Can You Put M3 DCT Transmission in Park With Engine Running?

[57Strat]

I know this is probably a dumb question, but I haven't figured out how to do this. Can you put the M3 DCT transmission in "park" while the engine is running?

[BCA]

No. Putting in Neutral and setting the parking brake is as close as you're gonna get. Park only engages when the engine is turned off.

[SonnyJack]

Originally Posted by BCA

No. Putting in Neutral and setting the parking brake is as close as you're gonna get. Park only engages when the engine is turned off.

Even if you're using it in the automatic setting?

[SlamMan]

Originally Posted by SonnyJack

Even if you're using it in the automatic setting?

Doesn't matter. Won't go into park with the engine on.

[Doctor J]

Originally Posted by SonnyJack

Even if you're using it in the automatic setting?

it's not an automatic transmission

it's a manual -- so you have to park it like one (i.e. use e brake)

[MysticBlue]

Can you put a manual transmission in "park" while the engine is running? No you can't. It is irrelevent whether you are in S or D mode. As far as "parking" while the engine is running is concerned, treat it like a manual. Put it in neutral and pull the parking brake. "Park" is a solonoid activated pin that engages into a gear at the rear of the transmission when the engine is off. It is necessary because the clutch in the DCT, unlike a manual, is disengaged at rest. It takes hydraulic pressure to engage the clutch which obviously is not present when the engine is not running, so leaving the transmission engaged in a gear, as most of us do with a manual after the engine is off, will not keep it from rolling. So don't get hung up on the fact that they use the letter P. It's not really like an automatic, it's like a manual with the addition of a Park function when the engine is off due to the fact that the clutch is not engaged.

[klammer]

Well guess that answers that...

[bart400us]

Thanks Mystic for the detailed explanation, I just bought a M3 last month.

[Race_Doc11]

No! You only can put it in neutral and if you do make sure to use the emergency brake.

[Harry Da Hamster]

I'f i anticipate to be stationary while in the car for a long period, i turn off the car and turn it right back on to engage "park".

[krx927]

Originally Posted by MysticBlue

Can you put a manual transmission in "park" while the engine is running? No you can't. It is irrelevent whether you are in S or D mode. As far as "parking" while the engine is running is concerned, treat it like a manual. Put it in neutral and pull the parking brake. "Park" is a solonoid activated pin that engages into a gear at the rear of the transmission when the engine is off. It is necessary because the clutch in the DCT, unlike a manual, is disengaged at rest. It takes hydraulic pressure to engage the clutch which obviously is not present when the engine is not running, so leaving the transmission engaged in a gear, as most of us do with a manual after the engine is off, will not keep it from rolling. So don't get hung up on the fact that they use the letter P. It's not really like an automatic, it's like a manual with the addition of a Park function when the engine is off due to the fact that the clutch is not engaged.

I agree with all the logic that you wrote. I just cannot figure it out how come the car is in park after you turn it on and the engine is running. I suppose the pin cannot be activated with running motor/gearbox rotating?! Or it can?

[Arben]

It obviously can if you can start it and leave it in park... Bmw just didn't give us the ability too. I don't mind, I love the dct gear selector.

[TRS_Tom]

This kind of freaked me out too when I first got my DCT. It's just a different animal altogether.

[wildwestm3]

Wow, I can't believe the MT mafia hasn't chimed-in on the "it's a manual" comment with all these posts! It's a manual, it's an automatic, no it's a manual, it's...LOL

[gatorfast]

Originally Posted by wildwestm3

Wow, I can't believe the MT mafia hasn't chimed-in on the "it's a manual" comment with all these posts! It's a manual, it's an automatic, no it's a manual, it's...LOL

I guess 4 years ago when this thread was started people didnt care about that sort of stuff.

[kenwelch]

Originally Posted by gatorfast

I guess 4 years ago when this thread was started people didnt care about that sort of stuff.

Sure we did.
This is from 2010 with pictures and description of the park system:
http://www.m3post.com/forums/showpos...8&postcount=21

[gatorfast]

Originally Posted by kenwelch

Sure we did.
This is from 2010 with pictures and description of the park system:
http://www.m3post.com/forums/showpos...8&postcount=21

Good information but I think the joke that was quoted in the post I replied to went over your head...

[kenwelch]

Originally Posted by gatorfast

Good information but I think the joke that was quoted in the post I replied to went over your head...

I didn't see you grin.

[AlpineV8]

No. On a side note I kind of like how at a red light you can take your foot off the brake after you've come to a complete stop provided you're on flat ground and won't roll away once the hill assist disengages. You can give it a rev or two before it engages. People actually think you're in a manual.

On another side note, I can't friggin stand it for that same reason... when it's time to get on it and GO.... well... it doesn't. Annoying at times.

[JoePcone]

Originally Posted by AlpineV8

No. On a side note I kind of like how at a red light you can take your foot off the brake after you've come to a complete stop provided you're on flat ground and won't roll away once the hill assist disengages. You can give it a rev or two before it engages. People actually think you're in a manual.

On another side note, I can't friggin stand it for that same reason... when it's time to get on it and GO.... well... it doesn't. Annoying at times.

I agree, this drives me crazy. Especially when I am doing a 3 point turn. It seems like th engagement point on the clutch is just too high and I'm revving it unnecessarily high if it were a manual.