Discussion
Sorry if this has been done to death.
What are peoples views on DCT? Anyone bought DCT and wish they had gone manual instead? Likewise anyone bought manual and wish they had gone DCT?
I've just sat in an E90 M3 with DCT and thought the driving position and comfort was spot on tbh. I'm just not sure about these auto transmissions - obviously i need to try before i buy, but just curious to hear opinions from those that have.
I reckon i could hoon around in one of these for a year or so
What are peoples views on DCT? Anyone bought DCT and wish they had gone manual instead? Likewise anyone bought manual and wish they had gone DCT?
I've just sat in an E90 M3 with DCT and thought the driving position and comfort was spot on tbh. I'm just not sure about these auto transmissions - obviously i need to try before i buy, but just curious to hear opinions from those that have.
I reckon i could hoon around in one of these for a year or so
I've only driven rather than owned a DCT-equipped M3, but I was quite enamoured with it. Fast, smooth, responsive changes. Never felt awkward. I wouldn't hesitate taking a DCT over a manual (but then I'll do anything to avoid a clutch pedal these days!)
I would take the manual only if you're a real purist or an absolute technophobe.
I would take the manual only if you're a real purist or an absolute technophobe.
Have a 2008 E92 with DCT, have now done 39k miles with it.
The transmission is technically brilliant - instant smooth changes if that is what you want giving you total control of the gears without moving your hands from the wheel. It gives you more choices of when you can fit in the gearchange. In auto mode, it makes good gear choices.
At low speeds and in town it is not as consistently smooth as a good conventional auto, but it is not far off a good auto, and in a completely different (and IMO far far better) world than SMG.
There is some satisfaction in the brilliant way the gear changes; personally I adore full throttle upchanges in the smoothest setting. However, I also miss the challenge and satisfaction of using a conventional manual.
IMO the DCT contributest to how special the car is.
The transmission is technically brilliant - instant smooth changes if that is what you want giving you total control of the gears without moving your hands from the wheel. It gives you more choices of when you can fit in the gearchange. In auto mode, it makes good gear choices.
At low speeds and in town it is not as consistently smooth as a good conventional auto, but it is not far off a good auto, and in a completely different (and IMO far far better) world than SMG.
There is some satisfaction in the brilliant way the gear changes; personally I adore full throttle upchanges in the smoothest setting. However, I also miss the challenge and satisfaction of using a conventional manual.
IMO the DCT contributest to how special the car is.
Thanks for the replies. Glad to hear you are still happy with the DCT waremark. I recently tried the PDK box in a 911 GTS and tbh, i found it a tad soulless. The manual box in the 997's are superb. I have also had a few good blasts (although a couple of years ago - and before i bought the GT3) in my mates 2002 M3 SMG, and i really liked the box - on full dial mind 
I guess i need to try a manual *and* DCT M3.
Keep the views coming
I guess i need to try a manual *and* DCT M3.
Keep the views coming
I have owned manual and SMG E46 M3s and had a manual E92. I have had a DCT E92 for the last 6 weeks or so. First of all I don't think that BMW Ms have the best manual gearboxes. The DCT is in my view way ahead of theE46 SMG. The auto mode is very smooth and useable and when in "manual" mode you get the best of both worlds.
I must admit to a childish delight in the throttle blips on downchanges.
The downside of DCT is I find so far gettingattuned to low speed manouvering without being able to slip the clutch, some foam and cardbooard boxes line the back wall of my garage.
I must admit to a childish delight in the throttle blips on downchanges.
The downside of DCT is I find so far gettingattuned to low speed manouvering without being able to slip the clutch, some foam and cardbooard boxes line the back wall of my garage.
I have an M3 saloon in manual, just coming up for two years.
Had a serious blast as a passenger in friends DCT M3 a week ago. He has just run it in and come from an e60 M5 (he says DCT is night and day compared to SMG). Very impressive, full bore changes are very quick and probably quicker everywhere than an equivalent manual.
But from a personal point of view - DCT just doesn't interest me. I enjoy changing gear, it may be a bit slower, but the manual M3 is plenty fast enough for me.
So no regrets from me for having a manual.
Had a serious blast as a passenger in friends DCT M3 a week ago. He has just run it in and come from an e60 M5 (he says DCT is night and day compared to SMG). Very impressive, full bore changes are very quick and probably quicker everywhere than an equivalent manual.
