Has the DCT transmission been reliable so far?

[GrussGott]

Originally Posted by THEROK

The only reason why I got the M4 is because I knew I wanted DCT over BMW's rubbery manual action, and the DCT over its two gen lifespan has proven to be a rock solid piece of engineering wizardry worthy of applause. Bravo, BMW.

Being new to DCT and coming from 20K miles worth on the fast upshifting ZF 8 speed box, the real DCT difference maker is the much more responsive downshift. Splitting hairs, the ZF D/auto feel is marginally smoother than DCT in D/efficient.

ZF, eat this L.

DCT, enjoy the W.

huh.

boy I wouldn't call the MT "rubbery", I think it's great, but then I'm on my 3rd DCT so I don't have tons of daily experience.

[CanAutM3]

Originally Posted by SpaceCowboy

I haven't had any particular quality problems with my DCT but I certainly would have gone with the manual in hindsight. This DCT is outstanding in spirited canyon or track driving but it is clunky and not friendly around town and on start up. Also I just read an article in which the BMW executive said that the future will be conventional automatics as the DCT cannot handle the power of some of the M engines. The new M5 is an example of that already as they ditched the DCT in favor of a conventional automatic.

A DCT can handle the power, that's not the real reason BMW went with an AT on the M5. It is all about cost.

This conversation was taken out of this thead by moderators; further discussion on the topic should be continued here: http://g20.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1456357

[FlyingLow78]

Originally Posted by CanAutM3

I had an E92 DCT M3 for 6 years and well over 100 track days with it. Never had a single issue with the DCT. A track buddy of mine bought it and has kept on tracking it over the last 3 years. He hasn’t had any issue with it either.

My M4 DCT has been flawless over the last 3 1/2 year and 60+ track days thus far.

Was the fluid ever changed?

[CanAutM3]

Originally Posted by FlyingLow78

Was the fluid ever changed?

No

[SpaceCowboy]

Originally Posted by CanAutM3

A DCT can handle the power, that's not the real reason BMW went with an AT on the M5. It is all about cost.

This conversation was taken out of this thead by moderators; further discussion on the topic should be continued here: http://g20.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1456357

http://www.thedrive.com/news/9582/bm...-their-way-out

"...according to BMW M’s vice president of sales and marketing, Peter Quintus, they just can't handle the power put out by the highly-tuned engines. Both the DCT and manual gearboxes are starting to become a weak point in the powertrain, and Quintus feels that the answer lies in old-fashioned torque converter automatics."

[Alpine300zhp]

Originally Posted by PhilH

This is my first "automatic" after 30 years of buying ONLY manual cars. Was a total manual snob up until a couple years ago.

Love the DCT and (very strangely) can't even imagine wanting a manual transmission for my next car after having the DCT.

This happened to me when I got my first DCT on my E92 M3. I have a combined 90k miles with two DCT cars and I would not hesitate to get another.

[Alpine300zhp]

Originally Posted by SpaceCowboy

http://www.thedrive.com/news/9582/bm...-their-way-out

"...according to BMW Ms vice president of sales and marketing, Peter Quintus, they just can't handle the power put out by the highly-tuned engines. Both the DCT and manual gearboxes are starting to become a weak point in the powertrain, and Quintus feels that the answer lies in old-fashioned torque converter automatics."

I agree with CanAut. The real reason they are abandoning DCT is cost. There are a few FBO F10 M5's out there pushing north of 700 hp with no issues.

[mmmmQuattro]

Originally Posted by Poiseuille

at a CCA meeting I attended in Montvale last year it was said that the F8X DCT is not the same box as was in the E9X, that instead our DCTs are from the M5. wondered if anyone else has that information?

In my 335, it leaked oil. the box in the 335 was esentially the same as in the M3, without the trans cooler.
it was an issue with the plastic oil sump, which was redesigned before the F8x

[Indiana Jones]

I have to say, living in a big city like Miami, DCT is great option, and for me the best option. It gives you plenty of manual feel, minus the third pedal, which may sound odd, as that's is usually the reason to get manual. It's hard to explain, but you can feel the clutch engage/grab and release. If you're at a light you don't need to stay on the brakes and if you're on a hill you will roll back until you engage the gas/clutch. As a manual driver, I don't feel like I am settling or sacrificing by going to DCT. DCT is a great transmission that performs better than manual...

[THEROK]

Originally Posted by Indiana Jones

I have to say, living in a big city like Miami, DCT is great option, and for me the best option. It gives you plenty of manual feel, minus the third pedal, which may sound odd, as that's is usually the reason to get manual. It's hard to explain, but you can feel the clutch engage/grab and release. If you're at a light you don't need to stay on the brakes and if you're on a hill you will roll back until you engage the gas/clutch. As a manual driver, I don't feel like I am settling or sacrificing by going to DCT. DCT is a great transmission that performs better than manual...

Miami a big city? San Antonio has 3x the population.

I live in LA. This is a big city. I can't imagine driving a manual shift in something so practical as a 3/4 series commuter car in this concrete jungle with third world roads.

But you're right on target about the feel. DCT is the real deal.

[RickFLM4]

Originally Posted by THEROK

Miami a big city? San Antonio has 3x the population.

I live in LA. This is a big city. I can't imagine driving a manual shift in something so practical as a 3/4 series commuter car in this concrete jungle with third world roads.

But you're right on target about the feel. DCT is the real deal.

You looking at Dade County or just city of Miami? The city of Miami is only one of many municipalities in what is considered "Miami". No where near the size of L.A. but no way is San Antonio larger than the Miami metro area. Miami metro is also very spread out L.A. style vs. concentrated NY-style.

[///My5UV]

Originally Posted by THEROK

I live in LA. This is a big city. I can't imagine driving a manual shift in something so practical as a 3/4 series commuter car in this concrete jungle with third world roads.

I drove a 80's mustang with a heavy cable-operated clutch in bumper-to-bumper traffic every day one summer for a co-op job in Dallas/Ft Worth (literally between those two cities) during road construction. By the fall my left leg was noticeably bigger than the right Still love a 6MT but DCT is ready for prime time. Hopefully it won't be the last of its kind in a BMW.

[Indiana Jones]

Miami is a big city, as far as TRAFFIC is concerned...always in or around the Top 5 worst cities for traffic...which is why anyone here should consider DCT.