M3 with DCT: Any Good?

[Great Pretender]

Folks,

As above; just a quick query on whether the M3 with DCT is worth getting excited about or should one stick to the manual?

Experiences would be appreciated.

[J-P]

Depends what you want. DCT is very good - manual is a bit notchy when cold. I have a manual because I wanted a manual car but can understand why some might opt for DCT.

You need to drive them both and then make an informed decision on what works for you.

[astonfan09]

Short answer: No.


Long answer:
If you aren't too good with the clutch, if setting track times are your thing, or you are concerned with re-sale value, get the DCT.
Otherwise, whether it's in traffic jams, on the open roads, taking the car for a quick spin for some groceries or just for the fun of it, the manual is the way to go... and it's cheaper as well. I picked the DCT and hate it.

Alternatively, you could always get a manual version, and swap out all the components with me to get a DCT. I'll be more than willing

[Great Pretender]

So it's st then?

This will be why the dealers are offering very attractive deals on duly fitted cars, but yet the manual isn't available thus

And yes, I love my clutch, consider driving a manual smoothly to be an art form and therefore hate the idea of a robot doing it for me. Badly.

Edited by Great Pretender on Monday 7th September 17:32

[mercGLowner]

Short answer : YES....

I drove one and absolutely loved it, it suits the car and the engine. Go for it.

[pjv997]

If you like manuals I don't think the dct will keep you happy once the initial novelty has worn off. I have a manual and think it is brilliant.

[-Z-]

The manual is good but still a little notchy and has that slightly hollow feel to it that all modern manual bm's have. Still not as good as the utterly amazing box in my old Type-R.

[Daz4m]

-Z- said:

The manual is good but still a little notchy and has that slightly hollow feel to it that all modern manual bm's have. Still not as good as the utterly amazing box in my old Type-R.

I know what you mean the Type R box is amazing but you have to remember the BMW box has to handle a lot more power and torque so it will never be as smooth.

[130R]

The manual, if you have the choice always the manual.

[astonfan09]

The DCT is quite a novelty when you get it, but it wears off after about a week or so.

If you don't quite like the way the clutch acts on the BMW, remove the clutch delay valve. It sharpened things a whole lot for me on my old E46 (for which I wisely chose a manual then)

[Schermerhorn]

It's not the same as SMG if that's what you're thinking. It is much much better.

[DeltaHedge]

Schermerhorn said:

It's not the same as SMG if that's what you're thinking. It is much much better.

I've lampooned most F1/SMG transmissions on here in the past, from M5 to Scuderia and 599, but this week bought an M3 DCT as a daily driver. First impressions are great, and I even like the gearbox - ok its not as involving as a great manual (how many of those are there around with short positive action) - but with DCT BMW have killed all the old prejudices about SMG/F1 boxes in my eyes. The Ferrari California has an equally impressive DCT transmission, and presume this is the way they'll all go....so if as said above its nothing like the dreadful SMG, give it a go....

[waremark]

Great Pretender said:

I ...... consider driving a manual smoothly to be an art form and therefore hate the idea of a robot doing it for me. Badly.

Me too. That's why I hated SMG, and had a manual E46 M3. But the DCT does it brilliantly, and the E92 M3 clutch/gearbox is not particularly special, so I am delighted I bought my current car with DCT. But I have to admit that I do take every opportunity to get my hands on cars with manuals.