DCT - does it need an oil change?

[TyrannosauRoss Lex]

Can't seem to find anything concrete RE DCT oil changes - are they "sealed for life"? From what I gather they seem to be pretty robust units.

Car in question is a 2011 M3.

Many thanks.

[helix402]

Here you go:

https://www.redish-motorsport.com/E90E92E93M3S65V8...

[TyrannosauRoss Lex]

helix402 said:

Here you go:

https://www.redish-motorsport.com/E90E92E93M3S65V8...

Thanks for that. My car is going to my indy soon for the rod bearings to be done. I'll get them to inspect the gearbox and make a judgement call from there. It shifts quickly and is very smooth, so I have no reason to believe it has any such fault.

[E-bmw]

Whether it has a problem or not doesn't really mean anything when you are talking about "preventative maintenance", hence the name.

At that mileage I would say a fluid/filter change would be a good call.

BTW "sealed for life" means the life of the fluid not the gearbox.

[TyrannosauRoss Lex]

E-bmw said:

Whether it has a problem or not doesn't really mean anything when you are talking about "preventative maintenance", hence the name.

At that mileage I would say a fluid/filter change would be a good call.

BTW "sealed for life" means the life of the fluid not the gearbox.

I have emailed my indy when it goes to have the rod bearings and engine mounts done. It appears my old gearbox specialist is no longer in business. I guess the guy retired. There is a local specialist but their reviews online are not fantastic. Hopefully it is something my indy can do - and it can be done at the same time as the rod bearings and engine mounts.

That'll be an expensive day

Edited by TyrannosauRoss Lex on Sunday 5th March 13:25

[VeeTenM]

https://forums.m3cutters.co.uk/threads/dct-mainten...

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

Edited by VeeTenM on Sunday 5th March 13:53

[TyrannosauRoss Lex]

VeeTenM said:

https://forums.m3cutters.co.uk/threads/dct-mainten...

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

Edited by VeeTenM on Sunday 5th March 13:53

Thank you. I have decided I will get it done. I would be surprised if my indy cannot do it. I've asked them if they'd have time to do it when they have it for the rod bearings. I have also asked if they're available whether they could move the date forward.

[E90_M3Ross]

So yesterday I collected the car, having had a lot done (like, a lot!) including the DCT service. I can say that I thought the gearbox was very smooth before but I did notice an extremely light "lumpiness" under very light throttle when cold in reverse. That has now totally gone. After spending £2800 on the car that's the only tangible difference

So yes, I'd say it's worth getting the DCT serviced. Car is on 85k miles, 2011 car. It is a fantastic gearbox in my opinion and I don't regret not going for a manual one bit.

[cerb4.5lee]

E90_M3Ross said:

So yesterday I collected the car, having had a lot done (like, a lot!) including the DCT service. I can say that I thought the gearbox was very smooth before but I did notice an extremely light "lumpiness" under very light throttle when cold in reverse. That has now totally gone. After spending £2800 on the car that's the only tangible difference

So yes, I'd say it's worth getting the DCT serviced. Car is on 85k miles, 2011 car. It is a fantastic gearbox in my opinion and I don't regret not going for a manual one bit.

I bet your wallet feels lighter now bud for sure!


I'm completely with you as well Ross. Having spent years slating the DCT and preferring the manual...however now I've spent 2 years and 17k miles with the DCT...I just love it too!

[E90_M3Ross]

cerb4.5lee said:

E90_M3Ross said:

So yesterday I collected the car, having had a lot done (like, a lot!) including the DCT service. I can say that I thought the gearbox was very smooth before but I did notice an extremely light "lumpiness" under very light throttle when cold in reverse. That has now totally gone. After spending £2800 on the car that's the only tangible difference

So yes, I'd say it's worth getting the DCT serviced. Car is on 85k miles, 2011 car. It is a fantastic gearbox in my opinion and I don't regret not going for a manual one bit.

I bet your wallet feels lighter now bud for sure!


I'm completely with you as well Ross. Having spent years slating the DCT and preferring the manual...however now I've spent 2 years and 17k miles with the DCT...I just love it too!

Yep, the bank balance has taken a hit the last 2 months Peace of mind, however. Having seen the rod bearings, they absolutely did not need doing, but you just never know, that's the problem.