MT => DCT => MT , Anyone?

[solstice]

I know, I know...we already have a thread for MT vs. DCT and it's a subject that has been discussed ad nauseum.

This time I'm just looking for input from people who has gone from MT to DCT and back to MT. What are your thoughts?

I learnt to drive in an MT and drove them exclusively for almost two decades before a couple of ATs and now have my first DCT. At first I thought it was a mistake but I have grown to like the DCT and it's advantages but still miss many aspects of the MT. I'm leaning towards returning to an MT but would like to hear from other MT drivers who has moved to a DCT and back to MT. Was it the right choice for you?

[vAnt826]

I went 335i MT -> 335i AT -> M3 MT.

For me, it was realizing that I drive cars for fun. Thus the speed and efficiency advantages of auto doesn't increase my fun factor.

Another factor for me, was that I don't actually mind driving on hills. My brain takes care of that for me, and I hardly use any thinking when driving in traffic.

[solstice]

Originally Posted by vAnt826

I went 335i MT -> 335i AT -> M3 MT.

For me, it was realizing that I drive cars for fun. Thus the speed and efficiency advantages of auto doesn't increase my fun factor.

Another factor for me, was that I don't actually mind driving on hills. My brain takes care of that for me, and I hardly use any thinking when driving in traffic.

Thanks, I agree with you. I've done the AT -> MT bact to back switch myself many times. When I commuted on a sports bike my wife had an Acura RSX 6-speed and we also had an AT SUV. No doubt the MT IMO is a better choice than a torque converter AT for a smallish sporty car. The DCT however is a very different transmission and a lot more rewarding than a traditional AT. Hopefully someone here has done the DCT to MT switch.

[Brosef]

longtime MT driver, but went for the DCT in the M3. it's just an amazing transmission (completely unlike a conventional automatic), and the e9x's manual transmission was poor coming from a 997 manual. in my mind, the DCT suited the M3's V8 and its high and free revving characteristics perfectly. I'm not sure the DCT will make the same kind of difference in the F80, so I'm probably leaning towards the MT, which will save me 3 grand and the 80 lb weight penalty.

[bmwm3redblack]

I was driving manuals for a long time, and then bought my first SMG-2 on e46 m3( not dct,but) . And i liked the smg it's an alright transmition, but next car i bought 335xi 6sp manual and i'm happy with the car, cause it's more involving,exciting driving manual. However i still hasn't decided which way to with f80, i've got 2 years to decide,cause i don't wanna buy an early car

[CSanto]

DCT in the M3 here, and I'm leaning towards the MT. Supposedly its the 1Ms transmission which is a fantastic MT.
Ive also driven the DCT in the M5 and thats pretty boring.
I say go MT to save 3k/put it towards ceramics, and save the 80lbs in weight. It's a no brainer.

[Ezio]

the problem with me is i think the M4 is going to need everything it can to compete with the competition. which is why i want a 6 speed, but need a DCT ! haha

[richardg]

I am the other way around. I have always had MT but I am highly considering the DCT. I am a little worried about making the switch.

[Bokke]

Originally Posted by richardg

I am the other way around. I have always had MT but I am highly considering the DCT. I am a little worried about making the switch.

I was a 25 year MT guy when I got my 09 E90 M3 and have not look back. If you track your car this is a no brainer. To all those who doubt the extra HP and TQ, my M5 is amazing!!! I will get a new M3 with the DCT without a doubt. If F1 brings back the MT in might pause!

[mxa121]

Just a note, the common theme lately is DCT standard with manual as a no cost option (a no savings option as well)

I am heavily considering a DCT for my first M car...

[Falafel Combo]

Originally Posted by Brosef

longtime MT driver, but went for the DCT in the M3. it's just an amazing transmission (completely unlike a conventional automatic), and the e9x's manual transmission was poor coming from a 997 manual. in my mind, the DCT suited the M3's V8 and its high and free revving characteristics perfectly. I'm not sure the DCT will make the same kind of difference in the F80, so I'm probably leaning towards the MT, which will save me 3 grand and the 80 lb weight penalty.

Never even considered the DCT when shopping for my M3. And I kind of regret that. Agree with your sentiments on the e92 M3 manual. Leaves a lot to be desired and does not suit the s65 IMO.


Will consider the DCT in the f80 when the time comes, but am also leaning towards an MT for the s55. Will definitely try both this time around.

[TTG]

Always had manuals and considering a DCT this time. M3's manual was quite disappointing.

[Needsdecaf]

Originally Posted by mxa121

Just a note, the common theme lately is DCT standard with manual as a no cost option (a no savings option as well)

I am heavily considering a DCT for my first M car...

Not on the M3. Likely to be a cost option.

[Money2536]

Originally Posted by ///M235i

Never even considered the DCT when shopping for my M3. And I kind of regret that. Agree with your sentiments on the e92 M3 manual. Leaves a lot to be desired and does not suit the s65 IMO.


Will consider the DCT in the f80 when the time comes, but am also leaning towards an MT for the s55. Will definitely try both this time around.

