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

[Ezio]

the DCT is a performance option. its faster.

i will admit at first i wanted a manual. but after looking into DCT, i loved it. the car sounds good on shifts and feels way better than normal autos.

another point is the E92 m3 is NOT that fast of a car. so it helps to have ever bit of performance. not to mention DCT with a high revving motor is great.

i would probably have a GT500 in a 6 speed, but i want my M3 in a DCT.

[dparm]

Originally Posted by Ezio

another point is the E92 m3 is NOT that fast of a car.

lol wut

[Ezio]

Originally Posted by dparm

lol wut

wuts the confusion

[dparm]

Originally Posted by Ezio

wuts the confusion

"Fast" is relative, but I think the majority of people would agree that a car pulling 0-60 in 4.5s and pulling 0.95g (or whichever numbers you believe) is plenty fast. There is always going to be someone faster, and yes, there are Ferraris, Posches, etc that will smoke it in a straightline, but the M3 is not a slow car by any means.

[Koldun]

It's a quick car, not a fast car. Nothing a supercharger won't fix.

[cmk227]

Go manual.

[Vic311]

Originally Posted by Koldun

It's a quick car, not a fast car. Nothing a supercharger won't fix.

Or break

I vote MT as well.

[Mr. ///M3 RD]

Originally Posted by 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.

If you read thru this thread ---> You then will know what to do

As to the last part of your question have a read and look ----> At this thread ... very interesting I say

As for myself from the (4) ///M3's Ive owned (2 DCT and 2 MT) my preference I must admit was the DCT.

Good luck with your hunt ... in the end only you will know, for you will have to drive it.

[///WeissBisBlau]

Originally Posted by Koldun

I always wondered that too. While I see the appeal of manually moving the mechanisms that change gears yourself, if we are talking about being in control of what the car is doing, the DCT allows for instant, perfect shifts at a flip of a finger. So the control and performance crowns go to DCT, manual gets the crown for old timey nostalgia and I guess manliness? (if you derive your self-worth and masculinity from transmission choice, anyway).

Well said, and it's pretty funny just how often this is the case. I get made so much fun of at work for not having "3 pedals", it's ridiculous--by a girl! She says "I like to SLAM those gears!". Ummm...OK? (golf clap)

I just appreciate the technology behind DCT. It's fast. No human can ever hope to change cogs that quickly, and if you want to be as fast as possible, then you need it. With that said, I can appreciate where 6MT guys (and girls) are coming from. However, it is ultimately nostalgia and (perhaps) feel that they prefer, because it certainly doesn't offer an advantage in performance.

In traffic and from a day-to-day livability standpoint, no choice. It's DCT every time. I CAN change my gears when I want to, but I don't HAVE to. I'm never more thankful that I have DCT than when I need to go somewhere (probably in a hurry) with a cup of coffee in one hand (don't trust my cup holder--a debate for another day). Then I ask "Jeeves" to do the shifting for me. I can't be bothered...

[Ezio]

Originally Posted by dparm

"Fast" is relative, but I think the majority of people would agree that a car pulling 0-60 in 4.5s and pulling 0.95g (or whichever numbers you believe) is plenty fast. There is always going to be someone faster, and yes, there are Ferraris, Posches, etc that will smoke it in a straightline, but the M3 is not a slow car by any means.

i mean looking at all performance cars under 80 grand. the M3 is not really that Fast. although its still a great car that offers both luxury and sports appeal. i think its one of the best overall cars.

when talking only performance you got mustangs BOSS or camaro Zl1s that would smoke it in any kind of race. but they are not luxury cars like the BMW is.

[dj_dub]

I originally wanted a DCT when I was searching for my car…ended up getting a 6MT. Couldn't be happier. You just can't go wrong with 6MT IMO.

[pkimM3r]

To op, if rowing is more fun than having every drop of performance, get a manual. Youll get sick of the dct after the initial fun.

If you want fast shifts and will drive the snot out of it on a track, get dct.

I love rowing my gears and on a track the dct makes it one less thing to talk about. Knowing when and where and what gear to be in is one thing and then having to do that is another thing.

In the end for ME, i prefer the manual. Sure the dct is faster and you do really control the shifting, but my feet need that extra workout

So get whatever suits you. Try both. The manual gearbox isnt as bad as ppl say. The dct is as good as ppl say. (What did i just say?! Lol). It should be whatever gives you more enjoyment and fun factor. Cant go wrong with neither.

[e-solo]

Originally Posted by Ezio

i mean looking at all performance cars under 80 grand. the M3 is not really that Fast. although its still a great car that offers both luxury and sports appeal. i think its one of the best overall cars.

when talking only performance you got mustangs BOSS or camaro Zl1s that would smoke it in any kind of race. but they are not luxury cars like the BMW is.

Agreed, but those same cars start to fall apart after about 2 years. Also, not much prestige in a chevy or ford.

[Ezio]

Originally Posted by e-solo

Agreed, but those same cars start to fall apart after about 2 years. Also, not much prestige in a chevy or ford.

agreed!

[AWM3ME2]

Three of us sold our M3 DCT's to buy 6SP's and we are track whores. No substitute 6SP all the way.

[GreeKon]

Originally Posted by AWM3ME2

Three of us sold our M3 DCT's to buy 6SP's and we are track whores. No substitute 6SP all the way.

This.

[Craigy]

DCT FTMFW

Super quick shifts, love the 1-2 and 2-3 shifts that chirp the back tires, blipping downshifts are fantastic.

Also nice to occasionally pop it in auto.

Plus you're getting a pretty expensive option for not much more money.

[blast1st]

Originally Posted by speedaddictM3

This should help.

Amen to that.

[M3-S65]

Here is my honest opinion as a guy who loves all M3s manual or DCT.
I don't really understand the MT DCT war. love them both wish I could own both!!
I have the DCT and at times wish I had the manual. The manual gives you that control, that feeling of connection with the car, that real "car guy" rowing the gears, dirt in your teeth feel. However, there are times I am glad that I have DCT primarily in stop and go traffic, when I'm feeling lazy, and when I do the occasional street race, no missing gears, and I think its a tad quicker than the MT. etc.

I would say shop M3s and find the best value and price. Regardless of MT or DCT. Because in the end its an M3 and all M3's are awesome.

If you have the option and have always driven manuals, I would go with the manual because the DCT is a just a tiny bit boring sometimes. IMHOP.
Also , MT has less moving parts so is easier and probably less expensive to fix.

[AWe90]

Wow....4 pages of replies in just a few hours!! Thanks to all of you for the input. Guess I have some driving to do ;-)

[AWe90]

Oh and I should also clarify....the car will not be tracked, my daily commute does not involve heavy traffic, and my wife knows how to drive MT.

[Lute__]

Originally Posted by AWe90

Oh and I should also clarify....the car will not be tracked, my daily commute does not involve heavy traffic, and my wife knows how to drive MT.

The trifecta!!! You almost have to get an MT now