Next Gen M5 DCT vs 8-speed ZF

[playNskillz]

Hi Guys

Wonder if anyone can shed some light on this. Currently I have F10 M5 2015 DCT, the next M5 will have a 8-speed ZF xdrive set up.

Having had SMGs and DCT an 90% driving in manual mode really not sure what to expect from the new 8-speed ZF gear box. The DCT in my opinion is the closest thing a manual without a clutch and by far the best driving experience I have had with car of this nature.

Does anyone have any experience with the 8-speed ZF and how much will it differ to the DCT? I love the gear changes and the feel in the shifts as an when I want also the down shift blips which plays a huge part in the M5 driving experience.

Any thoughts or experience with this new gearbox welcome.

[playNskillz]

Max Maxasson said:

I have an M4 CP DCT and recently drove the Alfa Quadrifoglio with 500hp and an 8 speed ZF.
I expected to dislike the ZF but in fact I was impressed...Its not that different which surprised me, it certainly wasn't a deal breaker, in fact I think I almost prefered it!

How was it in manual mode?

[playNskillz]

I will stay true to my M Roots... and go for the new one when it's released. Hopefully the gear box will be engaging..

[playNskillz]

MOTK said:

But the reality is the DCT is nothing like a manual without a clutch. An SMG gearbox is however, the exact same manual gearbox with a hydraulically actuated clutch.
Since you prefer the DCT I don't think you should be too afraid of the ZF.

When I say it's close to a manual I mean in the DCT you can still get that roll back on hills for instance like the SMG

[playNskillz]

Wills2 said:

I've about 100k miles with MDCT and the same with ZF8 the MDCT feels and acts differently the ZF8 has too many gears for those that like long in gear pulls which is the point of having a torquey but high revving engine, it will be short geared to take advantage of the traction the new AWD M5 will have and to hit some marketing leading acceleration numbers which might be great on paper but not for me.

The on paper stats boys will love it though.

Hopefully they tweek it in the M5 to hold for longer.. wasn't keen on the new RS6 box

Edited by playNskillz on Saturday 25th March 04:27

[playNskillz]

garystoybox said:

Having previously had dct on my F10 M5 and now in X5M with ZF, rest easy on fears for new M5. Although both epic gearboxes, the ZF is better all-round proposition (in everyday traffic). Only minor, minor point may be the extra gear to play with in manual mode, but to be honest the auto mode is so good I rarely use the paddles; when you do you still get the blips and kicks in most aggressive modes.

Edited by garystoybox on Saturday 25th March 11:00

Nice thanks for the advice, I might go and have a test drive in the X5 M to get a feel for the box.