I did the same thing. It didn't even cross my mind to get something other than 6MT. I don't know that I regretted get it, but first gear was basically worthless on the E92 M3. It was a major adjustment for me coming from the best manual transmission ever made in the AP2 S2000, but I ended up getting used to the rubbery long throws. Also, with stock 265s on competition package wheels, the car was all over the place. Switching to 295s made a big difference, but the DCT would have still been better suited for the car.

I thought for sure I would end up biting the bullet and getting a DCT on the F80. That was until I saw the power/torque delivery curve and the commentary on the improved transmission. I think it's obvious the ratios will be much taller and first and second gear will be much more forgiving.

[Never Convicted]

When looking for a performance car, I always look for the trans that makes it slower. That's what purists do, and we're better than everyone.

[khanyam4]

Originally Posted by Never Convicted

When looking for a performance car, I always look for the trans that makes it slower. That's what purists do, and we're better than everyone.

Hahahahahs

Btw dct for me

[Sedan_Clan]

Originally Posted by Never Convicted

When looking for a performance car, I always look for the trans that makes it slower. That's what purists do, and we're better than everyone.

Yep! Stay 'connected' regardless of the performance drawbacks (...which at the end of the day don't matter or become apparent unless you track regularly). I still wash my own dishes despite having a dishwasher too.

[BIGW0RM]

Originally Posted by solstice

I know, I know...we already have a thread for MT vs. DCT and it's a subject that has been discussed ad nauseum.

This time I'm just looking for input from people who has gone from MT to DCT and back to MT. What are your thoughts?

I learnt to drive in an MT and drove them exclusively for almost two decades before a couple of ATs and now have my first DCT. At first I thought it was a mistake but I have grown to like the DCT and it's advantages but still miss many aspects of the MT. I'm leaning towards returning to an MT but would like to hear from other MT drivers who has moved to a DCT and back to MT. Was it the right choice for you?

I went from manuals all my life to my first ever BMW (2011 E92 M3 DCT) and was back into a 6MT in less than 2 years. I was woo'd by the DCT rev matches and video game like shifting speed. And for the most part I did enjoy it. But I felt like I was getting bored. I could only down shift so much before to make myself feel like I was doing something.

Anyways, Im back in the 6MT and love it! But I will admit, I do miss the DCT from time to time. But I think thats because the E92 6MT isnt exactly what I would call "perfect".

Overall, Im way happier in the 6MT myself. Now if it was the M5, I would get the DCT. But for a 3 series body, 6MT all the way.


Good luck man!

[Robin_NL]

Originally Posted by ///M235i

Never even considered the DCT when shopping for my M3. And I kind of regret that. Agree with your sentiments on the e92 M3 manual. Leaves a lot to be desired and does not suit the s65 IMO.

This.

I'm an MT freak, but my E90 M3's 6MT had a way too long gearing to appreciate the whole thing engine/tranny imo.

I think DCT suits the NA V8 much and much better(7 gears, shorter gearing)
and I think a MT suits a N54/N55/S55 better(?).

The 1M has a combo I never found in any BMW: superslick manual transmission, very very powerful torquey engine and a mech limited slip diff.

The new M3/M4 will be a blast wether DCT or 6MT. For resale in EU better opt for the DCT...

Cheers
Robin

[nonagon]

Originally Posted by mxa121

Just a note, the common theme lately is DCT standard with manual as a no cost option (a no savings option as well)

I am heavily considering a DCT for my first M car...

So far it appears manual comes standard and DCT will be a $ option. I'm almost certainly going manual but really hope I could test drive each transmission...that might be difficult.

[Falafel Combo]

Originally Posted by ILSMKU

I went from manuals all my life to my first ever BMW (2011 E92 M3 DCT) and was back into a 6MT in less than 2 years. I was woo'd by the DCT rev matches and video game like shifting speed. And for the most part I did enjoy it. But I felt like I was getting bored. I could only down shift so much before to make myself feel like I was doing something.

Anyways, Im back in the 6MT and love it! But I will admit, I do miss the DCT from time to time. But I think thats because the E92 6MT isnt exactly what I would call "perfect".

Overall, Im way happier in the 6MT myself. Now if it was the M5, I would get the DCT. But for a 3 series body, 6MT all the way.


Good luck man!

Reading this makes me feel a little bit better. It sounds like I probably would not have loved the DCT either (although I am still convinced DCT would better suit the s65 nature).


This sounds just like my f30 experience. My first auto BMW ever (did it for the wife and baby, big mistake). Custom order, waited 8 weeks, that whole deal. Anyway, while excellent (and it was nothing short of excellent and in fact I do miss it from time to time), the sport auto transmission (ZF8) in the 335i still could not keep my attention for more than a few months before I put it up for sale. Which is why at the time, I could not even stand the idea of a DCT M3. It's like rebounding from a bad relationship and breakup with the f30, that only an MT could fix. You can imagine now how frustrating it is to switch back to an MT in the e92, only to doubt myself again about the DCT.


You bet I will be driving both before I sign any papers again!

[BMWJ]

will definitely need to drive both - had MT's for past two e92's and keep thinking might be time to try the DCT - but I am worried I'll spend a lot more extra money and be a little bored with the driving experience.