Test drove DCT e90 m3 today...

[luis_m3]

What is DCT? Jk... This subject is eternal!

[Talk2meg00se]

Originally Posted by smellfish

Just curious but why isn't a 6MT and a S/C optimal? Just the loss of speed during gear changes?

from what i've been told, anything > stage 1 with a MT = just a lot of rubber on the road.

wheel spin.

[Ioannis]

Hey guys anyone knows why all of the sudden the check engine came plus the increase emissions ,it has to do with the exuast maybe leaking .Thank you.

[PrometheusM3]

Originally Posted by Talk2meg00se

from what i've been told, anything > stage 1 with a MT = just a lot of rubber on the road.

wheel spin.

This is true, but I'm going to be doing it anyway. VT2 is definitely in my future. I'll let you know how it goes.



DCT has a greater speed advantage over 6MT which increases with boost, but there are also reliability issues involved as well. There are also some members here who have had problems with their DCT clutches under some high boost applications.

[smellfish]

I wouldn't have figured wheel spin would be a factor between transmissions. Interesting...

[SubzeroVR4]

How much faster is a DCT over traditional 6MT in straight line?

I'm shopping for M3 now and not sure what transmission to go for.

While not the same transmission. I drove a SMG M5 and I didn't mind it, although it was little strange how the car rolls back on hills but you use your right foot to control the friction point.

[s4play]

Originally Posted by Mr Gunfun

IS-F tranny is brutal compare to the DCT.

I used to have an IS-F and very confused by your "brutal" comment, care to elaborate? I thought the IS-F tranny was really good given it was just a smart Auto but can't argue with it's reliability and awesome MPG on the highway!

Originally Posted by TVMA Doc

I have only had manual transmissions-other than my e90. I still have a 6 speed manual in the S2000, so every time I get in the S2000 I am reminded why I drive a manual, and every time I get in the M3, I'm reminded why I have an M-DCT. It's all rather confusing, but in a pleasantly enjoyable way.

I agree, the s2000 is a car that would be a sin to get in a DCT. Every car has their strong points. For the M3, I chose DCT since it's my DD and my wife prefers one over the manual for city driving - one less thing to worry about especially in San Francisco hilly streets!

Always thought Ferrari's should be a manual until recently I had the honor of driving a friend's 458. The technology is similar to the BMW's DCT but boy does it take it up one notch in terms of crispness and speed. Maybe it was the F-car's intoxicating engine/exhaust note or the fact I was driving one of the most awesome cars on this planet but it sure felt much quicker than the M3's DCT shifting Since the f-car is way out of my price range for now, the M3 will have to do

[LemonOne]

Originally Posted by s4play

I used to have an IS-F and very confused by your "brutal" comment, care to elaborate? I thought the IS-F tranny was really good given it was just a smart Auto but can't argue with it's reliability and awesome MPG on the highway!

When I say brutal I meant M5/M3 SMG "brutal/jerky".
Yes it is smooth and silky when you're in Auto, non-Sport mode, but on a track, revving all the way to 7400rpm, shifting gears is alot more jerky than the DCT.

[Goat Rodeo]

Originally Posted by SubzeroVR4

How much faster is a DCT over traditional 6MT in straight line?

6MT is slightly faster off the line and equal up to about 60. DCT will start overtaking you when you shift 2-3rd.

This car has a wonderful, easy to operate, and forgiving 6MT when you get used to it.

You can't go wrong either way; hell, I even love the SMG in my E46, brutal shifts at redline suit the car perfectly.

[s4play]

Originally Posted by Lemon Jelly M3

When I say brutal I meant M5/M3 SMG "brutal/jerky".
Yes it is smooth and silky when you're in Auto, non-Sport mode, but on a track, revving all the way to 7400rpm, shifting gears is alot more jerky than the DCT.

thanks, my ISF never saw track time so that's why!

[BForbes]

The DCT bug bit me too when i test drove mine 8mos ago. I still have no regrets. I think it better fits the personality of the car. 98% of the time I'd pick a stick shift in other cars though.

[HighandDry]

Originally Posted by Lemon Jelly M3

When I say brutal I meant M5/M3 SMG "brutal/jerky".
Yes it is smooth and silky when you're in Auto, non-Sport mode, but on a track, revving all the way to 7400rpm, shifting gears is alot more jerky than the DCT.

I have a 6 speed M3, but a F1 on a F430. Love the brutal shifts that the 430 does. When you're shifting at high RPM's in race mode, it can snap you back quite hard.

Drove my friend's 458 and it was so smooth- too smooth for me. Ferrari actually changed the gearbox in later years to make the shifts not so smooth. Seems that a lot of people missed the feedback that the F1 system did.

[Diecast]

I must give credit, where it is due. BMW really impressed me with the DCT, especially for those who have driven an SMG M3. However, the MT always wins, whenever I try to sell myself on it. I guess it's that good old feeling, and sense of control with a Clutch and Manual gearbox. Even though I am having the worst experience, anyone could have, with with my 09 M3 6 Spd. :/

My 06 Gallardo is also a 6 spd. manual, which is really rare. Like BMW, Lamborghini is also talking about discontinuing the Manual gearbox, since most order the E-gear option.

[Envyscorpio]

E46 SMG II I didn't like very much. So I went with the 6 speed, I'd do it again with the manual E46 M3.

Then I drove the DCT M3 when I visited my friend in Germany and we had a blast at the Nurburgring. I do have to say DCT is truly a great system. Couldn't be happier with my E90 DCT.

Still own both cars, the E46 is raw and manual is much more intuitive than the SMG IMHO. But the DCT is in another league. Well done BMW.

[ZooMMM]

I, too, was so impressed with DCT I ended up getting my M with one. Honeymoon with DCT not over, but I do so miss a proper manual tranny. Just got back from vacation in Costa Rica. While there, I rented some small Suzuki car with a 1300cc!!! engine with MT. Boy, did I have a blast driving thru Costa Rica with that small car. Love DCT. Miss MT. Keeping the M. But whenever I get the chance will get an MT next (hope something good will still be available. Lol).

[dmk08]

Originally Posted by smellfish

I wouldn't have figured wheel spin would be a factor between transmissions. Interesting...

Well in a DCT it's like a video game. With a 6MT you actually need to know how to launch.

These topics are always great. DCT is always 'superior' but I never have gears go missing in my 6MT. Maybe it's not the best 'feeling' gear box but after 2 days of driving it's pretty easy to master. I don't feel the need to smash gears in this car but it's easy if you want to.

I drove a 6MT w/ GPOWER SKII a few weekends ago and it was pretty easy to handle. Not like these cars are torque monsters.