DCT vs. manual

[maniac]

In Holland the DCT transmission is offered for 1800 euros which is quit cheap, because BMW mostly offers the automatic transmissions for around 3500 euros. The DCT transmission looks like an obvious choice, with it's faster acceleration times and lower fuel comsumption. But is it really? Isn't it too much of perfection and wouldn't the manual be more fun? The only difference you will see with the acceleration time is when you will line up for a traffic light and then you are still faster than 99% of the cars (in Holland the average engine size is a 1.6 I think.) And who cares about the fuel comsuption when you are buying a twin turbo 6-cilinder?
So what do you guys think/prefer?

[Rubber Ducky]

Key question: how rugged is it? To rephrase: will it take the added torque of a tuned engine?

The steptronic now in use is pretty bombproof and handles 420 lb-ft from a tuned N54 with Dinan firmware. Will the E89 DCT?

My buying decision hinges on this. Yes: buy E89. No: buy Corvette.

Anyone have info?

[JJ_Wonderboy]

Isn't the DCT basically a cutdown version of the one found in the M3? If so then it should be able to handle the extra torque. Bear in mind that the 335 also has a DCT option (probably very similar, or the same, as the one found in the new Z4) so I'd be interested to see if anyone has experience with tuning a DCT-based 335.

[TomT]

In my opinion it depends for what purpose you buy the car.

If it's a daily ride -> DCT
If it's a weekend ride -> DCT or manual

If you like to use the clutch while shifting, or if you're a fan of heel-toe while shifting down, than I would say: buy a manual. If not: DCT

[Rubber Ducky]

Originally Posted by JJ_Wonderboy

Isn't the DCT basically a cutdown version of the one found in the M3? If so then it should be able to handle the extra torque. Bear in mind that the 335 also has a DCT option (probably very similar, or the same, as the one found in the new Z4) so I'd be interested to see if anyone has experience with tuning a DCT-based 335.

M3 = 295 ft-lbs torque. N54 engine = 300 ft-lbs. N54 engine with Dinan firmware = ~420 ft-lbs.

M3 is not a good analog for the torque environment in a tuned 1-/3-/5-series or new Z4 with N54.

[JJ_Wonderboy]

Originally Posted by Rubber Ducky

M3 = 295 ft-lbs torque. N54 engine = 300 ft-lbs. N54 engine with Dinan firmware = ~420 ft-lbs.

M3 is not a good analog for the torque environment in a tuned 1-/3-/5-series or new Z4 with N54.

Good point. Should have checked the stats first. Still, I've been looking into this a bit and found the following on wikipedia:

"In January 2008 BMW introduced a double clutch transmission on their M3 model, manufactured by Getrag and dubbed M DCT (M Dual Clutch Transmission). The same transmission is to be used in the upcoming redesigned Z4 (the Sdrive35i version)[15].
For 2009 models, DCT is an option on the 335i. This is a $1600 option over the manual transmission. The transmission is said to be able to hold 500 NM of torque."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Twin-clutch_gearbox

[Rubber Ducky]

Good find. That equals about 370 lb-ft. The Dinan firmware puts out a fair bit more than that, so maybe no Dinan firmware with the DCT in the Z4.

Tie-breaker would be Dinan keeping their matching-warranty ('same as BMW's') and specifying that it would apply to a broken DCT if excess torque were involved - can't see them doing that, though.

[zEdP]

Isn't it too much of perfection and wouldn't the manual be more fun?

I'm also thinking of choosing the DCT option. For me the fun factor and comfort is important. I'm not into heel-toe; I have tried to learn it...

So any of you who own or have owned a car equipped with a double clutch system:

• Would you buy it again?
• Or manual is the way to go?

Thanks...

Ed

[yabbanoname]

Originally Posted by zEdP

I'm also thinking of choosing the DCT option. For me the fun factor and comfort is important. I'm not into heel-toe; I have tried to learn it...

So any of you who own or have owned a car equipped with a double clutch system:

• Would you buy it again?
• Or manual is the way to go?

Thanks...

Ed

Buy the DCT, who needs the manual clutch ? (if it is good enough for a Veyron, why not for a Beamer (okay, the tranny in a Veyron costs about $300.000)

Here a famous movie about Colin McRae Left Foot brake lessons (see him use his clutch ? (I don't):

[Silververtu]

Originally Posted by yabbanoname

Buy the DCT, who needs the manual clutch ? (if it is good enough for a Veyron, why not for a Beamer (okay, the tranny in a Veyron costs about $300.000)

Here a famous movie about Colin McRae Left Foot brake lessons (see him use his clutch ? (I don't):

If i don't remember wrong, they only need to use clutch to get into R and 1st gear. Once it's in 1st gear, they don't need to clutch to go up or down shift.

[TomT]

Originally Posted by Silververtu

If i don't remember wrong, they only need to use clutch to get into R and 1st gear. Once it's in 1st gear, they don't need to clutch to go up or down shift.

Jep, that's correct.

The reason why i would buy a manual gearbox: