Poll: Stick drivers who now have DCT

[lenzm3edan]

Having driven both, if I had to choose one I would pick the DCT. Test drove one after I had my 6mt for two years and walked away with a big grin, I just don't see myself getting rid of my manual just to get the DCT and start all over again. Next time.

[SouthShoreM3]

I have always been a MT driver and a few months back I got to drive a friend of mine AA Stage 2 SC with DCT. I am really kicking myself when I bought my e90 M back in 2010 for not giving the DCT a chance. For a 70-80k car this is one of the best transmissions out on the market. I have a 2010 DB9 and that transmission is garbage in comparison to the DCT in the M.

If I were to do it all again, without even the slightest of doubt I would of chosen the DCT over the MT in this car. The 6MT in the M just does not sit right in the car in my opinion and feels almost sloppy and out of place considering how the rest of the car was built.

The 4.10 diff by DINAN certainly helps though and is a must do mod in my opinion no matter how against modding you are.

[Parkanzky]

When I started shopping for an M3, I was dead set on a three pedal car. After all, all my other cars have 'proper manual transmissions' and that's the only way a car is fun and engaging, right?

So I shopped for awhile and was zeroing in on the right car when I went to a karting event with a couple of friends, one of whom has an e90 w/DCT. He offered to let me take it for a spin and I declined, saying that I'd driven a few 3-pedal cars because that's what I was looking for. He insisted that I at least try the DCT.

So I went for a long drive around the countryside in his car and I was hooked. The high-reving V8 in the M3 feels like it's meant to go with the DCT. It was what all the other e90's I'd driven were missing. I had a deal on my M3 (with DCT) a week or two later.

[llis]

I had DCT. Now I have 6MT. I've had 4 manuals previously. I love the DCT and would not hesitate for a future car purchase, but this time I was buying for keepers, and silly me, I have a touch of concern over the long-term maintenance of a gearbox that is, for the most part, not dealer serviceable. So as much as I loved the double-clutch solidity and snappy quickness, I opted for the manual. And I have no regrets at all.

[llis]

Dang iOS app....

[thedge9]

Originally Posted by JoeKixxon

I've never driven DCT, but reading this thread had me really thinking I was missing out. I still wonder about it (It really does sound like an awesome trans) but this matching revs is SO true for me too. Especially since I can't do it worth beans yet in my M3. I've even resorted to looking at the tach when I downshift!

My last car was a Mazda3 with a stick and I had it for about six years. I could match revs wonderfully just by the sound, speed, and feel of it. Can't WAIT to get there in the M3. It's gonna be so much more fun to drive than it already is!

I'm with you. Its challenging given how quickly the throttle responds, especially in M mode. But when you get it all coming together.

Originally Posted by SouthShoreM3

I have always been a MT driver and a few months back I got to drive a friend of mine AA Stage 2 SC with DCT. I am really kicking myself when I bought my e90 M back in 2010 for not giving the DCT a chance. For a 70-80k car this is one of the best transmissions out on the market. I have a 2010 DB9 and that transmission is garbage in comparison to the DCT in the M.

If I were to do it all again, without even the slightest of doubt I would of chosen the DCT over the MT in this car. The 6MT in the M just does not sit right in the car in my opinion and feels almost sloppy and out of place considering how the rest of the car was built.

The 4.10 diff by DINAN certainly helps though and is a must do mod in my opinion no matter how against modding you are.

I agree, I do wish BMW had used ZF as the supplier, as my previous E46 tranny was certainly better IMHO.

Originally Posted by llis

I had DCT. Now I have 6MT. I've had 4 manuals previously. I love the DCT and would not hesitate for a future car purchase, but this time I was buying for keepers, and silly me, I have a touch of concern over the long-term maintenance of a gearbox that is, for the most part, not dealer serviceable. So as much as I loved the double-clutch solidity and snappy quickness, I opted for the manual. And I have no regrets at all.

