Manual or DCT?

[andret]

A quote from a recent comparison of the US 335iS to the M3 further supports my decision to go with the manual M3 that I recently ordered:

"Both the 335iS and M3 come equipped with proper 6 speed manual transmissions; however those numb from the waist down can opt for a 7-speed dual clutch transmission. Don’t get me wrong, the DCT is excellent – but when exploring a car’s limits on track, the gratification and reward of switching your own gears is unmatched by any automated system. Yes, it’s faster by a tenth or two, but unless your last paycheck was received from an F1 team, you can probably trade a tenth for the joy of rowing your own gears."

http://www.bmwblog.com/2010/07/08/bm...bling-rivalry/

[ANILE8]

An interesting comparison from Car & Driver can be found HERE

Having driven a E90 M3 in M-DCT and 6-MT form on a race track the traditional manual transmission would be the one I would choose to take home.

[andret]

Thanks for that, great article. I couldn't agree more. Makes me even more happy with my choice of a manual. now if we could just FF time to my January delivery....

[WAY]

Living in Adelaide, you really have no excuse anyway! I can understand Melbournians and Sydney siders who have to commute in their M3 going with DCT, but traffic jams virtually doesn't exist in Adelaide! Also, M3 clutch is light and easy. Having said that, our M3 is DCT, but I have manual Porsches so I get the thrill of a manual with my other cars.

[andret]

Traffic jam. Not in Adelaide. Anyway I am fortunate enough to live 2 min from work and don't have to cross a main road. I might start using the work commodore for that. Most of my other driving is for pleasure, that's where the M3 comes in.

[ANILE8]

Too bad you ordered the Sedan version.

It takes much of the purposefully shine off an iconic performance vehicle in that configuration.

Although the M3/// is far from what one would consider a classic sports car in the first place. Making it into a Sedan is really beginning to stretch the friendship even further.

[amk2912]

Not biting..................

[andret]

At the risk of having another coupe vs sedan discussion, I have driven both body styles a number of times (around Phillip island racetrack too) and I really did like the sedan better. I don't like the longer doors on the coupe, nor the stupid flimsy seatbelt handover. The sedan had a useful rear and it comforting to have the b-pillar at your shoulder, not two feet behind. Plus the sedan is a little more understated, I actually prefer that most people wont be able to tell the difference between my new m3 and my current 325. I love my 325 except that it is gutless unless revved hard and has no LSD, hence the upgrade to the m3 which for me will be the perfect car, Q.E.D.

[amk2912]

Originally Posted by andret

Plus the sedan is a little more understated, I actually prefer that most people wont be able to tell the difference between my new m3 and my current 325.

Have to agree. I had a bunch of tradies installing solar PV panels a few weeks back and had the M3 parked next to the Suzuki Kizashi. No bull - all of them asked me about the Suzi and the M3 didn't get a second glance!

I actually like that.

[M3 Pilot]

Originally Posted by amk2912

Have to agree. I had a bunch of tradies installing solar PV panels a few weeks back and had the M3 parked next to the Suzuki Kizashi. No bull - all of them asked me about the Suzi and the M3 didn't get a second glance!

I actually like that.

How do you find the Kizashi ?

I've been wanting to get a Suzuki Swift Sport as a run around when the M3 is sold but am worried the lack of space.

[JOM3JO]

coupe is M3 first desigh for(Love coupe over seden..of coz..)...i prefer proper 6 speed manual transmissions over DCT..Yes DCT is bit faster than manual,but for driving enjoyment :nothing can compare to 6 speed manual...

[amk2912]

Originally Posted by M3 Pilot

How do you find the Kizashi ?

I've been wanting to get a Suzuki Swift Sport as a run around when the M3 is sold but am worried the lack of space.

I've got the XLS with the CVT and paddles. I'm still kind of getting used to the CVT box - it's certainly no M-DCT!

Size-wise it is taller and longer than my E90 M3, with more cabin width and a wider, deeper boot. I find the seats less supportive than the M3. The front seats have heating as std but heating does not extend to the side bolsters so although you have a toasty butt, the sides of your thighs aren't so toasty.

The interior plastics are a good quality, not cheap and crappy like some rice-burners I have owned in my time. The buttons and knobs have a nice quality feel about them.

The ride quality is very smooth and understeering is what can be expected from a front-wheel drive. I haven't had a chance to fang it but it is quick off the mark and the 2.4L four-pot is spirited if you give it enough revs.

Consumption - not really that great - about 9.5L/100km around town, and I get about 600km before I hit reserve. I reckon I'd get 650km at least from the 63L tank.

The Rockford Fosgate stereo sounds great but the display panel is crap - big LED display which reminds me of my first Sharp calculator in 1980! The std USB port will charge my iPhone 3Gs and access the music....something my E90 won't do!