But from a personal point of view - DCT just doesn't interest me. I enjoy changing gear, it may be a bit slower, but the manual M3 is plenty fast enough for me.
So no regrets from me for having a manual.
jbtco said:
The downside of DCT is I find so far gettingattuned to low speed manouvering without being able to slip the clutch, some foam and cardbooard boxes line the back wall of my garage.
that made me chuckleGood to hear from an owner of both. Like the idea of a few blips too - that is one thing i did like about the PDK box in the 911 - the blips on change-down.. yum yum.
pjv997 - i too like a good manual box and the interaction between driver and machine - so i would certainly try a blast in a manual M3 too, if i decide to go for the BMW.
Am i right in thinking the manual would be the better car on track? I never got to track the GT3 unfortunately, but if i can do so in the M3...
I've had an E90 M3 DCT for 8 months and 8500 miles - I really didn't like the manual gearbox so tried a DCT despite the negatives I'd read about lack of involvement etc.
Initially I was blown away by the technology and flexibility of the box in it's various modes - the blipped downshifts are truly addictive.
Then I kinda went through a cooling off period where the box annoyed me a bit around town with it's occasional confused moments at roundabouts etc - I used to run in Drive mode a lot, I hardly ever do now.
Now that I've 'learned' the box (have a good read on m3post.com about DCT driving techniques) I am absolutely convinced it's the right gearbox for this car and love the extra dimension it adds.
As many have said, the car grows on you as you get to know it over the months, I think DCT is the same. An E9X M3 and DCT is a superb combo - a discreet, comfortable saloon car that does quite brilliant supercar impressions when you want it to.
Initially I was blown away by the technology and flexibility of the box in it's various modes - the blipped downshifts are truly addictive.
Then I kinda went through a cooling off period where the box annoyed me a bit around town with it's occasional confused moments at roundabouts etc - I used to run in Drive mode a lot, I hardly ever do now.
Now that I've 'learned' the box (have a good read on m3post.com about DCT driving techniques) I am absolutely convinced it's the right gearbox for this car and love the extra dimension it adds.
As many have said, the car grows on you as you get to know it over the months, I think DCT is the same. An E9X M3 and DCT is a superb combo - a discreet, comfortable saloon car that does quite brilliant supercar impressions when you want it to.
swanny71 said:
I've had an E90 M3 DCT for 8 months and 8500 miles - I really didn't like the manual gearbox so tried a DCT despite the negatives I'd read about lack of involvement etc.
Initially I was blown away by the technology and flexibility of the box in it's various modes - the blipped downshifts are truly addictive.
Then I kinda went through a cooling off period where the box annoyed me a bit around town with it's occasional confused moments at roundabouts etc - I used to run in Drive mode a lot, I hardly ever do now.
Now that I've 'learned' the box (have a good read on m3post.com about DCT driving techniques) I am absolutely convinced it's the right gearbox for this car and love the extra dimension it adds.
As many have said, the car grows on you as you get to know it over the months, I think DCT is the same. An E9X M3 and DCT is a superb combo - a discreet, comfortable saloon car that does quite brilliant supercar impressions when you want it to.
Excellent Swanny Initially I was blown away by the technology and flexibility of the box in it's various modes - the blipped downshifts are truly addictive.
Then I kinda went through a cooling off period where the box annoyed me a bit around town with it's occasional confused moments at roundabouts etc - I used to run in Drive mode a lot, I hardly ever do now.
Now that I've 'learned' the box (have a good read on m3post.com about DCT driving techniques) I am absolutely convinced it's the right gearbox for this car and love the extra dimension it adds.
As many have said, the car grows on you as you get to know it over the months, I think DCT is the same. An E9X M3 and DCT is a superb combo - a discreet, comfortable saloon car that does quite brilliant supercar impressions when you want it to.
I had a quick scoot around YouTube for reviews and vids of the DCT, and i must admit, it looks impressive and FAST. I'm certainly going to try one once the GT3 has sold.
I notice you have the saloon M3? for some reason, that is what i'm looking at. The coupe is a nice looking car, but the saloon has a certain 'undercover' look to it which i like. Are the residuals on the coupe better than the saloon though - out of interest?
