DCT Transmission reliability

tvmendoza · 01-14-2015, 01:23 PM

Hello All,

I did a small search but I tend to find just older posts when the DCT was brand new. Now a few years later what do you guys think and what is your experience with the DCT ? I am debating between the manual and the auto.

I already drove the auto and I like it enough where I would not miss the manual and my wife will be able to drive it. I also found a 135i 2011 with 75k miles that has a low price(because of millage) but I am hesitant because of the DCT.

Other than that, anything else I should check or I should be aware in the 2011?
By the way I did read the High millage thread I believe this is a little more specific.
Thanks in advance
Tona

e36addict · 01-14-2015, 01:45 PM

78k on mine and no problems thus far. I've seen several that will leak from the mechatronic sleeve (electrical connection) at the top of the trans that requires removal to re-seal.. Other than leaks though haven't really seen any serious mechanical issues. It's been a great trans for me and I highly recommend it.

fcman · 01-14-2015, 01:54 PM

I don't have anywhere near that many miles but my DCT has been perfect so far. No issues whatsoever. 2011 with 41k miles, built before 9/13

Esteban · 01-14-2015, 02:28 PM

No issues with mine either and loving every minute of it.

Some people have had some software issues with the DCT. Idle fluctuation, lurching forward at stops, lag, etc. Just something to consider.

http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1033690

e36addict · 01-14-2015, 04:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EvenEsteban

No issues with mine either and loving every minute of it.

Some people have had some software issues with the DCT. Idle fluctuation, lurching forward at stops, lag, etc. Just something to consider.

http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1033690

Definitely DCT related, but the lurching/lagging issues were related to DME software, not the transmission.

Esteban · 01-14-2015, 04:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EvenEsteban

No issues with mine either and loving every minute of it.

Some people have had some software issues with the DCT. Idle fluctuation, lurching forward at stops, lag, etc. Just something to consider.

http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1033690

Quote:

Originally Posted by e36addict

Definitely DCT related, but the lurching/lagging issues were related to DME software, not the transmission.

That's what I said. "Software issues."

3002 tii · 01-14-2015, 05:19 PM

Mine has been great. Yes there are moments where it feels slightly laggy but I have to say disconnecting the battery made a big difference in terms of throttle adaptations.

I babied the car for the first 1500 miles during the break-in period, I’m talking hitting D7 at 40mph. But once break-in was over, unless I put in Manual or Sport mode, the trans still felt sluggish despite also having the latest software flash. Fast forward few months and I was doing some audio work. Disconnected the battery, and upon finishing the install and reconnecting the battery, I immediately noticed how much peppier the car felt in regular D mode. Maybe worth a shot for anyone who feels the DCT is still “laggy”

Pyrat 2 · 01-14-2015, 05:48 PM

Works fine. No issues. Less than 15k miles though but including some significant track time.

Overpar56 · 01-14-2015, 07:36 PM

The way I figured was the DCT would hold up in an M3 it should in a 135. The thing is so damn smart BMW probably put in all kinds of software circuit breakers in it that would keep it from grenading.

houtan · 01-15-2015, 10:12 AM

Im at 39K Miles, FBO with E40, DCT has been great! I did get the latest SW update as others have mentioned even though it was shifting fine prior to the update, and it is still great.

As others have mentioned, I had an oil leak from the mechatronics unit that was fixed under warranty. however, the only reason why it was fixed is because I was underneath the car and noticed the leak. Was surprising since I just got the car back from the dealership after an oil change. Even though the history of the car may not show a leak, don't expect the dealer to point something out, it would be best to look for yourself. Keep in mind the bottom of the car has an underpanel that would need to be removed to do a thorough inspection.

other than that, I would get a history print out of the car from the dealership.

tvmendoza · 01-15-2015, 10:14 AM

So other than that what else should I check?
They do not have the fuel pump problem do they? I am not sure how good is carfax finding everything they did but anything I should concern from this history?

http://www.carfax.com/VehicleHistory...UC9C52BVM11052

dtla1 · 01-15-2015, 10:46 AM

Maybe it's just me but the car being imported from China to Miami Florida seems odd, especially since it was sold in CA. Usually they come in through Port Hueneme?Just something odd. Also, I would have a pre-sale inspection done at a BMW dealer, looks like they did it at a Honda dealer, not to say that Honda Techs don't know what they're doing, they just don't know where to look as well as BMW techs that work on these cars day in and day out do.

e36addict · 01-15-2015, 11:34 AM

Checked the VIN, nothing crazy has been done under warranty. Last claim was at 62k for the battery cable recall. Everything else was just maintenance and warped front rotors replaced at 24k.

tvmendoza · 01-15-2015, 02:50 PM

Awesome! Is that good or bad lol?

