Next Gen M5 DCT vs 8-speed ZF

[Elysium]

Welshbeef said:

Elysium said:

I have just moved to the M5 from a big Audi diesel with an 8 speed ZF box.

The gearbox is one of the things I love about the car and I think it is a mistake to go for a torque converter gearbox on the new model. I am sure that it will be very very good, but it is an auto and that it is not what I want in a performance car.

Which M5 competitor offers stick shift ?

None. If the DCT M5 did not exist I would have bought a manual M3.

[Patrick Bateman]

Stick shift? Good grief.

[Elysium]

Patrick Bateman said:

Stick shift? Good grief.

Yep - I don't like auto's.

They are undeniably better than they used to be, but I want to decide when to change gear. For me direct engagement with the 'mechanical' process of gear changes makes driving more pleasurable.

My last car had a ZF 8 speed auto, my first automatic in 8 years, and it was the primary reason I sold it. It was dull and the torque converter softened performance.

The M-DCT is fantastic and I don't think I am losing much compared to a 'true' manual. A torque converter in an M5 seems entirely wrong.

[Patrick Bateman]

My issue was the use of that awful American phrase.

[RS250_Steve]

I prefer the term '6 on the floor'...

[Elysium]

Patrick Bateman said:

My issue was the use of that awful American phrase.

Ahh. That was not particularly clear, but I do agree.