DCT gearbox in 35i

rasputin · 12-12-2009, 07:18 AM

I've been driving my new Z4 since a month already, and having upgraded from a 2003 Z4, everything is great except the responsiveness of the DCT. Many times, I find the DCT delivering the power later than I would have liked. I started to use the car in the "S" gear setting and the sports suspension, which improved it a lot, but it's still a bit far away from the manual gear fun. What do you guys think?

yabbanoname · 12-12-2009, 09:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rasputin

I've been driving my new Z4 since a month already, and having upgraded from a 2003 Z4, everything is great except the responsiveness of the DCT. Many times, I find the DCT delivering the power later than I would have liked. I started to use the car in the "S" gear setting and the sports suspension, which improved it a lot, but it's still a bit far away from the manual gear fun. What do you guys think?

Disappointing ?
not my experience.
S mode ?
You mean Sport or Sport+ modus ?
I always prefered before this DCT manuals (had an high rev S2000 which disliked lazy shifting ;-), but this DCT is certainly NOT disappointing for me.
The only part that needs some improovement is the lag when shifting between reverse or drive, but I can live with that ...

rmorin49 · 12-12-2009, 09:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rasputin

I've been driving my new Z4 since a month already, and having upgraded from a 2003 Z4, everything is great except the responsiveness of the DCT. Many times, I find the DCT delivering the power later than I would have liked. I started to use the car in the "S" gear setting and the sports suspension, which improved it a lot, but it's still a bit far away from the manual gear fun. What do you guys think?

I decided to order a 6 speed manual on my Z since I already have one car with a DSG, VW R32, and my 335i was also an automatic. I understand that driving a DCT in a mild manner will cause it to learn and thus not be as responsive as you might desire. Sounds kinda like a woman.

richard in NC · 12-12-2009, 10:12 AM

I use the DCT manual mode and paddles a lot. Simply kick the lever left and forward at the first stop. Throttle response and shift speed are sharpened a bit, hitting the paddles or lever to upshift as you accelerate is more involving, and you can control the shift RPMs just like a 6 spd. Around town, I shift at 2500 RPMs for a nice smooth acceleration. When I get a chance, I let her rev and have have more fun going up thru the gears.

I only hit the sport button when I want to sharpen the handling or need real aggressive acceleration and shifting.

FYI, on a real twisty road, the DCT is far better than a 6 speed manual. You can go thru the gears downshifting for turns and upshifting in the straights for mere seconds far better than any manual.

To me, the DCT is the best transmission I've ever had.

Roadstergal · 12-12-2009, 11:17 AM

I was planning on ordering my car with the DCT and held off placing my order until I could test drive a car that had the DCT tranny. I have always driven manual cars, but thought I was ready for a change. I could tell from my initial test drive that it wasn't for me and I would miss the complete interaction with a manual tranny so I decided to stick with the six speed. I have no regrets, I love it.

flpnout · 12-12-2009, 11:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rasputin

I've been driving my new Z4 since a month already, and having upgraded from a 2003 Z4, everything is great except the responsiveness of the DCT. Many times, I find the DCT delivering the power later than I would have liked. I started to use the car in the "S" gear setting and the sports suspension, which improved it a lot, but it's still a bit far away from the manual gear fun. What do you guys think?

That is exactly what I was talking about to the salesperson and some other threads I have posted based on my experience many times trying to give the DCT a chance prior to making a decision whether to order a manual over DCT. I drove the DCT the first time in the poster color DSB and then went to another dealership thinking the early lag was just because everyone may have test driven the cars roughly, but it was still getting same results. I only liked the idea of having 7 gears vs 6 gears, but I realized I did not want to buy a car based on how may gears (for maybe a little better fuel economy or launch mode). Therefore I decide to stick with a 6 speed manual.

BlueZ4AZ · 12-12-2009, 11:46 AM

The DCT is not disappointing to me at all and the power always seems instantatious.I'm not sure why our experiences are so different.

teagueAMX · 12-12-2009, 12:26 PM

The only way to absolutely avoid missing a shift, and to get shifts timed precisely when you want them is with a MT. If that's your standard then a MT is the only way to go, otherwise the DCT is the way to go for all around driving. One thing to note that the DCT shifts faster than a human can.

