DCT holds gears when cold

[TassieBMW]

Following a cold start, my DCT is reluctant to shift up gears, and holds onto 1st, 2nd and sometimes even 3rd until 3k rpm or so. This annoys me as we all know high revs when cold isn't how you should look after an S65.

Is this normal behaviour, or just my car?

I just completed a full DCT service and re-calibration with ISTA in the hope that it may help, but alas, the car still drives the same. The condition of the oil was very good and inside the transmission was spotless, looked brand new.


I hear GTS DCT software can improve drivability. Is this issue potentially something it could solve?

[Drv4fun]

I’m an original owner. Its normal. But just a few miles.

[Scrippy]

Yes this is normal for a cold car with a DCT. How long do you let your car run after a cold start before you drive away?

[nick3753]

Agree with others, normal. I wouldn’t call 3k rpm high either when redline is over 8k.

[TassieBMW]

Originally Posted by Scrippy

Yes this is normal for a cold car with a DCT. How long do you let your car run after a cold start before you drive away?

Great to know! Glad it's not just an issue with my car.

I usually let the cold start finish so the revs drop to around 500rpm then drive away. I've noticed a couple of times when I've let the car sit an extra long time (while moving another car out of the way) it doesn't actually do it.

Maybe its just to do with the cold start cycle, but that takes forever to finish completely.

[Scrippy]

Originally Posted by TassieBMW

Great to know! Glad it's not just an issue with my car.

I usually let the cold start finish so the revs drop to around 500rpm then drive away. I've noticed a couple of times when I've let the car sit an extra long time (while moving another car out of the way) it doesn't actually do it.

Maybe its just to do with the cold start cycle, but that takes forever to finish completely.

IMO it’s just temp. Maybe just use manual mode if it bugs ya. I always let my car idle for around 2 minutes before I take off and mine is in a garage 100% of the time when parked. If your car is outside it’s going to be a lot colder. Next time give it two minutes and see what happens.