Is good because the car has been doing good? But it could be bad if there is something that should have been done under warranty no?

By the way I appreciate the input!

Tona

tvmendoza · 01-15-2015, 04:01 PM

I just called my closest BMW dealer and they told me they don't do pre-purchase inspections, is that normal?

However, I found a local shop that does the job for $250 According to him they look at everything from paint to suspension to run diagnostics etc. He said it takes them 3-4 hours to do it.
If it really takes them that long it seems fair no?

Overpar56 · 01-15-2015, 06:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tvmendoza

I just called my closest BMW dealer and they told me they don't do pre-purchase inspections, is that normal?

However, I found a local shop that does the job for $250 According to him they look at everything from paint to suspension to run diagnostics etc. He said it takes them 3-4 hours to do it.
If it really takes them that long it seems fair no?

Sounds fair if they do everything they said they'd do.

01-14-2015, 01:23 PM	#1
tvmendoza Private 13 Rep 86 Posts Drives: 2011 135i Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Bothell iTrader: (1)	DCT Transmission reliability Hello All, I did a small search but I tend to find just older posts when the DCT was brand new. Now a few years later what do you guys think and what is your experience with the DCT ? I am debating between the manual and the auto. I already drove the auto and I like it enough where I would not miss the manual and my wife will be able to drive it. I also found a 135i 2011 with 75k miles that has a low price(because of millage) but I am hesitant because of the DCT. Other than that, anything else I should check or I should be aware in the 2011? By the way I did read the High millage thread I believe this is a little more specific. Thanks in advance Tona Last edited by tvmendoza; 01-14-2015 at 01:32 PM..
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01-14-2015, 01:45 PM	#2
e36addict Captain 137 Rep 952 Posts Drives: 2013 X1 35iX Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Tim @ BMW of Dallas iTrader: (5)	78k on mine and no problems thus far. I've seen several that will leak from the mechatronic sleeve (electrical connection) at the top of the trans that requires removal to re-seal.. Other than leaks though haven't really seen any serious mechanical issues. It's been a great trans for me and I highly recommend it. __________________ 13 X1 35iX, 98 Z3 2.8, 01 M Coupe, 96 Z3 1.9 DASC, 95 318ti, 13 smart fortwo
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01-14-2015, 01:54 PM	#3
fcman Captain 670 Rep 986 Posts Drives: 2023 G87 Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Atlanta, GA iTrader: (0)	I don't have anywhere near that many miles but my DCT has been perfect so far. No issues whatsoever. 2011 with 41k miles, built before 9/13
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01-14-2015, 02:28 PM	#4
Esteban Major General 43615 Rep 7,224 Posts Drives: a slow car fast Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: SoCal iTrader: (0)	No issues with mine either and loving every minute of it. Some people have had some software issues with the DCT. Idle fluctuation, lurching forward at stops, lag, etc. Just something to consider. http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1033690 __________________
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01-14-2015, 05:19 PM	#7
3002 tii Lieutenant General 2282 Rep 12,565 Posts Drives: Z4 M, X5, GX460 Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: CT iTrader: (99) Garage List F15 X5 xDrive35i [8.75] E86 Z4 M [10.00] F10 550i (Retired) [9.17] F25 X3 xDrive35i (R ... [9.43] E82 135is (Retired) [9.50] E85 Z4 M (Retired) [9.41] E90 328i xDrive (Re ... [9.25] E86 Z4 3.0si (Retired) [9.24]	Mine has been great. Yes there are moments where it feels slightly laggy but I have to say disconnecting the battery made a big difference in terms of throttle adaptations. I babied the car for the first 1500 miles during the break-in period, I’m talking hitting D7 at 40mph. But once break-in was over, unless I put in Manual or Sport mode, the trans still felt sluggish despite also having the latest software flash. Fast forward few months and I was doing some audio work. Disconnected the battery, and upon finishing the install and reconnecting the battery, I immediately noticed how much peppier the car felt in regular D mode. Maybe worth a shot for anyone who feels the DCT is still “laggy” __________________ Follow for latest mods