Side notes: Porsche anticipates completely phasing out MTs with their new dual clutch PDK. Ferrari isn't offering a MT (yet) with its new 458 Italia, only a dual clutch. Even though everyone rightly raves about the dual clutch transmissions, I think it will be a sad day when they're phased out completely.

Memphis1 · 12-12-2009, 12:36 PM

i'm really surprised to hear some of you guys claiming the DCT is not smooth.

is it possible, that those claiming that it's not smooth, are taking their foot of the accelerator pedal when flipping the paddles?? or for whatever reason "afraid" of driving the car like it's supposed to??

i'll see if i can attach my camera behind my shoulder and show you guys how smooth it really is...

juhap · 12-12-2009, 03:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by teagueAMX

Side notes: Porsche anticipates completely phasing out MTs with their new dual clutch PDK.

This sounded interesting, so I tried to google it, but found only news about Porsche phasing out conventional automatics in favor of PDK. Do you have a source for this?

Memphis1 · 12-12-2009, 05:39 PM

he doesn't need a source... you can see it happening right now... Ferrari only provides MT's IF the client asks, Lamborghini's too, VW/AUDI is on the same boat, the M5, M6, X5M and X6M cars come with flappy paddles... it's just a matter of time before manuals are rare. the new flappy paddle gearboxes are becoming more and more efficient and in sports cars they protect the car from driver error. the technology trickles down from F1 to exotics to sports cars to all cars... just a matter of time.

teagueAMX · 12-12-2009, 06:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by juhap

This sounded interesting, so I tried to google it, but found only news about Porsche phasing out conventional automatics in favor of PDK. Do you have a source for this?

memphis2012 is correct of course, but I recall running across that tidbit in reference to the 2010 911 Turbo PDK. I'll post a link when I find it again.

Jay Zone · 12-12-2009, 06:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rasputin

I've been driving my new Z4 since a month already, and having upgraded from a 2003 Z4, everything is great except the responsiveness of the DCT. Many times, I find the DCT delivering the power later than I would have liked. I started to use the car in the "S" gear setting and the sports suspension, which improved it a lot, but it's still a bit far away from the manual gear fun. What do you guys think?

I was thinking the same thing and agree 100%. I plan on doing a transmission reset after 1500 mile break-in which according to the forums will make the difference.

I've definitely been babying the trans during the break-in.

JZ

rasputin · 12-14-2009, 12:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yabbanoname

Disappointing ?
not my experience.
S mode ?
You mean Sport or Sport+ modus ?
I always prefered before this DCT manuals (had an high rev S2000 which disliked lazy shifting ;-), but this DCT is certainly NOT disappointing for me.
The only part that needs some improovement is the lag when shifting between reverse or drive, but I can live with that ...

I mean the "S" mode in the transmission, when you shift the gear lever to the left.

On the reverse to drive, indeed is the worst, i almost crashed the car behind me on a slope until the car engaged the other day!! it was embarrassing..

rasputin · 12-14-2009, 12:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by memphis2012

i'm really surprised to hear some of you guys claiming the DCT is not smooth.

is it possible, that those claiming that it's not smooth, are taking their foot of the accelerator pedal when flipping the paddles?? or for whatever reason "afraid" of driving the car like it's supposed to??

i'll see if i can attach my camera behind my shoulder and show you guys how smooth it really is...

The lag mostly happens when you are just cruising, and need a sudden speed up. You press the gas pedal, the car thinks about it for a sec, and then finally delivers the power... the lag is much less when you are in the S mode in the transmission and the sports or sports + mode.

rasputin · 12-14-2009, 12:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jay Zone

I was thinking the same thing and agree 100%. I plan on doing a transmission reset after 1500 mile break-in which according to the forums will make the difference.

I've definitely been babying the trans during the break-in.

JZ

Sorry, what is a "transmission reset"? can you send the link in the forums?

