E90 M3 - DCT vs Manual
Discussion
Chaps
I might be dreaming a bit but I've started looking at E90 M3's over the last couple of weeks. I've had my 335i for over 18 months now, which is the longest I've had a car, so I've started to think about changing.
I'm quite specific about spec though. I found an absolutely perfect car with a manual gearbox, but I've convinced myself I want DCT even though I've never driven either.
Just how good is the DCT? My 335i is an auto and I love being able to bumble around when I feel like, then change to 'sports' mode and paddles when I feel like hooning. I think that's why I'm yearning for a DCT...
Any general thoughts on DCT vs Manual?
Thanks
I might be dreaming a bit but I've started looking at E90 M3's over the last couple of weeks. I've had my 335i for over 18 months now, which is the longest I've had a car, so I've started to think about changing.
I'm quite specific about spec though. I found an absolutely perfect car with a manual gearbox, but I've convinced myself I want DCT even though I've never driven either.
Just how good is the DCT? My 335i is an auto and I love being able to bumble around when I feel like, then change to 'sports' mode and paddles when I feel like hooning. I think that's why I'm yearning for a DCT...
Any general thoughts on DCT vs Manual?
Thanks
Mines a manual too & I wouldn't swap it for the DCT & I have driven both I just don't enjoy the put your foot down hold on & then that's it!
The DCT is awesome & certainly suits the high revving V8 & if you like an auto you will love the DCT, it's been said many times before both options are very enjoyable its just your own personal preference, I took the mrs's TT-S out for a hoon the other day & that's a twin clutch obviously a different beast but I miss the third pedal virtually straight away & get bored of the paddles aswell.
What I do like about a twin clutch is if you just want to relax they are great as its just so easy to jump in & drive, I am also chuffed the next M3/M4 will be available with a manual I thought it would be DCT only.
The DCT is awesome & certainly suits the high revving V8 & if you like an auto you will love the DCT, it's been said many times before both options are very enjoyable its just your own personal preference, I took the mrs's TT-S out for a hoon the other day & that's a twin clutch obviously a different beast but I miss the third pedal virtually straight away & get bored of the paddles aswell.
What I do like about a twin clutch is if you just want to relax they are great as its just so easy to jump in & drive, I am also chuffed the next M3/M4 will be available with a manual I thought it would be DCT only.
ArsE92 said:
Cheers Chaps.
Do you find that your pedals feel a bit 'offset'? When I sat in the manual one my feet didn't feel right, but that could just be because I'm not used to using my left foot.
You are right they are offset but I have just got used to it tbh, take both options out & see what you think, one thing I know you will love is the engine it's the centrepiece of the car...it's epic! Do you find that your pedals feel a bit 'offset'? When I sat in the manual one my feet didn't feel right, but that could just be because I'm not used to using my left foot.
cerb4.5lee said:
ArsE92 said:
Cheers Chaps.
Do you find that your pedals feel a bit 'offset'? When I sat in the manual one my feet didn't feel right, but that could just be because I'm not used to using my left foot.
You are right they are offset but I have just got used to it tbh, take both options out & see what you think, one thing I know you will love is the engine it's the centrepiece of the car...it's epic! Do you find that your pedals feel a bit 'offset'? When I sat in the manual one my feet didn't feel right, but that could just be because I'm not used to using my left foot.
AndrewO said:
Sounds like DCT is for you.
I tend to drive in two modes, effortless auto (D1) around town or Mmode.
If I had a 10 car garage, everything in there would be manuals. As an everyday car I want an auto.
The DCT would help with my wife too. She loves driving the auto 335, so the DCT M3 would get her on-side.I tend to drive in two modes, effortless auto (D1) around town or Mmode.
If I had a 10 car garage, everything in there would be manuals. As an everyday car I want an auto.
The search shall continue...
Thanks...
I have DCT and really like it. Much better than an XKR I had with paddle auto. I had lots of manual sports cars in the last few years (4 TVRs, 911, Exige S and Caterham) and do not miss it.
My wife also likes it which means she will do some motorway miles on holiday and drive me back from the pub, win, win.
Try both as advised.
My wife also likes it which means she will do some motorway miles on holiday and drive me back from the pub, win, win.
Try both as advised.
SBN said:
Is the manual a slick manual unlike the e46 variety which was a lottery when going from 1st to 2nd?
The BMW manuals I have had (all e46) have been jumpy kangaroo like unless your really thinking about the clutch pedal action. This became quite tiresome over long distances!
I hated the gearbox in my Z4M for the same reason you just couldn't shift from 1st to 2nd quickly without the painful slam, the gearbox in the E9x M3 isn't perfect by any means but it's far improved imo & you can deliver quick changes between 1st to 2nd without worrying that you will leave the gearbox on the road behind you! The BMW manuals I have had (all e46) have been jumpy kangaroo like unless your really thinking about the clutch pedal action. This became quite tiresome over long distances!
It's just the long throw on the M3 that takes a little getting used to but some swap the gearknob to eradicate this, I still love my manual M3 & wouldn't want the car without it, I will enjoy three pedals for as long as bmw offer them...which won't be for much longer I would imagine.
I have a manual, and I think it's a pretty good unit. My particular car can be a bit stubborn shifting from 1st to 2nd while the gearbox is cold, but it soon loosens up. I also like the floor hinged accelerator pedal - makes it much easier for me to heel and toe!
I've been considering whether I might eventually swap it for a DCT - I did test drive an M3 with DCT, and it was excellent! Seemless shifts, and as the others have said, pretty competent in Auto mode too. I think the DCT would make it slightly easier to enjoy the full ability of the car, seeing as it develops peak power just 100rpm before the limiter comes in! But then again, it adds to the challenge of driving the manual.
I should add that my M3 is NOT my daily driver!
I've been considering whether I might eventually swap it for a DCT - I did test drive an M3 with DCT, and it was excellent! Seemless shifts, and as the others have said, pretty competent in Auto mode too. I think the DCT would make it slightly easier to enjoy the full ability of the car, seeing as it develops peak power just 100rpm before the limiter comes in! But then again, it adds to the challenge of driving the manual.
I should add that my M3 is NOT my daily driver!
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