Has the DCT transmission been reliable so far?

MikeeM3 · 01-11-2018, 12:00 PM

After having owned three previous M3's, two manual and one SMG (which I had an issue with at 40k - clutch went out) I'm debating whether I should stick to a manual F80 or go with the DCT

DCT owners how's your experience so far? Do you fear expensive repairs due to failure at higher mileage?

Thanks

AustinGelbM4 · 01-11-2018, 12:07 PM

ZERO issues. No DCT remorse here. Glad I got it. No fear going forward.

CanAutM3 · 01-11-2018, 12:10 PM

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.

RickFLM4 · 01-11-2018, 12:30 PM

No issues so far.

M_DRlVER · 01-11-2018, 12:45 PM

This isn’t the old SMG transmission. The DCT is leaps and bounds ahead of it.

MikeeM3 · 01-11-2018, 12:54 PM

With the added power of downpipe + tune will the DCT still perform well and be reliable?

guess2098 · 01-11-2018, 01:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeeM3

With the added power of downpipe + tune will the DCT still perform well and be reliable?

With GTS TCU tune, you will be fine up to 700hp.

///My5UV · 01-11-2018, 01:01 PM

Downpipe and tune won't add so much power that you need to worry. I've been a manual transmission guy for life but this latest DCT behaves exactly like I expect and it's changed my mind about "automatics".

Fast4d · 01-11-2018, 01:53 PM

this is my first 'auto shift' transmission.

no regrets at all.

jmg · 01-11-2018, 03:32 PM

The DCT is exceptional. No issues with mine. Such a great piece of engineering.

uniqueMR · 01-11-2018, 03:34 PM

Never had any issue on E92 and F82 DCTs. And SMG was dropped back in 2006 by BMW.

Egrunt · 01-11-2018, 07:21 PM

No issues with the DCT and I took delivery of my F80 in July of 2014.

CanAutM3 · 01-11-2018, 08:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by uniqueMR

And SMG was dropped back in 2006 by BMW.

SMG (V3) went on until 2010...

PhilH · 01-11-2018, 08:31 PM

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.

hlothery · 01-12-2018, 07:54 AM

24K miles and love my DCT. Also love this discussion. I learn so much from you guys! Really appreciate it.

swifty · 01-12-2018, 08:45 AM

I know a few guys that had the oil leaking from their tranny in the e92.

However all of us have sold our cars so not sure what happened afterwards or if that is symptom of more serious matter.

Poiseuille · 01-12-2018, 10:02 AM

just passed two years and no issues of any kind.

///My5UV · 01-12-2018, 10:04 AM

I wonder if the DCT has a fluid level sensor? Does it track clutch engagement so it can warn when the clutches need replacement or does it just lock up one day?
With a manual, you can tell when the clutch is burnt up or if it's getting harder to shift. The downside (to me) of DCT is that it doesn't give you any real feedback, just an idiot light.
Anyone ever attempt to bump start a DCT? Or will it not go to neutral if the engine isn't running?

Poiseuille · 01-12-2018, 10:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by swifty

I know a few guys that had the oil leaking from their tranny in the e92.

However all of us have sold our cars so not sure what happened afterwards or if that is symptom of more serious matter.

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?

wdskukm3 · 01-12-2018, 11:33 AM

I was debating if I should get a manual F80 after owning three manual cars in the past. I got the DCT because in case the wife needs to drive it she can. But after driving the DCT for sometime now I actually really like it. Fast shifting and easy with the traffic.

SpaceCowboy · 01-12-2018, 04:15 PM

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.

THEROK · 01-12-2018, 04:34 PM

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.

