92

I have already tried to depress the CLUTCH Pedal in the M-DCT at least 10 times. That feels funny when I depress and nothing is there!

On the other hand, when I pull the 6MT into the garage, I have to remember not to take my foot off the CLUTCH PEDAL when the car is in gear. That way the car won’t JUMP forward and hit something. Too much stuff to remember!

yeah horrible life man, aint that a bitch? I feel for you.. If you want, i can take one of them off your hands so you won't get confused anymore.

[gthal]

Originally Posted by Dakar92

Yes, the car still rolls if you take your foot off the brake when it is in “D” mode. Still getting used to that too!

What is "D" mode?

My DCT has never seen it... S5 when I'm alone... S3 with the wife in the car.

[gthal]

Originally Posted by Dakar92

The only problem I have when using “S” mode is when starting out in “1” and making a turn, I’m having trouble following the “+” on the paddle.

Use the shift lever on the centre console to avoid this issue. I actually use the shift lever most of the time. The paddles are only used when I am driving spiritedly.

[jeff@autocouture]

To Many decisions

[Mr C]

Originally Posted by mdosu

yeah horrible life man, aint that a bitch? I feel for you.. If you want, i can take one of them off your hands so you won't get confused anymore.

Yeah, but you already have one!

[Mr C]

Originally Posted by gthal

Use the shift lever on the centre console to avoid this issue. I actually use the shift lever most of the time. The paddles are only used when I am driving spiritedly.

Believe it or not, I haven’t tried the Shift Lever on the center console. I will do that!

[positiveions]

I like DCt, however, I've read on this forum too many people are having issues with them; kinda of scares me.
congrats Dakar

[eamon]

nice hat
my girlfriend bought me one too

[gthal]

Originally Posted by eatrach73

I like DCt, however, I've read on this forum too many people are having issues with them; kinda of scares me.
congrats Dakar

No more issues that what 6MT owners have... if as many. Both the 6MT and DCT have proven to be reliable so don't let that make the decision.

[OC3]

Originally Posted by gthal

What is "D" mode?

My DCT has never seen it... S5 when I'm alone... S3 with the wife in the car.

+1

Originally Posted by gthal

Use the shift lever on the centre console to avoid this issue. I actually use the shift lever most of the time. The paddles are only used when I am driving spiritedly.

+1 (out of MT habit, mostly; and, for sure when the steering wheel is not at normal/12 o'clock position).

[OC3]

Originally Posted by Dakar92

I have had my 2011 E90 M-DCT for 30 days, so here is my M-DCT v my E92 6MT review:

Please note my E90 M-DCT has NOT had the 1200 mile Service yet.

I started off by driving it in “D” mode. I played with the buttons a bit, but the shifts are too quick and the REVs are a bit too low. In “S” mode, the thing is shit hot! The shifts are lightning fast, and very precise. The only problem I have when using “S” mode is when starting out in “1” and making a turn, I’m having trouble following the “+” on the paddle. I love how the M-DCT Blips the throttle, when going into a turn. It would take me a lot of practice to do that with my 6MT. I have not used the “M” button as of yet, I wanted to wait until after my 1200 mile service. From what others have said, the M-DCT is supposed to really come alive when using S3-S6. As far as smoothness, the M-DCT is smoother (you don’t have the sometimes NOTCHY shift) than my 6MT, but that may be because I can get a little sloppy, with the Clutch Pedal.

What I LOVE (oops, I said the “L” word) about my 6MT is the interaction between the driver and the transmission with every shift.

Which one do I like better, well I’m not telling, that way I won’t start any FLAME wars.

Do I regret getting a second M3, NO, when I drive them back-to-back there is enough difference in how the two cars feel.

Just say it. Nobody's gonna get their feelings hurt. Besides, "start" flame wars? lulz, where have you been? New one starts every couple of days.

[poopdeckpappy]

The console shifter is much more intuitive for me. Especially since you've been driving a MT.
Shifting, pulling back for up and pushing forward for down has caused a few problems. It seems counter intuitive still.
The throttle blip can kill the old and will make mothers pull their children behind them.
I now mostly push or pull the intended way.
I think it's great.
Worry about why they won't change the fluid even if I'll pay.
I've had MT's for eighteen years. Never again. Some say there is no driver involvement, bull, it's just different driver involvement and it's intoxicating. Come on in the water fine.