6MT or DCT?

[Manbearpigbear]

Originally Posted by Circuit Hunter

Can't be explained, has to be experienced. With that being said the DCT is a tremendous transmission.

Coming from 10+ years experience of driving manuals, I've experienced it enough. You're still paying attention to revs, shifting, just without needing to leave the steering wheel and focusing more on the turns.

[G35POPPEDMYCHERRY]

Originally Posted by Nikolas

For me, it has to do with using all 4 limbs in a more deliberate way of finessing power delivery of the whole package. Paddles are more of an on / off switch closely tied to the steering action, since your hands don't leave the wheel. There's no question DCT is faster. MT is just more engaging in the drive. That to me, makes it more fun.

Building on this....the paddles get old real quick. A clutch is a temperamental bitch that requires finesse. Also I can sound cool in parking lots, increasing the bulge in my pants

[Evren]

DCT is more useful for me

[hinckley]

I think it's great that the MT take-up rate is over 50% on an enthusiasts' forum. Would love to really know what the rate is across all M3/4 buyers, but presumably it's under 20%.

One thing that we'll never get a truthful response to is - Of all the DCT drivers, what percent do not know how to drive a stick? I know only three people under 30 that ever learned.

[jdarwin]

Originally Posted by Manbearpigbear

Can someone please explain to me exactly how driving a manual is 10x more engaging than using paddles on the DCT? Instead of pressing a paddle, you move your foot little and push a lever, woopdidoo, does your pant bulge grow bigger now?

My M3 (and my former M2 for that matter) are weekend cars.. It's a toy to play with. Having a 6MT makes it more enjoyable and engaging for me - I'm not "hating" on the DCT buyer. It's a great choice. The DCT was a blast to drive in the M2. Suited that car perfectly. This will probably be my last M car and "maybe" the last M3 w/ a manual and RWD. Couldn't pass up the opportunity to own one.

[boss2k]

Originally Posted by hinckley

One thing that we'll never get a truthful response to is - Of all the DCT drivers, what percent do not know how to drive a stick? I know only three people under 30 that ever learned.

Great point, i dont think many people know how to drive a manual and hence DCT is the default choice

[captainaudio]

Originally Posted by boss2k

Great point, i dont think many people know how to drive a manual and hence DCT is the default choice

I have driven a wide variety of manuals over the years including track cars with straight cut dog gears and no synchromesh that had to be double clutched, dump trucks with 18 speeds and a variety of cars with three on the tree, four on the tree, and four, five and six on the floor and a three cylinder, two cycle Saab with a four speed on the column and a centrifugal clutch that disengaged when you released the throttle. I am very adept and heel and toe and at double clutching.

I know a number of people, including professional racers who drive DCTs or ATs as daily drivers. I regularly alternate between AT, DCT and MT cars and find each of them engaging and enjoyable.

Many people do not know how to drive an MT because they have never tried or have never had to. It is not that difficult to learn how to do.

[Nikolas]

Originally Posted by Manbearpigbear

Coming from 10+ years experience of driving manuals, I've experienced it enough. You're still paying attention to revs, shifting, just without needing to leave the steering wheel and focusing more on the turns.

I would agree with you here for track use for sure. PDK/DCT, definitely allow you to hone other skills. If it were a track only car, I'd probably go DCT.

[espressoo]

95% of the time spent in my car is sitting in traffic or it's stop-and-go traffic. After a 1 hour+ commute, I'd like to actually be able to walk so DCT is my ideal choice.

If this was a weekend toy, a 6MT would be much more enjoyable. It may not be faster than a DCT but 6MT "feels" faster.

[Manbearpigbear]

Originally Posted by hinckley

I think it's great that the MT take-up rate is over 50% on an enthusiasts' forum. Would love to really know what the rate is across all M3/4 buyers, but presumably it's under 20%.

One thing that we'll never get a truthful response to is - Of all the DCT drivers, what percent do not know how to drive a stick? I know only three people under 30 that ever learned.

Learning how to drive stick takes about 5 minutes today if you're not retarded. It's not hard.

