DCT Thoughts

[SohoE93]

Promise not to beat a dead horse here...

I'm in the market for an E93. I am leaning towards a 6MT since I enjoy a manual, but test drove a DCT and thought it was incredible. I was initially concerned about long term issues (mostly fear mongered paranoia), then saw many used replacement units on ebay can be had for about $2k..at that price plus labor I could stomach a replacement if it died..and it seems like the DCT E93 cars are dime dozen here in florida vs one with a 6MT. I feel like I'll be waiting forever for the right car to hit the market.

Back to the DCT - has anyone replaced their unit recently? I've read about every post on this forum on the DCT and it seems if a replacement occurred, it happened within the first 25k miles. These tranny's have been in service for almost a decade now and seem like solid units that will possibly outlast the engine?

Thoughts?

[shimmy23]

The DCT is reliable. If anything I’ve read more issues with the 6mt.

If your first choice is a 6mt, hold out for one and broaden your search to outside your state

[Helmsman]

The M-DCT is bulletproof except for the fluid leak. Nothing that kills the unit but needs to be sorted which is a pretty sum depending on where it leaks. Easy to check once car is on the lift, simply lose the cover.

[BOOF-M3]

Originally Posted by Helmsman

The M-DCT is bulletproof except for the fluid leak. Nothing that kills the unit but needs to be sorted which is a pretty sum depending on where it leaks. Easy to check once car is on the lift, simply lose the cover.

I believe you were correct in the OP that the issues typically happened early on. Of my two cars I think one of them had the gaskets replaced early on but I can't recall which car it was. It obviously doesn't mean that they can't leak again at 125,000 miles. But as Helmsman stated, this is typically what will happen IF something does happen.

[buddalun]

As others have stated, the DCT is a bit leak prone.

In more detail, the oil pan (plastic) and corresponding gasket leak on nearly all E9X M3 DCT units. This is a straight forward fix as it is on the bottom of the unit and easy to access.

The gasket on the side of the DCT mechatronics unit also fails (this gasket is for the stamped sheet metal side panel). This typically requires removing the transmission and can be a little costly (labor, parts are pretty cheap).

Both gaskets failed on both of my E9X M3s.

I recommend looking at the SSP Viton gasket kit. I have been running the kit for a few thousand miles with a couple DEs, and no leaks. We'll see how it does long-term. I also replaced all filters (2) and fluid when the DCT was out.

Outside of these minor concerns, the transmission is FANTASTIC, IMO. However, the GTS DCT tune is a must for overall smoothness and quicker shifts. Alex at Alpine can help for a great price.

[buddalun]

Here you can see the mechatronics unit (stamped sheet metal) and gasket:

[buddalun]

Here is the typical "weeping" or "soaked" DCT plastic oil pan and gasket on the bottom of the DCT:

[Rainer M]

Originally Posted by buddalun

Here is the typical "weeping" or "soaked" DCT mechatronics cover and gasket on the bottom of the DCT:

Actually the side cover is the mechatronics unit.
That's the metal cover.

The "plastic" cover on the bottom is the oil pan.

For the side cover the trans needs to be lowered and that's more expensive.

For the oil pan there is a "set" including a filter as far as I know and pretty straight forward.
Except for the filling of the trans oil. For this the bmw software is required.

some people report after the oil pan was changed that it started leaking again.
I wonder if this is because the mechanic didn't follow the instructions on how to tighten the screws on the oil pan.
Judging by my experience with so called factory trained mechanics.

There is a sequence that needs to be followed.
I wonder how many bmw mechanics are actually doing this.

I would rather bring my car to someone who cares about the work performed.

The dct is wonderful to drive.
This shouldn't hold anyone back of getting one.

I drove only manuals except for a 535 years back.
I like my dct better then manual at this point.

It all depends I guess on the traffic you are driving in.
For me my manual in the San Francisco Bay Area was killing me.
With the dct I can relax again 😎 and shift if I want or have too.

[buddalun]

Originally Posted by Rainer M

Actually the side cover is the mechatronics unit.
That's the metal cover.

The "plastic" cover on the bottom is the oil pan.

For the side cover the trans needs to be lowered and that's more expensive.

For the oil pan there is a "set" including a filter as far as I know and pretty straight forward.

Fixed!

Yes, the oil pan (plastic) and gasket are sold together from BMW. I used the new plastic oil pan from this kit, but used the SSP Viton gasket and SS hardware. No filter came with this.

Are you referring to the kit that is assembled by ECS?

[Rainer M]

Originally Posted by buddalun

Fixed!

Yes, the oil pan (plastic) and gasket are sold together from BMW. I used the new plastic oil pan from this kit, but used the SSP Viton gasket and SS hardware. No filter came with this.

Are you referring to the kit that is assembled by ECS?

I thought I read somewhere that BMW has instructions on what to do when the pan leaks (or the DCT). Some kind of tsb.
I believed it included one of the the two filters that are in the dct.
Perhaps someone has the number for it.

I could be wrong.

[Ab28]

I will preface this with saying I'm a manual guy through and through.

The E9x platform is better suited to the DCT. (still subjective, i know)

As far as reliability goes, I rarely see a thread about DCT failures. Not saying they don't happen though.

A reference point- my '08 with only 32k miles had a leaking pan. It's not an expensive fix and as mentioned, access is easy.

[BOOF-M3]

Originally Posted by lat77

I will preface this with saying I'm a manual guy through and through.

The E9x platform is better suited to the DCT. (still subjective, i know)

As far as reliability goes, I rarely see a thread about DCT failures. Not saying they don't happen though.

