DCT on the track

Dascamel · 07-09-2008, 04:34 PM

Anyone having any issues after 20-30 minutes of hot lapping on a warm day? Probably only a few have tried it so far.

icemang17 · 07-12-2008, 11:59 AM

I haven't tried a DE yet...but I did numerous hard launches in about 85F weather for about 30 minutes....I would say about 10 full throttle launches up to at least 110mph...some up to 140mph...& I had no problems....the oil temp barely got over the middle

lucid · 07-12-2008, 12:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by icemang17

I haven't tried a DE yet...but I did numerous hard launches in about 85F weather for about 30 minutes....I would say about 10 full throttle launches up to at least 110mph...some up to 140mph...& I had no problems....the oil temp barely got over the middle

Engine oil gets up to around 255F on the track in a 6MT. It looks like the DCT tranmission utilizes the engine's cooling system as well, plus it's got its own oil cooler. That sounds pretty bulletproof to me.

The GTR tranmission overheated after a few back to back LC runs during the Edmunds test in Japan--they were reporting that he center console was literally getting hot. You don't seem to be having this problem.

Dascamel · 07-12-2008, 11:46 PM

I'm hoping it does better than the 335i Step, sounds like more thought went into cooling on the DCT.

footie · 07-13-2008, 04:28 AM

Guys, these things are road cars not trackday specials which were design with that in mind. It's one of the reason why I wouldn't upgrade the brakes beyond possibly pads, these will heat up long before any other damage is done to the thing.

swamp2 · 07-13-2008, 04:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by footie

Guys, these things are road cars not trackday specials which were design with that in mind. It's one of the reason why I wouldn't upgrade the brakes beyond possibly pads, these will heat up long before any other damage is done to the thing.

Since this thread is specifically about transmissions I will disagree. Sure, the overall design of all of these cars is indeed as a road car. But when you read about all of the elaborate cooling, the longevity of the fluid for the DCT, the torque and rpm capacity, as well as the description of the transmission by BMW directly it is pretty clear that the M-DCT can hold up to some serious track punishment.

footie · 07-13-2008, 08:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by swamp2

Since this thread is specifically about transmissions I will disagree. Sure, the overall design of all of these cars is indeed as a road car. But when you read about all of the elaborate cooling, the longevity of the fluid for the DCT, the torque and rpm capacity, as well as the description of the transmission by BMW directly it is pretty clear that the M-DCT can hold up to some serious track punishment.

Only time will tell if your opinions are correct but I won't be holding my breath on it.

swamp2 · 07-13-2008, 03:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by footie

Only time will tell if your opinions are correct but I won't be holding my breath on it.

Your continued confidence in your own next car is, as always, absolutely baffling.

Dascamel · 07-13-2008, 04:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by footie

Only time will tell if your opinions are correct but I won't be holding my breath on it.

We'll see soon enough... I am more optimistic also, from what I've seen from the past M models, they get far more track love than other car lines like the 3 series including the 335i. If its not, thats what the warranty is for.

PS - $&*(*&*(&$$^%#&&( !!! -- The Mrs. wouldn't go for the manual, even offered to buy a Mini(or random beater) to teach her.....

footie · 07-13-2008, 04:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by swamp2

Your continued confidence in your own next car is, as always, absolutely baffling.

Swamp,

I maybe understand what makes a trackday special different, or maybe it's because I am no longer interested in track work. I just don't want someone crying because their car is broke and dealer isn't footing the bill.

I'm ever the realist.

lucid · 07-13-2008, 05:29 PM

Footie, although the car is not a track car by design, it will take a lot more than a few track days a year to break it. It feels like it is built like a tank. I am sure there will be issues, but I don't think they will be common.

footie · 07-14-2008, 03:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lucid

Footie, although the car is not a track car by design, it will take a lot more than a few track days a year to break it. It feels like it is built like a tank. I am sure there will be issues, but I don't think they will be common.

If you drive it sensibly then I too reckon you will have no problem but use the gears too much to slow you down in the manual and you will put a lot of extra wear on the transmission.

Too many trackday drivers try to protect the brakes by using the engine to stop the car down and in the long tern the car isn't designed for that.

DCT cars should be less of a problem but then you will be having less enjoyment along the way.

Ilia@IND · 07-14-2008, 04:21 PM

We'll certainly see how these hold up over the years, but cars like the E30 M3, the E36 M3, and the E46 M3 have largely proven that M cars to date have been fairly adept at dealing with track driving.

Dascamel · 07-14-2008, 05:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by footie

If you drive it sensibly then I too reckon you will have no problem but use the gears too much to slow you down in the manual and you will put a lot of extra wear on the transmission.

Exactly, not trying to abuse it... brakes are far cheaper to replace than the transmission.

lucid · 07-14-2008, 06:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by footie

If you drive it sensibly then I too reckon you will have no problem but use the gears too much to slow you down in the manual and you will put a lot of extra wear on the transmission.

Too many trackday drivers try to protect the brakes by using the engine to stop the car down and in the long tern the car isn't designed for that.

DCT cars should be less of a problem but then you will be having less enjoyment along the way.

Not sure why this would be a problem if you match revs properly--as you are braking off course.

mattwhite · 07-14-2008, 07:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by footie

Too many trackday drivers try to protect the brakes by using the engine to stop the car down and in the long tern the car isn't designed for that.

Really? What a horrible idea. I've never run into anyone who has admitted to doing something so silly (and slow).