Phooey said:
I notice you have the saloon M3? for some reason, that is what i'm looking at. The coupe is a nice looking car, but the saloon has a certain 'undercover' look to it which i like. Are the residuals on the coupe better than the saloon though - out of interest?
I also love the saloon shape (don't care for the coupe) so was prepared to wait a few months for the right DCT saloon to come along.Residuals depend more on spec (DCT, EDC, 19" etc.) than body shape I think.
Also whether you buy into the usual dealer bulls
t - when buying I was told the saloons are more desirable like for like because there are so few of them and would therefore have to pay closer to the asking price. I'm sure if I were to sell to a dealer thay'd say they are less desirable. Mine might be going soon to raise cash for a house build project - I'll miss it terribly if I do need to trade down.
Owned my DCT E92 for a month now,
Ive never driven SMG or a Manual M3 so my view might not be worth much
However, i honestly think that when low speed driving in "D" the DCT box is one of the worst autos ive ever driven, it clunks, it thumps, its slow, its dimwitted, and when your parking it in the garage, your constantly going through the windscreen because your always banging the brakes because its trying to throw you through the wall
But
On full attack M-Mode, its a work of art
Summary: Its worth living with the low speed crapness, when you get it on a good B-Road in M-Mode, you'll forget about all its bad points
Ive never driven SMG or a Manual M3 so my view might not be worth much
However, i honestly think that when low speed driving in "D" the DCT box is one of the worst autos ive ever driven, it clunks, it thumps, its slow, its dimwitted, and when your parking it in the garage, your constantly going through the windscreen because your always banging the brakes because its trying to throw you through the wall
But
On full attack M-Mode, its a work of art
Summary: Its worth living with the low speed crapness, when you get it on a good B-Road in M-Mode, you'll forget about all its bad points
dele said:
Owned my DCT E92 for a month now,
Ive never driven SMG or a Manual M3 so my view might not be worth much
However, i honestly think that when low speed driving in "D" the DCT box is one of the worst autos ive ever driven, it clunks, it thumps, its slow, its dimwitted, and when your parking it in the garage, your constantly going through the windscreen because your always banging the brakes because its trying to throw you through the wall
But
On full attack M-Mode, its a work of art
Summary: Its worth living with the low speed crapness, when you get it on a good B-Road in M-Mode, you'll forget about all its bad points
I rarely drive in 'D' mode anymore but mine was never that bad.Ive never driven SMG or a Manual M3 so my view might not be worth much
However, i honestly think that when low speed driving in "D" the DCT box is one of the worst autos ive ever driven, it clunks, it thumps, its slow, its dimwitted, and when your parking it in the garage, your constantly going through the windscreen because your always banging the brakes because its trying to throw you through the wall
But
On full attack M-Mode, its a work of art
Summary: Its worth living with the low speed crapness, when you get it on a good B-Road in M-Mode, you'll forget about all its bad points
The car has a low speed creep mode for parking etc.
Put it in D, 1 or R and just touch the accelerator lightly then take your foot off (cover the brake if you like) and it will always slowly and gently move in the desired direction.
dele said:
Owned my DCT E92 for a month now,
Ive never driven SMG or a Manual M3 so my view might not be worth much
However, i honestly think that when low speed driving in "D" the DCT box is one of the worst autos ive ever driven, it clunks, it thumps, its slow, its dimwitted, and when your parking it in the garage, your constantly going through the windscreen because your always banging the brakes because its trying to throw you through the wall
But
On full attack M-Mode, its a work of art
Summary: Its worth living with the low speed crapness, when you get it on a good B-Road in M-Mode, you'll forget about all its bad points
Its worth checking your software version on this as it was a known issue that has been fixed by a deal update.Ive never driven SMG or a Manual M3 so my view might not be worth much
However, i honestly think that when low speed driving in "D" the DCT box is one of the worst autos ive ever driven, it clunks, it thumps, its slow, its dimwitted, and when your parking it in the garage, your constantly going through the windscreen because your always banging the brakes because its trying to throw you through the wall
But
On full attack M-Mode, its a work of art
Summary: Its worth living with the low speed crapness, when you get it on a good B-Road in M-Mode, you'll forget about all its bad points
I have a manual now for over a year and its a great car. It does have a tendency to refuse to engage first gear in traffic but its not all the time.
I may be looking to swap to a DCT as I doa lot of stop start on my comute to work. I had a 996 turbo with a tip box before the M and it got a bit boring hence a swaped for the manual.