01-11-2018, 12:00 PM	#1
MikeeM3 Lieutenant Colonel 222 Rep 1,632 Posts Drives: 600whp M4 Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: Ottawa iTrader: (0)	Has the DCT transmission been reliable so far? After having owned three previous M3's, two manual and one SMG (which I had an issue with at 40k - clutch went out) I'm debating whether I should stick to a manual F80 or go with the DCT DCT owners how's your experience so far? Do you fear expensive repairs due to failure at higher mileage? Thanks
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01-11-2018, 12:07 PM	#2
AustinGelbM4 Lieutenant 196 Rep 438 Posts Drives: Austin Yellow M4 Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: 30058 iTrader: (0)	ZERO issues. No DCT remorse here. Glad I got it. No fear going forward. __________________ 2016 F82 M4 Austin Yellow \| DCT\| LED\| HUD\| CCB\| CF Roof\| Surround View Done:Gloss Black diffuser\| CP Exhaust Tips\| Black Front Grills\|Eibach Pro\|10mm\|666M
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01-11-2018, 12:10 PM	#3
CanAutM3 General 21115 Rep 20,741 Posts Drives: 2021 911 turbo Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Montreal iTrader: (1) Garage List 2022 Audi RS6 [10.00] 2021 Porsche 911 turbo [10.00]	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. __________________ Porsche 911 turbo 2021 992 GT Silver Previous cars: M4cs 2019 F82 Limerock Grey / M4 2015 F82 Silverstone / M3 2008 E92 Silverstone / M3 2002 E46 Carbon Black
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01-11-2018, 12:30 PM	#4
RickFLM4 Brigadier General 10958 Rep 4,819 Posts Drives: M4 Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: PB County, FL iTrader: (0)	No issues so far. __________________ Current: 2018 SO/SS F83 ZCP Gone: 2015 SO/SO F82
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01-11-2018, 12:45 PM	#5
M_DRlVER Second Lieutenant 178 Rep 215 Posts Drives: 2015 M3 Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: New Jersey iTrader: (0)	This isn’t the old SMG transmission. The DCT is leaps and bounds ahead of it.
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01-11-2018, 12:54 PM	#6
MikeeM3 Lieutenant Colonel 222 Rep 1,632 Posts Drives: 600whp M4 Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: Ottawa iTrader: (0)	With the added power of downpipe + tune will the DCT still perform well and be reliable?
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01-11-2018, 01:01 PM	#8
///My5UV Lurker 78 Rep 812 Posts Drives: YMB F80, SS E90 Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Austin iTrader: (0)	Downpipe and tune won't add so much power that you need to worry. I've been a manual transmission guy for life but this latest DCT behaves exactly like I expect and it's changed my mind about "automatics". __________________
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01-11-2018, 01:53 PM	#9
Fast4d Captain 267 Rep 885 Posts Drives: 325 Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: So cal iTrader: (0)	this is my first 'auto shift' transmission. no regrets at all. __________________ SAFE-GUARD tire/wheel/windshield/paint protection is a FRAUD! do not waste your money!
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01-11-2018, 03:32 PM	#10
jmg Lieutenant General 18659 Rep 14,107 Posts Drives: G82 M4C X-Drive Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Orange County, CA iTrader: (1) Garage List 2022 G82 M4C X-Drive [9.85] 2018 F80 M3 CS [9.87] 2019 i3 BEV [0.00]	The DCT is exceptional. No issues with mine. Such a great piece of engineering. __________________ 2022 G82///M4 Competition X-Drive - KW-HAS, EBC Bluestuff, Millway Race Camber Plates, Cup2 Connect, PSI High Flow Midpipe, Lightweight Front Lip, M Perf Flow Through Wing Previous • 2018 F80 ///M3 CS • 2016 F80 ///*M3 IG: Raging_G82
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01-11-2018, 03:34 PM	#11
uniqueMR Colonel 1881 Rep 2,923 Posts Drives: ... Join Date: Dec 2017 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	Never had any issue on E92 and F82 DCTs. And SMG was dropped back in 2006 by BMW. __________________ Currently: '24 Mercedes G63 \| '24 Porsche GT3 RS \| '24 Volkswagen GTI Previous BMWs: 340i, 740i, 745Li, M3, M4 Previous Others: Audi, Ducati, Honda, Infiniti, Land Rover, Mercedes-Benz, MINI, Mitsubishi, Porsche, Toyota, Volkswagen
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01-11-2018, 07:21 PM	#12
Egrunt Lieutenant 552 Rep 547 Posts Drives: BMW M5 (F90), Tacoma, GTI Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: San Diego County iTrader: (0)	No issues with the DCT and I took delivery of my F80 in July of 2014.
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01-11-2018, 08:31 PM	#14
PhilH Private First Class 137 Rep 180 Posts Drives: 2018 M550i, 2017 X1 Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Phila, PA iTrader: (0)	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. __________________ Former BMWs: F80 M3, E46 330i, E34 525i
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01-12-2018, 07:54 AM	#15
hlothery Seeking mental floss 482 Rep 806 Posts Drives: 2022 Mercedes EQS 450+ Join Date: May 2016 Location: San Antonio, Tx iTrader: (0)	24K miles and love my DCT. Also love this discussion. I learn so much from you guys! Really appreciate it.
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01-12-2018, 08:45 AM	#16
swifty Colonel 314 Rep 2,448 Posts Drives: F80, Levante & Tesla 100D Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: canada iTrader: (7)	I know a few guys that had the oil leaking from their tranny in the e92. However all of us have sold our cars so not sure what happened afterwards or if that is symptom of more serious matter. __________________ __________________ Current Bimmer: '16 F80 M3, '20 F87 M2c Gone but never forgotten: '13 FO e92 M3, Swifts, volks/advan, Akra Evo, Kics R40 Past: Alpine white e46 323i, Jet Black e39 530, Saph Black e60 530, Space Grey N54 e92 335, Mineral White N55 e92 335
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01-12-2018, 10:02 AM	#17
Poiseuille Brigadier General 5390 Rep 3,737 Posts Drives: 2016 M4 DCT Tanzanite/Amaro Join Date: Oct 2016 Location: Princeton iTrader: (0) Garage List [0.00] [10.00]	just passed two years and no issues of any kind.
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01-12-2018, 10:04 AM	#18
///My5UV Lurker 78 Rep 812 Posts Drives: YMB F80, SS E90 Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Austin iTrader: (0)	I wonder if the DCT has a fluid level sensor? Does it track clutch engagement so it can warn when the clutches need replacement or does it just lock up one day? With a manual, you can tell when the clutch is burnt up or if it's getting harder to shift. The downside (to me) of DCT is that it doesn't give you any real feedback, just an idiot light. Anyone ever attempt to bump start a DCT? Or will it not go to neutral if the engine isn't running? __________________
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01-12-2018, 11:33 AM	#20
wdskukm3 Captain 364 Rep 834 Posts Drives: 2015 F80 M3 and Model P3D Join Date: Oct 2017 Location: Orland Park,IL iTrader: (0)	I was debating if I should get a manual F80 after owning three manual cars in the past. I got the DCT because in case the wife needs to drive it she can. But after driving the DCT for sometime now I actually really like it. Fast shifting and easy with the traffic. __________________ M Forever!!!!
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01-12-2018, 04:15 PM	#21
SpaceCowboy Private 23 Rep 74 Posts Drives: 2016 F80 M3 in white with CS Join Date: Aug 2017 Location: Fort Collins, Co. iTrader: (0)	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.
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01-12-2018, 04:34 PM	#22
THEROK Major 1268 Rep 1,287 Posts Drives: Genesis GV80 Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Gangnam District iTrader: (0)	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. __________________ Dry sump flat six
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