Dascamel · 07-15-2008, 12:20 AM

So back on topic, anyone with a DCT planning on going to Buttonwillow this weekend?

enigma · 07-15-2008, 03:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by footie

If you drive it sensibly then I too reckon you will have no problem but use the gears too much to slow you down in the manual and you will put a lot of extra wear on the transmission.

Too many trackday drivers try to protect the brakes by using the engine to stop the car down and in the long tern the car isn't designed for that.

Um, WHAT ?

You should never be doing this in the car at a track. One you want to break late, the engine doesn't have that kind of breaking. Two, its only dragging the rear wheels which will hinder the stability of the car.

Ok, if your brakes fail, I'll give it a pass.

Gemcoska · 07-15-2008, 04:26 PM

Engine braking is for semi trucks, downshifting to be in the right gear and rev matching is different and useful. Done correctly, minimal wear.

sayemthree · 07-15-2008, 08:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dascamel

So back on topic, anyone with a DCT planning on going to Buttonwillow this weekend?

I be there - but with the MT.

lucid · 07-15-2008, 08:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gemcoska

Engine braking is for semi trucks, downshifting to be in the right gear and rev matching is different and useful. Done correctly, minimal wear.

Yes, I was speaking to the transmission wear issue when I mentioned rev matching, which the DCT box seems to do really well. This thread started out with tranmission durability. I, too, don't see where Footie is coming from with the engine braking comment.

Dascamel · 07-16-2008, 12:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sayemthree

I be there - but with the MT.

Nice, I'll look for you on Sat morning. It'll be hot but at least it won't be 110 like last week.

07-09-2008, 04:34 PM	#1
Dascamel Lieutenant Colonel Drives: 2008 e92 M3, 2010 e91 328i Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Bakersfield, CA Posts: 1,663 iTrader: (0)	DCT on the track Anyone having any issues after 20-30 minutes of hot lapping on a warm day? Probably only a few have tried it so far. __________________ 2008 E92 M3 Jerez Black,DCT,Fox Red ext,Prem,Tech,19", ipod/usb, CF roof and trim 2010 E91 328i Space Gray,Black int, M sport, most options 2007 Montego Blue 335i (retired)
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07-12-2008, 11:59 AM	#2
icemang17 Captain Drives: 2008 E92 M3 DCT Join Date: May 2008 Location: Stockton CA Posts: 644 iTrader: (0)	I haven't tried a DE yet...but I did numerous hard launches in about 85F weather for about 30 minutes....I would say about 10 full throttle launches up to at least 110mph...some up to 140mph...& I had no problems....the oil temp barely got over the middle __________________ Brian 2008 E92 M3, MR, DCT, extended BB leather, loaded! 1988 Porsche 928S4, Guards red/Champagne leather 1989 Porsche 928S4 track beast!!!

07-12-2008, 11:46 PM	#4
Dascamel Lieutenant Colonel Drives: 2008 e92 M3, 2010 e91 328i Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Bakersfield, CA Posts: 1,663 iTrader: (0)	I'm hoping it does better than the 335i Step, sounds like more thought went into cooling on the DCT. __________________ 2008 E92 M3 Jerez Black,DCT,Fox Red ext,Prem,Tech,19", ipod/usb, CF roof and trim 2010 E91 328i Space Gray,Black int, M sport, most options 2007 Montego Blue 335i (retired)

07-13-2008, 05:29 PM	#11
lucid Major General Drives: E30 M3; Expedition Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: USA Posts: 8,057 iTrader: (0)	Footie, although the car is not a track car by design, it will take a lot more than a few track days a year to break it. It feels like it is built like a tank. I am sure there will be issues, but I don't think they will be common. __________________

07-14-2008, 04:21 PM	#13
Ilia@IND BimmerPost Supporting Vendor Drives: 08 Alpine M3 Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Chicago Posts: 1,674 iTrader: (3)	We'll certainly see how these hold up over the years, but cars like the E30 M3, the E36 M3, and the E46 M3 have largely proven that M cars to date have been fairly adept at dealing with track driving. __________________ IND Distribution \| IND STYLE \| MOTORSPORT24 \| 866-963-4520

07-13-2008, 04:28 AM	#5
footie Major General Drives: ???????????? Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: BMW M3 will get a V6TT Posts: 7,519 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 E92 M3 [0.00]	Guys, these things are road cars not trackday specials which were design with that in mind. It's one of the reason why I wouldn't upgrade the brakes beyond possibly pads, these will heat up long before any other damage is done to the thing.

07-15-2008, 12:20 AM	#17
Dascamel Lieutenant Colonel Drives: 2008 e92 M3, 2010 e91 328i Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Bakersfield, CA Posts: 1,663 iTrader: (0)	So back on topic, anyone with a DCT planning on going to Buttonwillow this weekend? __________________ 2008 E92 M3 Jerez Black,DCT,Fox Red ext,Prem,Tech,19", ipod/usb, CF roof and trim 2010 E91 328i Space Gray,Black int, M sport, most options 2007 Montego Blue 335i (retired)

07-15-2008, 04:26 PM	#19
Gemcoska Sleepy Member, wishing I was on the road. Drives: 2008 BMW M3 Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Redondo Beach, CA Posts: 248 iTrader: (0)	Engine braking is for semi trucks, downshifting to be in the right gear and rev matching is different and useful. Done correctly, minimal wear. __________________ 2003 Ducati '996 2008 M3: Sparking Graphite, Red Fox Standard, 19s, Premium pkg, Tech pkg, Premium Enhanced Sound, HD Radio, Heated Front Seats.