Guess Im a little indecisive as now fancy a DCT. Have just picked up an X6 as a second car which is auto to see if a can live without the manual interaction.
Good luck with the purchase they are a fantasic car. Its one that you grow to love. Not everyone gels with them straight away but stick with it and it will amaze you.
Phooey said:
Excellent Swanny
I had a quick scoot around YouTube for reviews and vids of the DCT, and i must admit, it looks impressive and FAST. I'm certainly going to try one once the GT3 has sold.
I notice you have the saloon M3? for some reason, that is what i'm looking at. The coupe is a nice looking car, but the saloon has a certain 'undercover' look to it which i like. Are the residuals on the coupe better than the saloon though - out of interest?
GT3 going? Oh no, that is a very special car...I had a quick scoot around YouTube for reviews and vids of the DCT, and i must admit, it looks impressive and FAST. I'm certainly going to try one once the GT3 has sold.
I notice you have the saloon M3? for some reason, that is what i'm looking at. The coupe is a nice looking car, but the saloon has a certain 'undercover' look to it which i like. Are the residuals on the coupe better than the saloon though - out of interest?
swanny71 said:
I rarely drive in 'D' mode anymore but mine was never that bad.
The car has a low speed creep mode for parking etc.
Put it in D, 1 or R and just touch the accelerator lightly then take your foot off (cover the brake if you like) and it will always slowly and gently move in the desired direction.
Hmmm,The car has a low speed creep mode for parking etc.
Put it in D, 1 or R and just touch the accelerator lightly then take your foot off (cover the brake if you like) and it will always slowly and gently move in the desired direction.
Ill give this a go and see if its any better, as ive only had it a month im sure its user error
Any way i can find out the DCT Software Version? Is it buried in the M-Drive somewhere?
dele said:
Owned my DCT E92 for a month now,
Ive never driven SMG or a Manual M3 so my view might not be worth much
However, i honestly think that when low speed driving in "D" the DCT box is one of the worst autos ive ever driven, it clunks, it thumps, its slow, its dimwitted, and when your parking it in the garage, your constantly going through the windscreen because your always banging the brakes because its trying to throw you through the wall
But
On full attack M-Mode, its a work of art
Summary: Its worth living with the low speed crapness, when you get it on a good B-Road in M-Mode, you'll forget about all its bad points
As already stated, get your firmware updated. Ive never driven SMG or a Manual M3 so my view might not be worth much
However, i honestly think that when low speed driving in "D" the DCT box is one of the worst autos ive ever driven, it clunks, it thumps, its slow, its dimwitted, and when your parking it in the garage, your constantly going through the windscreen because your always banging the brakes because its trying to throw you through the wall
But
On full attack M-Mode, its a work of art
Summary: Its worth living with the low speed crapness, when you get it on a good B-Road in M-Mode, you'll forget about all its bad points
The DCT box is absolutely brilliant with the latest firmware. I have regular use of one and seriously, it's the most impressive box I have ever used. Light years ahead of my both my old E46 SMG and my current E60 M5 SMG.
Just look at the price of used manuals v DCT models and you will see quite a price gap.
The DCT box is tremendous.....I'd never buy an M3 without one (manual M-boxes are not the best.....I find them irritating!)
The SMGIII on the E60 is fabulous too, in a bit of a rawer way.
I'm not sure DCT is better at all than SMG, just different....maybe better for those who can't use SMG smoothly?
I think it comes down to personal taste!
The SMGIII on the E60 is fabulous too, in a bit of a rawer way.
I'm not sure DCT is better at all than SMG, just different....maybe better for those who can't use SMG smoothly?
I think it comes down to personal taste!
Well, lots of positive and valued views from drivers who know, and have the DCT box. Really appreciate the comments - thanks.
There is no substitute for trying the car in person admittedly - which i must do, but one thing you lot have told me - is the DCT is very much in demand and well rated overall. Interesting to hear of the firmware updates too. Her indoors would probably want to drive the car as well, so could do without the her going through the garage wall tooooooo often
There is no substitute for trying the car in person admittedly - which i must do, but one thing you lot have told me - is the DCT is very much in demand and well rated overall. Interesting to hear of the firmware updates too. Her indoors would probably want to drive the car as well, so could do without the her going through the garage wall tooooooo often
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