M3 DCT Lag

[EK993]

I am currently hunting for a new car and the E92 M3 is on the shortlist. I would want the DCT gearbox, however have been reading horror stories on the various BM forums about issues with takeup lag during rolling starts, primarily on this thread:

http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2310...

Difficult to tell from the thread if the issue is still around, and if there is a cure for it.

Has anyone here got an M3 with the DCT box, and how do you find it for day to day driving in Auto mode (eg through town on a commute to the office in the morning).

[andywaterfall]

Never had a problem with mine (an ex-demo), but then before buying I'd read the horror stories too & so asked the dealer to do the latest update before I took delivery. Can't say I noticed anything on the (pre-update) test drives though.

Auto mode is brilliant for tooling in traffic btw

[waremark]

I have a 2008 DCT M3, and I have been a participant in that thread. The thread is about a specific issue, which in the case of my car and most others has been put right by software updates, and which would almost certainly not affect a new car. A small number of people still seem to have related issues, which have not yet been diagnosed, but I don't think this is sufficiently widespread to affect a decision for or against DCT.

Now to respond to your more general question: what is the DCT like to commute through town with? Well, in summary in this role it is OK, unrecognisably better than SMG, but not as good as a good torque converter auto. DCT is superb either auto or sequential on the open road, and unbeatable on track. However, in slow traffic and particularly in stop-start traffic it is not quite as smooth as a torque converter auto. Mine, at least, is a little inconsistent in the way it stops and starts. Starting is generally smooth and snappy, but occasionally it picks up with a bit of a jerk. Stopping, you have to brake to a halt to get the clutch to disengage; and this makes it more difficult to stop smoothly than with a torque converter auto, let alone a manual. This applies whether in auto or sequential mode - I would generally be in auto in town. Manoeuvering into a tight parking space is also slightly more awkward than either either a torque converter auto or a manual.

Overall, I am thrilled by how good DCT is, and I certainly consider it the best transmission for this car, but it is not perfect. Incidentally, I have driven a DCT Z4 35i, and that transmission was set up differently and on the basis of a test drive did seem just about perfect: I have no idea whether it is better because it is newer or because it does not have to cope with as much power. I asked the salesman whether newer M3 DCT's were now like the Z4 or like mine, and he said they were still the same as mine.

[aeropilot]

waremark said:

Incidentally, I have driven a DCT Z4 35i, and that transmission was set up differently and on the basis of a test drive did seem just about perfect: I have no idea whether it is better because it is newer or because it does not have to cope with as much power. I asked the salesman whether newer M3 DCT's were now like the Z4 or like mine, and he said they were still the same as mine.

Yup, M3 will retain the multi-mode version of DCT rather than the 'simpler' normal and sport only modes version in the Z4, 335i and now the 135i.

[waremark]

aeropilot said:

waremark said:

Incidentally, I have driven a DCT Z4 35i, and that transmission was set up differently and on the basis of a test drive did seem just about perfect: I have no idea whether it is better because it is newer or because it does not have to cope with as much power. I asked the salesman whether newer M3 DCT's were now like the Z4 or like mine, and he said they were still the same as mine.

Yup, M3 will retain the multi-mode version of DCT rather than the 'simpler' normal and sport only modes version in the Z4, 335i and now the 135i.

Yes, but the big difference is not in the number of different modes. The Z4 version had creep like an auto, and was smoother at low speeds and in start stop like an auto.

[NIIKME]

I have to say I am starting to find threads like this a little fascinating and strangely curious. I read about drivability issues, lag, wrong gears on approaching roundabouts blah blah blah all prior to my 09 DCT purchase after a quick test drive. 2 months in and having come from an auto 330 the ONLY difference that I find is that it does not roll along gently when you release the brake pedal - you need to give it some gas. Otherwise its a far superior auto with MUCH quicker and smoother gear shifts (which you can also adjust btw).

Perhaps the curiosity comes from the fact that I also read all the same before buying an auto X3 in Dec 2008 to also discover absolutely zero fault, hesitation, or stalling etc.

[waremark]

NIIKME said:

I have to say I am starting to find threads like this a little fascinating and strangely curious.

It would be nice to know if our cars are different or if we perceive them differently! Apparently yours is as smooth as a regular auto in stop start driving, whereas mine is not.

[NIIKME]

waremark said:

NIIKME said:

I have to say I am starting to find threads like this a little fascinating and strangely curious.

It would be nice to know if our cars are different or if we perceive them differently! Apparently yours is as smooth as a regular auto in stop start driving, whereas mine is not.

Totally.. 09 plate w 5k miles on the clock and I cannot fault it. I am often forced to do a stretch down the M3 motorway in the morning which is unfortunately stop start all the way.

[gilford]

After having 2 SMG's and driven a PDK 911 and a DCT E92, you really do have to get used to it

I went for a manual this time for a change, yes I miss the quick upshifts, but as some of you have mentioned I am not missing the juddering at low speeds etc!

Variety is the spice of life as they say, and I am really enjoying stabbing the //M in to 3rd when overtaking, nothing quite like it in my opinion

[Alan Alan Alan]

I have a 08 model too and would agree with Waremark's comments regarding stop-starting and the

audible "thunk" when the DCT disengages can still gives me an ooer.. moment

I also find the "kickdown" in D mode on the laggy side too.

[DrSunshine]

I have a 09 M3 DCT. In answer to the question - the car is fine around town, in fact I would say that this is when the DCT is at its best. However, I found this forum and just registered because I was searching for the "lag" issue with which my car suffers terribly. I did lots of driving in it last week and at one point I would go as far to say that the lag nearly caused an accident as a drifted powerless into an A road junction with fast approaching traffic bearing down. So annoyed I phoned BMW this morning. So.. I guess having read the thread I can expect nothing to happen when they take the car in?