A reference point- my '08 with only 32k miles had a leaking pan. It's not an expensive fix and as mentioned, access is easy.

A perfect and to the point summary Iat77. I miss the heck out of driving a manual. And especially when I see others driving one. But then I remember how quick and fun it is to drive and I forget all about it. Dealer has to reset my computer when doing the air bag and battery cable recalls so I have been without my Alex@alpine GTS DCT tune for a few weeks now. I have noticed that she doesn't shift as well as with the tune, so it will be nice to get the tune again in the coming days. Hey Soho, being that you are somewhat on the fence with which tranny to buy, you could probably look for the perfect M3 in regard to pricing, body style, options and mods. And whichever transmission it happens to have then go with the flow. You will not be disappointed in either one. Just my .02. We are all aware of what it is like looking for that perfect M3. Enjoy the experience as it is almost as much fun as actually owning and driving one. You are asking all of the right questions which is a good sign. Can't wait until you find that perfect car and post some pics.

[Redd]

Had manuals all my life. Have an M3 DCT and I don't miss the 3rd pedal. Like someone above said, the M3 and S65 V8 is better suited to the DCT.

Based on all my research, the DCT is probably more reliable mechanically than 6MT. Just watch out for the fluid leaks and change your fluid every 20k miles.

[tooloud10]

I've been a manual guy my whole life but don't regret getting the DCT in my E93 for even a second. It's exactly as advertised.

I am sometimes concerned about how I can feel the clutch slipping, especially in reverse or when I pull up the incline out of my garage after just starting the car. I know the DCT itself is pretty bulletproof, but what about the clutches? I never seem to see anything about replacing them. Am I worried about nothing?

[SYT_Shadow]

There are some ongoing gasket leaks with the DCTs that have not been solved, but it isn't anything too terrible either.

The DCT is quite extraordinary. I have one DCT and another 6MT and both are special in their own right.

When I buy an E93 it'll be 6MT for sure. So many more opportunities for awesomeness with a 6MT than a DCT!

[SYT_Shadow]

Originally Posted by lat77

The E9x platform is better suited to the DCT. (still subjective, i know)


A reference point- my '08 with only 32k miles had a leaking pan. It's not an expensive fix and as mentioned, access is easy.

I've heard that story about 'being better suited...' since the E46M. Now I hear the same crap about the F8X

The leaking pans are not cheap fixes. There are three pans. If you need to drop the tranny to fix the seal I guarantee you it will not be any kind of cheap fix. Especially when there is no proven seal solution and people have replaced theirs to have it leaking again 20k miles later

[Ab28]

Originally Posted by SYT_Shadow

I've heard that story about 'being better suited...' since the E46M. Now I hear the same crap about the F8X

The leaking pans are not cheap fixes. There are three pans. If you need to drop the tranny to fix the seal I guarantee you it will not be any kind of cheap fix. Especially when there is no proven seal solution and people have replaced theirs to have it leaking again 20k miles later

I was only referring to the main plastic pan and the gasket that come as a set.

I paid $246 for the parts and ~$175 for the fluid.

That's why I said "not expensive" instead of "cheap"

All relative I guess. Maintanence is still that of a 70-85k car.
In the grand scheme of M tax pricing I didn't think it was bad.

And in regards to the E46, I think the manual is the only way to go.

[SYT_Shadow]

Originally Posted by lat77

I was only referring to the main plastic pan and the gasket that come as a set.

I paid $246 for the parts and ~$175 for the fluid.

That's why I said "not expensive" instead of "cheap"

All relative I guess. Maintanence is still that of a 70-85k car.
In the grand scheme of M tax pricing I didn't think it was bad.

And in regards to the E46, I think the manual is the only way to go.

Agreed, what I mean is that the bottom gasket is not expensive. The other two are a mess to replace and they also fail.

[Ab28]

Originally Posted by SYT_Shadow

Agreed, what I mean is that the bottom gasket is not expensive. The other two are a mess to replace and they also fail.

Yep, that's what i thought you meant.

How prone are the others to leaking/seeping compared to the bottom one?

[SYT_Shadow]

Originally Posted by lat77

Yep, that's what i thought you meant.

How prone are the others to leaking/seeping compared to the bottom one?

Unfortunately they fail the same way as the bottom one

It remains to be seen if the Viton gaskets from SSP fix this for good, but even if they do it's still a tranny removal.

This didn't stop me from buying a DCT car but I want the OP to make an informed decision

[SohoE93]

Honestly, a 6MT car is so rare to find in good condition with the options I want...I was concerned I would hate the DCT, it turned out to be an extraordinary experience with regards to how the S65 works in concert with the dual clutches. It's reassuring to hear that the DCT is a great option. Regarding leaks of all types of fluids, as a BMW owner, it's just something you learn to live with (unfortunately).

[Prefontaine]

I’ve owned both (E92 M3 manual, now E90 DCT).

I swore I’d always drive a manual.

I like the DCT better. It’s so easy to access high RPMs on demand to enjoy the thrill of driving this car, then rapidly shift back to 7th so your gas mileage isn’t *that* atrocious.

Although shifting was fun in the 6MT (as it is in any manual), I was constantly frustrated by the car. I’d have to downshift to 2nd to have fun at reasonable speeds. So downshifting from 5/6th to 2nd constantly. Not a huge deal, just a pretty significant rev match.

3rd was geared too tall. You’d hit over 90 when back in the upper RPMs.

All just my opinion of course. YMMV.