Memphis1 · 12-14-2009, 12:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rasputin

The lag mostly happens when you are just cruising, and need a sudden speed up. You press the gas pedal, the car thinks about it for a sec, and then finally delivers the power... the lag is much less when you are in the S mode in the transmission and the sports or sports + mode.

oh, i know what you mean, when it's in auto mode you have to do the whole "kick down" thing, slam the accelerator pedal to the floor so that it realizes you need the power like right now (or downshift). i thought you guys meant it never shifted smoothly.

Memphis1 · 12-14-2009, 12:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rasputin

Sorry, what is a "transmission reset"? can you send the link in the forums?

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=411543

the tranny learns shift points the more you drive, but some people might have "baby" the car the first 1200 or 1500 miles, so now they want to reset and drive normally and let the tranny "relearn".

Memphis1 · 12-14-2009, 12:38 PM

i usually drive in sport mode but with the tranny in D and if i want a little more spirited driving i shift completely into M mode. i've used S mode before but the minute i touch the paddles it changes into M mode, so i've stopped using S mode altogether.

yabbanoname · 12-14-2009, 01:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rasputin

The lag mostly happens when you are just cruising, and need a sudden speed up. You press the gas pedal, the car thinks about it for a sec, and then finally delivers the power... the lag is much less when you are in the S mode in the transmission and the sports or sports + mode.

You can shift whenever you want, if it is in auto or not.
I never put the "shifter" to the left to put it in manual, just drive it in sport/sport + and use the paddles whenever you need them.
This means for me, for corners I use the paddles to shift down (the tranny doesn't know when to shift down itself), and let the shiftups controlled by the DCT (max revs normally).
When you're lazy, it takes the dct about 20 secs to decide that you not wanting the manual, and put bank the norma D transmissions.
I couldn't do it better myself (maybe in a F 458 Italia ;-)

teagueAMX · 12-14-2009, 03:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yabbanoname

. . .maybe in a F 458 Italia ;-)

Thinking about Italian love.

rasputin · 12-14-2009, 03:35 PM

based on your feedback, today I tried shifting down with the paddles before I hit the accelerator pedal. It does work!

Just a habit change I need to get used to, as in the manual transmission, I would already be at the lower gear with my driving style. The "D" mode is usually one or two gears higher than I would have in manual mode, that's the issue...

