Alex@Alpine DCT Software Review

C|3R1C · 10-01-2013, 01:11 PM

After reading all the posts about the GTS DCT software and reading how it improved the overall feel of the transmission, I knew I had to try. Before the change, my DCT, probably like others, was lurchy and slow to think sometimes. Coming to a stop and then starting again was a pain and took the car a good 2 or 3 seconds to remember how to go forward. For $120, (the software and some coding), how could I not try it!

At first, it seemed like the car was readapting again so the transmission felt the same. A little better, but more or less the same. But after day two, the difference was night and day. The DCT became way smoother for daily driving. Starting from a light is more instant (I drive in D4) and the car is more responsive when slowing and accelerating. I especially like how the R to D is instant.

Now for the fun part. Shifting while driving sporty is quicker and smoother, but the real change is at 8k RPM. The speed at which the car changes gears at that RPM is scary and it has become so aggressive, I can barely explain. Usually on the relatively straight road near my area I start in 2nd gear (roughly 6.5k rpm, 40mph) and make it all the way to 4th before I hit the brakes. This lasts about 4 seconds, two shifts. The shifts are so fast I cannot feel the ever so slight (and I do mean really really slight) dip I had with the US DCT software. Instead, this is replaced by a super aggressive buck that feels like someone just got behind me and thrusted me forward. It's hard to describe, but it's different in a good way.

If anyone is on the fence, this is well worth the money and Alex@Alpine is awesome. He met me at like 11pm, spent about 30 mins coding some stuff and changing the software. His level of customer service is awesome, top notch and he is super responsive. I contacted him through text and he would always get back me, even if he was in the middle of something, and believe me I have great timing when it comes to texting people in the middle of stuff lol. One of the best decisions I have ever made (aside from getting this beast of a car hehe).

8k3 · 10-01-2013, 01:32 PM

x2 very satisfied with his service, cool guy as well.

MWM3 · 10-01-2013, 01:44 PM

Does the setting default to your previous D setting as opposed to S (opposite of the US DCT software)?

C|3R1C · 10-01-2013, 02:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MWM3

Does the setting default to your previous D setting as opposed to S (opposite of the US DCT software)?

It always defaults to D2 and whatever S setting you have. Unlike the US version where you can set it in idrive

lsal · 10-01-2013, 02:39 PM

+1

JDM3 · 10-01-2013, 06:17 PM

One of the best mods I've done...

e46m3to135i · 10-01-2013, 07:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1SICKM

One of the best mods I've done...

+1

10-01-2013, 01:11 PM	#1
C\|3R1C So Kewl Guy 49 Rep 619 Posts Drives: 2010 E93 M3 DCT Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (3)	Alex@Alpine DCT Software Review After reading all the posts about the GTS DCT software and reading how it improved the overall feel of the transmission, I knew I had to try. Before the change, my DCT, probably like others, was lurchy and slow to think sometimes. Coming to a stop and then starting again was a pain and took the car a good 2 or 3 seconds to remember how to go forward. For $120, (the software and some coding), how could I not try it! At first, it seemed like the car was readapting again so the transmission felt the same. A little better, but more or less the same. But after day two, the difference was night and day. The DCT became way smoother for daily driving. Starting from a light is more instant (I drive in D4) and the car is more responsive when slowing and accelerating. I especially like how the R to D is instant. Now for the fun part. Shifting while driving sporty is quicker and smoother, but the real change is at 8k RPM. The speed at which the car changes gears at that RPM is scary and it has become so aggressive, I can barely explain. Usually on the relatively straight road near my area I start in 2nd gear (roughly 6.5k rpm, 40mph) and make it all the way to 4th before I hit the brakes. This lasts about 4 seconds, two shifts. The shifts are so fast I cannot feel the ever so slight (and I do mean really really slight) dip I had with the US DCT software. Instead, this is replaced by a super aggressive buck that feels like someone just got behind me and thrusted me forward. It's hard to describe, but it's different in a good way. If anyone is on the fence, this is well worth the money and Alex@Alpine is awesome. He met me at like 11pm, spent about 30 mins coding some stuff and changing the software. His level of customer service is awesome, top notch and he is super responsive. I contacted him through text and he would always get back me, even if he was in the middle of something, and believe me I have great timing when it comes to texting people in the middle of stuff lol. One of the best decisions I have ever made (aside from getting this beast of a car hehe). __________________ 2010 E93 M3 / MS Catless X-Pipe / AA Catback / Vorsteiner Vented Hood and Bootlid E93 Trunk / ADV1 7.1 Wheels GB / LS3 LED Lights / Harrop Supercharger
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10-01-2013, 01:32 PM	#2
8k3 Banned 123 Rep 951 Posts Drives: Car Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Boise, ID iTrader: (1)	x2 very satisfied with his service, cool guy as well.
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10-01-2013, 01:44 PM	#3
MWM3 Banned 43 Rep 206 Posts Drives: 2012 E92 M3 Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: SoCal iTrader: (0)	Does the setting default to your previous D setting as opposed to S (opposite of the US DCT software)?
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10-01-2013, 02:39 PM	#5
lsal We are all Longwong 138 Rep 940 Posts Drives: F90 CP LCI Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Cambridge, MA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2013 BMW M3 [10.00]	+1
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10-01-2013, 06:17 PM	#6
JDM3 Major 109 Rep 1,292 Posts Drives: 2009 M3 E92 Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Long Valley, NJ iTrader: (7)	One of the best mods I've done...
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