[CanAutM3]

Originally Posted by hinckley

I think it's great that the MT take-up rate is over 50% on an enthusiasts' forum. Would love to really know what the rate is across all M3/4 buyers, but presumably it's under 20%.

One thing that we'll never get a truthful response to is - Of all the DCT drivers, what percent do not know how to drive a stick? I know only three people under 30 that ever learned.

Of all the MT drivers I have ridden with, only a very small proportion actually know how to properly drive a stick

[Nikolas]

Originally Posted by Manbearpigbear

Learning how to drive stick takes about 5 minutes today if you're not retarded. It's not hard.

True, I taught my son and he tested at DMV in a stick. He now H&T's like a champ. That skill takes a little more than 5 minutes, and even then, most don't do it correctly.

The best way to learn heel toe is to do it the old school way with true double clutching. That enforces the process and makes you much smoother. Regardless of synchros not requiring double clutching, using it to learn heel toe enforces the basics.

[SakhirM4]

Originally Posted by CanAutM3

Of all the MT drivers I have ridden with, only a very small proportion actually know how to properly drive a stick

Well it is nice to know that you are such an expert and are so judgemental about others driving skills. I have been driving manual transmissions for 55 years and probably still don't do it properly by your definition, but I enjoy doing it. That, to me, is what counts the most.

[Nikolas]

Originally Posted by SakhirM4

Well it is nice to know that you are such an expert and are so judgemental about others driving skills. I have been driving manual transmissions for 55 years and probably still don't do it properly by your definition, but I enjoy doing it. That, to me, is what counts the most.

Hats off to you still driving MT. I'm 52, and my left knee (from skiing) is starting to show signs of wear. I hope I can do that when I'm older.

[boss2k]

Originally Posted by Manbearpigbear

Learning how to drive stick takes about 5 minutes today if you're not retarded. It's not hard.

Its not that easy either and doesnt make 5 mins, sorry , to be able to drive a stick shift properly and that too a powerful car as M takes some time and finess.

[shortseller]

Originally Posted by Manbearpigbear

Can someone please explain to me exactly how driving a manual is 10x more engaging than using paddles on the DCT? Instead of pressing a paddle, you move your foot little and push a lever, woopdidoo, does your pant bulge grow bigger now?

Yes! .

[JibSTir13]

Originally Posted by SakhirM4

Well it is nice to know that you are such an expert and are so judgemental about others driving skills. I have been driving manual transmissions for 55 years and probably still don't do it properly by your definition, but I enjoy doing it. That, to me, is what counts the most.

This hits the nail on the head regarding the 6MT v. Auto (I mean, DCT) issue.

Drive what you enjoy (or can physically handle), both are great options and have their own pros/cons.

[shortseller]

Originally Posted by JibSTir13

This hits the nail on the head regarding the 6MT v. Auto (I mean, DCT) issue.

Drive what you enjoy (or can physically handle), both are great options and have their own pros/cons.

Absolutely true...but this thread tugs on people’s insecurities for some, so it will go on!

[boss2k]

Originally Posted by Manbearpigbear

Can someone please explain to me exactly how driving a manual is 10x more engaging than using paddles on the DCT? Instead of pressing a paddle, you move your foot little and push a lever, woopdidoo, does your pant bulge grow bigger now?

the fact that u ask this question makes me wonder u dont know how to drive a stick or the joys of driving a MT car, DCT is afterall an automatic transmission, granted its great and faster but still an auto

[JibSTir13]

Originally Posted by shortseller

Absolutely true...but this thread tugs on people’s insecurities for some, so it will go on!

Agreed...and this thread is entertaining...carry on.

[Aaaaaaaaa]

May this thread never die

[Manbearpigbear]

Originally Posted by boss2k

the fact that u ask this question makes me wonder u dont know how to drive a stick or the joys of driving a MT car, DCT is afterall an automatic transmission, granted its great and faster but still an auto

On the contrary. I think it's just making certain people tick because they can't come to term with the fact that driving a manual does not make you special. It's not rocket science.