12-12-2009, 07:18 AM	#1
rasputin Private 8 Rep 80 Posts Drives: BMW Z4 Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Switzerland iTrader: (0)	DCT gearbox in 35i - a bit disappointing? I've been driving my new Z4 since a month already, and having upgraded from a 2003 Z4, everything is great except the responsiveness of the DCT. Many times, I find the DCT delivering the power later than I would have liked. I started to use the car in the "S" gear setting and the sports suspension, which improved it a lot, but it's still a bit far away from the manual gear fun. What do you guys think?
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12-12-2009, 10:12 AM	#4
richard in NC Colonel 1229 Rep 2,602 Posts Drives: 2009 Z4 35i Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Charlotte, NC iTrader: (0)	I use the DCT manual mode and paddles a lot. Simply kick the lever left and forward at the first stop. Throttle response and shift speed are sharpened a bit, hitting the paddles or lever to upshift as you accelerate is more involving, and you can control the shift RPMs just like a 6 spd. Around town, I shift at 2500 RPMs for a nice smooth acceleration. When I get a chance, I let her rev and have have more fun going up thru the gears. I only hit the sport button when I want to sharpen the handling or need real aggressive acceleration and shifting. FYI, on a real twisty road, the DCT is far better than a 6 speed manual. You can go thru the gears downshifting for turns and upshifting in the straights for mere seconds far better than any manual. To me, the DCT is the best transmission I've ever had. __________________ 2020 X3M non-comp, Alpine White over black : Exec Pkg, ventilated M Sport seats, 20"s 2020 M2 Comp, Sunset Orange/Blk: Orange stitching, DCT, exec pkg, bicolor rims Gone '18 M550i, '16 X4 M40i, '15 M5, '13 X3 35i, '12 335is, '11 X5 50i, '09 Z4 35i, '08 550i, 06 X3, 06 650i, '02 M5, '99 540i
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12-12-2009, 11:17 AM	#5
Roadstergal First Lieutenant 27 Rep 360 Posts Drives: 2010 Z4 35i Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: USA - East Coast iTrader: (0)	I was planning on ordering my car with the DCT and held off placing my order until I could test drive a car that had the DCT tranny. I have always driven manual cars, but thought I was ready for a change. I could tell from my initial test drive that it wasn't for me and I would miss the complete interaction with a manual tranny so I decided to stick with the six speed. I have no regrets, I love it. __________________ E89 - 2010 Z4 35i (Orion Silver, Ivory White extended, anthracite trim) E85 - 2006 Z4 3.0i (Monaco Blue, beige leather, Dark Poplar wood trim) E85 - 2003 Z4 2.5 (Sterling Gray, black leather, Sycamore wood trim) E36 - 1998 Z3 2.8 (Red, black leather, wood trim)
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12-12-2009, 11:46 AM	#7
BlueZ4AZ Go SU 33 Rep 902 Posts Drives: 2009 Z4 sDrive35i Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Chandler, AZ iTrader: (0)	The DCT is not disappointing to me at all and the power always seems instantatious.I'm not sure why our experiences are so different. Last edited by BlueZ4AZ; 12-14-2009 at 04:21 PM..
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12-12-2009, 12:26 PM	#8
teagueAMX Colonel 62 Rep 2,087 Posts Drives: Some are road worthy Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: So Cal, USA iTrader: (0)	The only way to absolutely avoid missing a shift, and to get shifts timed precisely when you want them is with a MT. If that's your standard then a MT is the only way to go, otherwise the DCT is the way to go for all around driving. One thing to note that the DCT shifts faster than a human can. Side notes: Porsche anticipates completely phasing out MTs with their new dual clutch PDK. Ferrari isn't offering a MT (yet) with its new 458 Italia, only a dual clutch. Even though everyone rightly raves about the dual clutch transmissions, I think it will be a sad day when they're phased out completely.
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12-12-2009, 12:36 PM	#9
Memphis1 Lieutenant Colonel 91 Rep 1,838 Posts Drives: Z4 SDrive 35i Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: CT iTrader: (0)	i'm really surprised to hear some of you guys claiming the DCT is not smooth. is it possible, that those claiming that it's not smooth, are taking their foot of the accelerator pedal when flipping the paddles?? or for whatever reason "afraid" of driving the car like it's supposed to?? i'll see if i can attach my camera behind my shoulder and show you guys how smooth it really is... __________________
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12-12-2009, 05:39 PM	#11
Memphis1 Lieutenant Colonel 91 Rep 1,838 Posts Drives: Z4 SDrive 35i Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: CT iTrader: (0)	he doesn't need a source... you can see it happening right now... Ferrari only provides MT's IF the client asks, Lamborghini's too, VW/AUDI is on the same boat, the M5, M6, X5M and X6M cars come with flappy paddles... it's just a matter of time before manuals are rare. the new flappy paddle gearboxes are becoming more and more efficient and in sports cars they protect the car from driver error. the technology trickles down from F1 to exotics to sports cars to all cars... just a matter of time. __________________ Last edited by Memphis1; 12-12-2009 at 10:48 PM..
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12-14-2009, 12:38 PM	#19
Memphis1 Lieutenant Colonel 91 Rep 1,838 Posts Drives: Z4 SDrive 35i Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: CT iTrader: (0)	i usually drive in sport mode but with the tranny in D and if i want a little more spirited driving i shift completely into M mode. i've used S mode before but the minute i touch the paddles it changes into M mode, so i've stopped using S mode altogether. __________________
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12-14-2009, 03:35 PM	#22
rasputin Private 8 Rep 80 Posts Drives: BMW Z4 Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Switzerland iTrader: (0)	based on your feedback, today I tried shifting down with the paddles before I hit the accelerator pedal. It does work! Just a habit change I need to get used to, as in the manual transmission, I would already be at the lower gear with my driving style. The "D" mode is usually one or two gears higher than I would have in manual mode, that's the issue...
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