DCT bouncing off the line

[Tango_3]

Hi guys this is my first post!

I recently upgraded from a F33 440i Auto to an F82 M4 DCT thinking there couldn't be too much difference in how they drive except performance, how wrong I was!

I'm loving the car but one thing that keeps occurring is if I'm trying to move off at speed from a standstill the car kind of hops and bounces, it's a similar feeling to when a new driver is getting used to the clutch pedal and you end up with "Kangaroo Fuel".

My assumption is it's driver error and I need to get used to how the DCT works but I wanted to check with more seasoned owners that there wasn't something more sinister at play.

For reference I use these drive settings

Engine: Sport
Drivelogic: D2
Suspension: Sport
Steering: Sport
DSC: MDM

Many thanks!

[ellipsis212]

Search this one up. A very common question for new owners with an easy solution.

[HotRodM4]

For me, it was keeping my right foot/heel in one spot and not moving around in the driver seat.

[AlmondJayRoM3]

Originally Posted by Tango_3

I'm loving the car but one thing that keeps occurring is if I'm trying to move off at speed from a standstill the car kind of hops and bounces, it's a similar feeling to when a new driver is getting used to the clutch pedal and you end up with "Kangaroo Fuel".

You’re pretty much spot on with this one. The DCT is a manual transmission at its core and relies on the computer to control clutch take up. This requires you to be more mindful of your right foot. If you are in normal daily-drive conditions, feather the throttle for a quick moment while clutch is engaging them smoothly accelerate away. Pressing too hard on the gas off the line will only cause the car to dump the clutch and if you lift off for any reason the engine is going to “brake” your car because the Dct isn’t going to disengage the clutch, resulting in the car bucking (bouncing). A normal automatic isn’t going to do this at low speeds because the torque converter is literally a fluid connection between engine and transmission.

[MethodRR]

+1 to the above. You would be amazed at how much the car will buck if your foot isn't smooth and progressive. (Under acceleration/launch conditions it's easy for you to move around in the seat changing the throttle position in/out unintentionally)

[Deano123]

I got my M4 Comp in November and was convinced something was wrong. Took me a short while to adapt and that little tap of the accelerator before moving off makes all the difference.

The opposite works just as well when i smash the accelerator at the lights because some idiot in a Yaris GR is bouncing off his rev limiter

Love the car and so impressed with the whole set up.

[RugbyBro]

It’s your throttle input - your foot is hitting the accelerator with inconsistent pressure. It can happen if your foot isn’t used to the acceleration of this platform.

Also, treat the first tap of the accelerator like engaging a clutch because that’s exactly what it’s doing.

[Tango_3]

All great advice and already bringing improvements on how I drive her!

[spidy512]

Howdy!

Good to hear you are getting used to it. It is certainly a feature of these cars, but once you get it down, it is fun to put the power down.

FWIW, this car is not a stoplight race queen. I get owned by Prius' and (insert electric/hybrid SUV of choice) all the time. But I am not really trying either, as to get power down on public roads is just dumb. These cars have too much torque and power to be racing on the street. Anyway, I am sure you get what I am saying...

Also, I have found driving around town, Efficient works best. In fact I find Efficient is the best setting to really be able to feather the gas and feel I have more consistant control in any situation. Sport and Sport+ require lots of attention to detail when it comes to throttle control.

If you like the noise the car makes in S/S+, there are a multitude of ways to keep them open (code, unplug, etc.). I coded mine on, but found on my commute it got annoying.

Congrats on the new ride!

josh

[FrozenGT]

First off, make sure you have some good tires on the car. If you are still on PSS upgrade to PS4S.. also why are you driving around in sport mode DCT 2??… also what year? Are you standard M4 or a comp? Only time I have issues getting off the line in my 2020 comp is when my tires are very cold or it’s wet outside. Never drive off with cold tires on a M car in sport for engagement. Also start off in efficiency for your engine settings..

[EezyBeezy]

Just a matter of time to get used to the gas pedal, but every once and a while the kangaroo will surprise bounce on you lol.

Got the GTS Performance Flash for my wife's F80 from Bimmer-Remote for about a year now and the kangaroo hasn't popped up since.