All in all, I'm happy with it. It serves the purpose of carting 3 kids to school with all their stuff and everyday running around at work. Will I still be driving it in 3 years time...probably not, as I will probably go for a 335d, if they ever bring it to Oz. Ever since we got the LCI X5 xdrive40d I've been blown away by the torque of the twin turbo diesel and I'd like to see what that motor will do in a lighter 3er.

[M3 Pilot]

Originally Posted by amk2912

I've got the XLS with the CVT and paddles. I'm still kind of getting used to the CVT box - it's certainly no M-DCT!

Size-wise it is taller and longer than my E90 M3, with more cabin width and a wider, deeper boot. I find the seats less supportive than the M3. The front seats have heating as std but heating does not extend to the side bolsters so although you have a toasty butt, the sides of your thighs aren't so toasty.

The interior plastics are a good quality, not cheap and crappy like some rice-burners I have owned in my time. The buttons and knobs have a nice quality feel about them.

The ride quality is very smooth and understeering is what can be expected from a front-wheel drive. I haven't had a chance to fang it but it is quick off the mark and the 2.4L four-pot is spirited if you give it enough revs.

Consumption - not really that great - about 9.5L/100km around town, and I get about 600km before I hit reserve. I reckon I'd get 650km at least from the 63L tank.

The Rockford Fosgate stereo sounds great but the display panel is crap - big LED display which reminds me of my first Sharp calculator in 1980! The std USB port will charge my iPhone 3Gs and access the music....something my E90 won't do!

All in all, I'm happy with it. It serves the purpose of carting 3 kids to school with all their stuff and everyday running around at work. Will I still be driving it in 3 years time...probably not, as I will probably go for a 335d, if they ever bring it to Oz. Ever since we got the LCI X5 xdrive40d I've been blown away by the torque of the twin turbo diesel and I'd like to see what that motor will do in a lighter 3er.

For the money, no complaints. If anything, what you mentioned exceeded my expectations.

I guess it boils down to whether or not I need the space.

I would've thought the X5 served the schoolbus role. Nonetheless 335d would be just as fun. Tons of torque for lesser price. The last turbo diesel I drove was a rented VW Jetta. 1000km from a tank of gas. No complains !

I've always wanted to get a runabout car that I can use daily carefree, park where ever I like without the need to worry about scratches and dings. Needless to say superb turning radius is a definite plus for supermarket carparks and of cause the excellent fuel consumption.

With the M3 I find myself worrying excessively.

[Jerez_M3_Sean]

I live in Canberra so there is not a huge amount of traffic. Of course there is a the usual build up during commute times but nothing like Sydney or Melbourne.

Choosing between the Coupe and Sedan took me ages. Then choosing the transmission took me even longer! I drove them all in my search and decided that it is a decision for the heart and not the head. Driving an M3 makes no real logical sense, it's all about the emotion and the way it makes us feel.

I have the 6MT. When I'm in traffic it sucks! When I'm on a nice road with space I love it. The DCT is certainly more space age and way faster.

My advice - drive them both in different traffic conditions and decide which one you prefer.

[loveskiing]

Originally Posted by Jerez_M3_Sean

I live in Canberra so there is not a huge amount of traffic. Of course there is a the usual build up during commute times but nothing like Sydney or Melbourne.

Choosing between the Coupe and Sedan took me ages. Then choosing the transmission took me even longer! I drove them all in my search and decided that it is a decision for the heart and not the head. Driving an M3 makes no real logical sense, it's all about the emotion and the way it makes us feel.

I have the 6MT. When I'm in traffic it sucks! When I'm on a nice road with space I love it. The DCT is certainly more space age and way faster.

My advice - drive them both in different traffic conditions and decide which one you prefer.

Uhm, me thinks the OP might've sold the car, got married, had kids, grandkids, divorced and moved on...that's what happens when you bump a 6 year old thread...

[Rocket_Rod]

Originally Posted by loveskiing

Uhm, me thinks the OP might've sold the car, got married, had kids, grandkids, divorced and moved on...that's what happens when you bump a 6 year old thread...

Ha Ha Ha... Classic!
Probably drives a Prius!

[loveskiing]

Originally Posted by Rocket_Rod

Ha Ha Ha... Classic!
Probably drives a Prius!

How the F did you know that? You must have psychic abilities!

[MFKN3]

I have 6MT and would recommend the DCT. Would prob also be faster around track

[///M Power-Belgium]

Originally Posted by MFKN3

I have 6MT and would recommend the DCT. Would prob also be faster around track

[brownb_2]

Oh man I got excited was gonna try and sell him mine !

[Rocket_Rod]

Originally Posted by MFKN3

I have 6MT and would recommend the DCT. Would prob also be faster around track

Faster v Fun - I choose fun everytime!


That's why I'll always stick with the Stick.

[Rocket_Rod]

Originally Posted by loveskiing

How the F did you know that? You must have psychic abilities!

you said he got divorced so I just figured the wife took everything including his manhood!