DCT issue

[amk2912]

Since the last posting to this thread was back in Nov 08, would it be fair to assume that this lag issue has been rectified by the software upgrade and all previously afflicted Oz MDCT owners are happy now?

I tend to drive my step 135i exclusively in manual mode and intend on driving the M3 in sequential mode.

[SPQR M3]

I've only had my M3 a week so am still getting used to the different programs. Can someone please tell me what the difference is between them ie what's the difference between, say, D3 and D4? or S2 and S3? etc

Do you guys have modes you recommend for daily driving?

[zenderm3]

Has anyone in Oz had any further DCT-Lag issues?

[amk2912]

Originally Posted by zenderm3

Has anyone in Oz had any further DCT-Lag issues?

G'day Zenderm. I have definitely experienced the lag on a few occasions!

The first time the car was in D2 and I was approaching a traffic circle. As I slowed down the car downshifted into 2nd as I rolled into the circle. There was a car entering the circle to my right. As I went to apply the juice.....nothing, nada, nicks, zip....for about one or two very long seconds it was as though the car was dead! I applied more juice as I saw the other car approaching and all of a sudden the herbs kicked in and I got a God Almighty boot in the back. It was scary to say the least as I was concentrating on the rapidly approaching car to my right as the power kicked in

All lag scenarios have occurred when the car is slowing and the DCT self downshifts into 2nd.

I have since driven in S5 and have not experienced the problem again. The car is much more fun to drive in S mode IMHO.

I would definitely go M-DCT again if I had to make the choice again as the benefits of the tranny far outway the lag issue.

[zenderm3]

Thanks AMK2912 - I've made the order and prefer the DCT. It is interesting you hear some nightmare stories about the DCT Lag. In the end, I'm sure it will be fine. Do you still get the 17L/100km fuel consumption in S5?

[amk2912]

Originally Posted by zenderm3

Thanks AMK2912 - I've made the order and prefer the DCT. It is interesting you hear some nightmare stories about the DCT Lag. In the end, I'm sure it will be fine. Do you still get the 17L/100km fuel consumption in S5?

I'm now at around 2,400km and averaging 12.8L/100km. My driving is a good mix of highway and city, and I certainly don't nanny the car - the V8 is far too addictive for that!

As far as range is concerned I get around 420km from a tank.

[zenderm3]

I think I'm a little over-sensitised to the whole "lag" issue. Wonder how the other guys are faring. Is 'D' mode where you experience the lag issue more than anywhere else?

[Bdez]

D2 in second gear is where I get it – and far worse when you are going downhill when it happens – I’d swear I can nearly get it to backfire when taking a left hander downhill with a large dip at the apex after you’ve given it a bootfull. I’m scheduled to go in for the latest update this week that is supposed to nearly eliminate it so I’ll let you know whether it succeeds otherwise.

[amk2912]

Originally Posted by bdh2009

D2 in second gear is where I get it – and far worse when you are going downhill when it happens – I’d swear I can nearly get it to backfire when taking a left hander downhill with a large dip at the apex after you’ve given it a bootfull. I’m scheduled to go in for the latest update this week that is supposed to nearly eliminate it so I’ll let you know whether it succeeds otherwise.

I'd be curious to know how you go with the update. I was told by the service people that there is another update in September this year.

[zenderm3]

bdh - definitely keen to see how you go with the DCT update. Is yours a pre Oct 2008 E92?

[Bdez]

Its a July 2008 baby - already had one software upgrade (cant remember the code) - will let you know how it goes. Don't let the DCT issue put you off - its the only blight I have seen on this car whatsoever - well apart from it needing about 50 more killer wasps.

[zenderm3]

Thanks bdh. I'm going to stick with the DCT. Should be interesting. At some stage we should arrange a catch up - I'm keen to get together with a few M3 owners here in Brissy (considering there aren't that many that I know of on M3post)

[Bdez]

Good idea - I know there's at least two other M3s around where I live so a weekend cruise somewhere would be a good idea - lets organise it - any other Brissie takers for a future cruise ?

[zenderm3]

Sounds like a plan BDH - Although I'm going to have to be a passenger until late November/early December!