I am planning on owning this car until I die, so the complexity of the clutch system and serviceability were certainly a possible issue. I love your color by the way, Dakar Yellow? If you don't mind me asking how much did the custom paint set you back.

[llis]

Originally Posted by thedge9

I love your color by the way, Dakar Yellow? If you don't mind me asking how much did the custom paint set you back.

Speed Yellow. BMW Individual pricing.

[Pegasus]

I also prefer MT, because I am keeping my car for the long haul

[Powerbeast]

I went from 6MT to DCT and never looked back.

[thekurgan]

Originally Posted by thedge9

I'm with you. Its challenging given how quickly the throttle responds, especially in M mode. But when you get it all coming together.


I agree, I do wish BMW had used ZF as the supplier, as my previous E46 tranny was certainly better IMHO.


I am planning on owning this car until I die, so the complexity of the clutch system and serviceability were certainly a possible issue. I love your color by the way, Dakar Yellow? If you don't mind me asking how much did the custom paint set you back.

Ask anyone with the Z4 3si or Z4 M coupe/roadster how ZF trannies are ....

[Rated ///M Power]

Originally Posted by klammer

Manual and sport bike rider. Love the DCT and don't see myself ever going back!

[freeman727]

Love having my DCT as a daily driver. I've got the MCS 6 speed. Both transmissions are fine. I don't understand what the fuss about Transmission type is all about. Its like saying that blue is better than red. Both are good colors but different.

[M3Now!]

Originally Posted by freeman727

Love having my DCT as a daily driver. I've got the MCS 6 speed. Both transmissions are fine. I don't understand what the fuss about Transmission type is all about. Its like saying that blue is better than red. Both are good colors but different.

Amen brother

[quiksi]

still don't trust "lifetime fluid" in the BMW version, but I could definitely see a DSG or PDK in my future

[Endless619]

Originally Posted by Vic311

C) Chose MT and never looked back

Exactly.

[Endless619]

Originally Posted by freeman727

Love having my DCT as a daily driver. I've got the MCS 6 speed. Both transmissions are fine. I don't understand what the fuss about Transmission type is all about. Its like saying that blue is better than red. Both are good colors but different.

It boils down to automatic or manual. Always has, regardless. Most folks dont like automatic cars. I am one of them.

[Parkanzky]

Originally Posted by Endless619

It boils down to automatic or manual. Always has, regardless. Most folks dont like automatic cars. I am one of them.

I don't like most automatic cars. I don't consider my M3 to be an "automatic" though. The DCT feels just as direct as any other cogs and clutch driveline. I wouldn't buy many cars without three pedals, but after I drove the M3 both ways I was a believer for this application.

[thedge9]

Originally Posted by thekurgan

Ask anyone with the Z4 3si or Z4 M coupe/roadster how ZF trannies are ....

I had not heard, what was the deal?

[thekurgan]

Originally Posted by thedge9

I had not heard, what was the deal?

It just seems very mis-matched and the 1-2 grind issue is VERY bad. We had to resort to transmission mounts that were much higher in durometer rating to alleviate *some* of the grinding, but all-in-all, the Getrag gearboxes in the Ms have been much better.

[kscarrol]

Originally Posted by Endless619

It boils down to automatic or manual. Always has, regardless. Most folks dont like automatic cars. I am one of them.

Not to nit pick but if we look at sales of the DCT vs manual I might disagree with your assertion that most folks don't like automatics!

[US///M3]

Originally Posted by kscarrol

Not to nit pick but if we look at sales of the DCT vs manual I might disagree with your assertion that most folks don't like automatics!

He meant car enthusiasts.
Some people are trading driving fun for straight line performance. Sell-outs, hahahaha

[kscarrol]

Originally Posted by US///M3

He meant car enthusiasts.
Some people are trading driving fun for straight line performance. Sell-outs, hahahaha

Touche'...