Looking to buy & I'm torn....6MT or DCT??

[AWe90]

I am hoping to join the ranks as an ///M owner within the next 6-8 months. I am very excited to say the least, but I am also very conflicted as to which transmission I should go with. I've always driven and enjoyed manuals, but I also realize the DCT is pretty amazing. One big factor here is the fact that shopping for both types gives me many more options in terms of color, price, mileage, etc.

Understanding the M3 is a special car, I am curious as to which people prefer, particularly those who have owned and/or driven both.

Any input is appreciated....
Cheers.

[Someone?]

Well this wont go well, BUT listen to me please, You've probably had a stick shift car before, but if you've never had a DCT before you gots to get one there awesome.

Trust me there Great.

[GreeKon]

I can only speak from experience talking to other guys. They say "DCT is fucking awesome....for the first two weeks." Then they get bored as hell...it's a glorified automatic.

Up to you...but I'll ALWAYS choose manual. There's nothing like controlling your car through and through.

Again...my $.02

[Giggs]

There is one simple answer here: Go test drive both then you choose.

[BrewRifle]

I'm a die hard manual fan as well, but decided to go with the DCT and couldn't be happier. The DCT GTS tune is freaking amazing with lightning fast up/down shifts and the rev matching with an aftermarket exhaust is intoxicating. There is so much that you can customize with the DCT that it makes it that much more enticing to try if you've never owned one.

[triguis]

I was in your same boat a few month back when I finally decided to pull the trigger. I did lot's of research here and test drove both, e92-e93 manual and dct. My main concern was the reliability of the dct, as I'm keeping this car after warranty runs out. The other issue was that I wanted to feel like I was driving again and wanted the extra pedal, I owned a 335i auto and I could say this made me get a manual M3. Dct is basically the same as an automatic with the difference of rolling back on a hill until you give it gas.
I was lucky finding exactly what I wanted but that came with patience so I would suggest getting your priorities first and test drive them both and make a decision based on the long term.
Good Luck on your search

[e-solo]

In my opinion there is only one reason to buy a dct, if it's going to be your daily driver and you drive in traffic a lot. I love manual but my leg was not happy with me when I was constantly stuck in traffic. Hence I chose dct this time around. I couldn't be happier!

[quicktwinturbo]

I've driven both manual and DCT and I went with DCt because it was more fun for me. Go test drive both and decide it yourself.

[M3AG]

Originally Posted by GreeKon

I can only speak from experience talking to other guys. They say "DCT is fucking awesome....for the first two weeks." Then they get bored as hell...it's a glorified automatic.

Up to you...but I'll ALWAYS choose manual. There's nothing like controlling your car through and through.

Again...my $.02

+1

[fuddman]

I have them both and here is my thoughts on them:

The DCT is super complicated for the driver. There are so many transmission-engine options, that you are unlikely to master them all much less use them all in a timely fashion.

The 6 Spd is at the other end of that spectrum - simple and straight forward with very few gimmicks. The simplicity of the 6 Spd is appealing to me. Also, my gut tells me it will have fewer problems in the long run.

The DCT is very smooth through the gears - something I admire every time I drive it. The 6 Spd is notchy through 1st and 2nd (I'm sure it's not me).

In this day in age, the 6 spd is unique. Because they wont or can't, virtually everyone driving around me is using an automatic and not controlling the car in the same way I am. I enjoy that feeling of exclusivity.

As someone mentioned, in traffic the 6 Spd is a pain. Also, even with "hill hold" it's a bit nerve racking for me when me and my 6spd are stopped at an incline.

I think the resale value is better with a DCT because the market for the car would include more women.

Which leads me to a final point to consider: who else might have to drive the car you are buying? Lots of people, as I mentioned, wont or can't use a 6 spd.

[socalm3lover]

Wow, you just joined and already starting a fight!!!!! I don't think there is a right/wrong answer. I owned manuals for years, but just like to try new/techie stuff. I love the DCT, although to 99% of us it will not matter, but it is indisputably faster, it also never misses a shift and perfectly rev-matches (I think god invented the DCT after seeing me heel-toeing). Other benefits are that it is a solid connection from the engine to the differential, versus a hydraulic connection ala "automatics", and has a really good "auto" mode. There is a reason nearly all race series cars use some form of a DCT.

I do not understand some who feel more "in control" with the 6MT. With the DCT you decide what gear and when to shift......, what more could a driver ask for?

On reliability, clutches are wear items, whether a 6MT or DCT. I think the DCT is dead nuts reliable and will last 1,000s of miles. I am on my 2nd M3 after putting 90K+ on the first (both DCTs). The DCT/Car seemed as good and as strong at 90K as at 2k. At the Performance Center, the instructors load cars with 4 people and launch them all day long with no issues as I understand. I am sure the DCT clutches will cost more when replaced. Anyone know actual cost of each?

John

[Someone?]

Originally Posted by GreeKon

I can only speak from experience talking to other guys. They say "DCT is fucking awesome....for the first two weeks." Then they get bored as hell...it's a glorified automatic.

Up to you...but I'll ALWAYS choose manual. There's nothing like controlling your car through and through.

Again...my $.02

It never gets old, trust me. Go look at 0-60 times for the e92 M3 4.5 0-60 DCT, 4.7 MT and the new M4, M4 0-60=3.9 DCT, 4.1 MT.

[meko]

Lets be happy we still have a choice.

[Someone?]

Originally Posted by meko

Lets be happy we still have a choice.

Agreed, LOL you got to love the Trans debate, This is the First one in a couple months,

[Airbus///m3]

I'm in the same predicament as the OP. Had an 08 e92 6mt a couple years ago. I'll be in the market again here pretty soon and the more I read about the DCT the more I like it. However, I haven't driven one yet so when my search gets serious that will be the first thing I do. I don't know if it's good or bad that the lady friend will be able to drive it. I'm going with bad haha.

[jtodd_fl]

I had a 6MT 335i before getting my DCT M3. Not bored of it at all. Love it. If I could do it over, I'd get the DT again.
We should talk about something less controversial, like God or abortion.

[zsx_m]

I personally suggest for daily driver - DCT, for rarely driven - 6MT

[US///M3]

Every once in a while I grind my 1st to 2nd shift, never had thar problem with my previous MT.

[mjposner]

I am a stick guy as well, but tried and loved the dct in the m3. When my first M3 was killed, I had a 650i auto with paddles for six months. Not the same thing at all, used a few times and gave up. Went back to dct for my'11. I drive in s mode 99% of the time. I have M mode loaded for max but rarely use it except for fun or ahem racing, mostly because the mpgs go below 10 when on. So i stick with the default mode of s3 and the car drives great. If you have only driven an smg, this is far better. I will say that the new zf 8 speed auto box is 80% to a dct (test drove a V8 jag with the zf and shifted pretty quick in manual mode).

[Cas74]

A MT can be a pain when in traffic but I still prefer it over an auto.

[MuscleDaddi]

This 6mt vs dct "e-fight" is silly. Ultimately it's personal preference.

I chose DCT cause I have driven MT for 6years and wanted a change.

Pros and cons to everything but I will say that having more "control" seems funny to me when a dct shifts faster and more accurately than the best and fastest shifter known to man.

To each their own.

[spdy330]

I went with DCT so my wife can drive it if needed. I am not disappointed with my decision. As others have stated test drive both and make your own decision.

Good luck!