Wednesday 30th May 2007

Seven speeds for new M3

M3 gets new 'DSG style' transmission

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Seven speeds for new M3

The new BMW M3 will be available with a seven-speed double clutch gearbox similar to VW’s DSG technology, according to Autocar.

The magazine is quoting from a document released to BMW dealers ahead of the official launch.

The new gearbox will apparently be branded M DCT and will be available from March next year. It has been developed exclusively for BMW by the Getrag Company.

A double clutch system should offer quicker and smoother shifts over BMW’s previous automated gear change system – SMG – that’s still used on the V10 powered M cars. However, it remains to be seen whether it will offer enough interaction and driver reward for real M car fans. A manual gearbox option will still be available.

Similar versions of the M DCT ‘box are expected to appear on the 3 and 5 series models in the future.

Related stories:

http://www.pistonheads.com/news/default.asp?storyId=16104

http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/news/default.asp?storyId=16061

 

[edb49]

How old is this news? The brochure and spec sheet have been floating around for months.

[Vodka Margarine]

Seem to recall a PH member had dreadfull reliabilty problems with the SMG in his M5 (E60). Hopefully this one should be better.

One thing I have noticed about the 3 series coupe is that it's not photogenic (IMO). Looks alot better in the flesh.

[kingb]

there really throwing everything they have at this one

sounds like its gonna be awsome

[PompeyM3]

Really want to see this in the flesh, saving my pennies in case it's love at first sight as it was with my current M3.

Never had any problems with my SMG gearbox, always been a plasure to drive.

[scotty_917]

case of another M product becoming a bit too 'playstation'...isn't the person behind the wheel supposed to drive the car rather than vice-versa???

[PPPPPP]

scotty_917 said:

..isn't the person behind the wheel supposed to drive the car rather than vice-versa???

That will be the 1st m3 - The E30 M3 - simply the best.

[scotty_917]

PPPPPP said:

scotty_917 said:

..isn't the person behind the wheel supposed to drive the car rather than vice-versa???

That will be the 1st m3 - The E30 M3 - simply the best.

Agreed....

[Hunttheshunt]

scotty_917 said:

PPPPPP said:

scotty_917 said:

..isn't the person behind the wheel supposed to drive the car rather than vice-versa???

That will be the 1st m3 - The E30 M3 - simply the best.

Agreed....

Ironic you should post, seeing as Porsche argue they were the first with a DSG type box............on the 917 of all things!.

Can't say I agree though, driven most M cars over the years as the latest are just as involving if not more so, CSL anyone!

[David M5]

Got to agree still great drivers cars but i do wish mine at least had the choice of a manual, when really going for it (trackdays) feels like its trying to rip the engine of its mounts!!

[scotty_917]

Hunttheshunt said:

Ironic you should post, seeing as Porsche argue they were the first with a DSG type box............on the 917 of all things!.

The PDK gearbox was developed for the 956/962 Le Mans conqueror's....Porsche didn't have the money in the late 80's/early 90's to develop it for a road application!...though they will offer it on the 2008MY 997!

Edited by scotty_917 on Wednesday 30th May 13:36

[David M5]

You've got to get the 997 in manual trust me it does take some of the fun out of it! They are a bit slow when you need to change down quickly ie in a manual you can go straight to the gear you want instead of going through the whole box!!

[pSyCoSiS]

scotty_917 said:

PPPPPP said:

scotty_917 said:

..isn't the person behind the wheel supposed to drive the car rather than vice-versa???

That will be the 1st m3 - The E30 M3 - simply the best.

Agreed....

E30 M3 - One of the best looking and most driver-oriented cars that BMW have ever made.

A motoring icon, which has helped make BMW's Motorsport Division the legends that they are today.

[sprinter885]

7 speed DSG again- . yeh yeh yeh...

[john_r]

M3 in action...

http://www.brightcove.com/title.jsp?title=75458927...

[Mista_V]

Jeez and how much is a new one of those out of warranty?!

[Road_Terrorist]

I dont see any reason to whine, a manual gearbox is still available, and the DSG means there wont be an autobox for the posers, so at least those buying secondhand won't be plauged by hordes of lame duck auto models, like all those tiptronic 911s and boxsters floating around .

[MK4 Slowride]

Proper car, carbon fibre roof as well as 7 speed box & all the usual BMW trimmings. Any gearbox can go wrong even an SMG, also any true petrolhead will appreciate the SMG gearbox for it's programability to suit your style. I notice that they have only slightly altered the almost perfect 19's from the E46. I'm confident that this M3 will again like the rest of them maintain it's position on the podium as the No1.

[rimmer]

i cant see why you would want a dsg 'box on a sports car as it takes away some of the enjoyment of driving it, i can only see the advantages on a track where it would be able to shift quicker than a manual.

Edited by rimmer on Wednesday 30th May 17:49

[Polarbert]

MK4 Slowride said:

also any true petrolhead will appreciate the SMG gearbox for it's programability to suit your style.

Not me.

[Mr Whippy]

Polarbert said:

MK4 Slowride said:

also any true petrolhead will appreciate the SMG gearbox for it's programability to suit your style.

Not me.

Me neither.

Great if you get paid to set the quickest laps, ie, are an F1 driver, or a super keen track enthusiast.

Not quite sure where it fits in for satisfaction on the road. I'd prefer to go slower and shuffle gears myself and throw myself a heavier workload at the same time, than simply take away workload for the advantage of going quicker, when a 400bhp M3 is probably already loosing your lisence ambling along!

Yes reducing workload is nice, but it's boring when the most fun on the road is gained from actually operating the machine well, rather than at the ragged edge of it's performance envelope!

Dave