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01-14-2015, 05:48 PM	#8
Pyrat 2 Colonel 1418 Rep 2,560 Posts Drives: Rapidly from A to B Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Chicago 'burbs or TN Smokies iTrader: (3) Garage List 2022 Porsche GT4 [9.64] 2018 Porsche GT3 [9.33] 2007 Z4 M Roadster [8.33] 2020 BMW X1 [0.00]	Works fine. No issues. Less than 15k miles though but including some significant track time. __________________ '07 Z4MR '22 GT4 '18 GT3 '16 GT4, '16 M2, '14 X1, '13 135is, '06 330i, '03 323 Ci, '01 330i, '99 M3 (RIP), '96 318is, some non-BMWs
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01-14-2015, 07:36 PM	#9
Overpar56 Proud AARP member in good standing 28 Rep 635 Posts Drives: Me nuts Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Skyline, Chile iTrader: (0)	The way I figured was the DCT would hold up in an M3 it should in a 135. The thing is so damn smart BMW probably put in all kinds of software circuit breakers in it that would keep it from grenading. __________________ 2012 135i DCT, Lemans Blue/black leather, PPK1, PE, Stoptech Sport rotors and Sport pads, unhealthy crackles and burbles and an aging demonic driver.
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01-15-2015, 10:12 AM	#10
houtan Colonel 707 Rep 2,446 Posts Drives: 2011 135i Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: socal iTrader: (17) Garage List 2011 135i [9.80]	Im at 39K Miles, FBO with E40, DCT has been great! I did get the latest SW update as others have mentioned even though it was shifting fine prior to the update, and it is still great. As others have mentioned, I had an oil leak from the mechatronics unit that was fixed under warranty. however, the only reason why it was fixed is because I was underneath the car and noticed the leak. Was surprising since I just got the car back from the dealership after an oil change. Even though the history of the car may not show a leak, don't expect the dealer to point something out, it would be best to look for yourself. Keep in mind the bottom of the car has an underpanel that would need to be removed to do a thorough inspection. other than that, I would get a history print out of the car from the dealership. __________________ 2011 LMB 135i DCT Pure Turbos Stage 3 (PS3) dyno results for N55 Pure Turbos N55 Stage 2 (PS2) results, reviews, install tips and docs, pictures, etc
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01-15-2015, 10:14 AM	#11
tvmendoza Private 13 Rep 86 Posts Drives: 2011 135i Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Bothell iTrader: (1)	So other than that what else should I check? They do not have the fuel pump problem do they? I am not sure how good is carfax finding everything they did but anything I should concern from this history? http://www.carfax.com/VehicleHistory...UC9C52BVM11052
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01-15-2015, 10:46 AM	#12
dtla1 Colonel 828 Rep 2,232 Posts Drives: 2011 135i, Space Grey Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Silicon Valley iTrader: (2)	Maybe it's just me but the car being imported from China to Miami Florida seems odd, especially since it was sold in CA. Usually they come in through Port Hueneme?Just something odd. Also, I would have a pre-sale inspection done at a BMW dealer, looks like they did it at a Honda dealer, not to say that Honda Techs don't know what they're doing, they just don't know where to look as well as BMW techs that work on these cars day in and day out do.
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01-15-2015, 11:34 AM	#13
e36addict Captain 137 Rep 952 Posts Drives: 2013 X1 35iX Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Tim @ BMW of Dallas iTrader: (5)	Checked the VIN, nothing crazy has been done under warranty. Last claim was at 62k for the battery cable recall. Everything else was just maintenance and warped front rotors replaced at 24k. __________________ 13 X1 35iX, 98 Z3 2.8, 01 M Coupe, 96 Z3 1.9 DASC, 95 318ti, 13 smart fortwo
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01-15-2015, 02:50 PM	#14
tvmendoza Private 13 Rep 86 Posts Drives: 2011 135i Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Bothell iTrader: (1)	Awesome! Is that good or bad lol? Is good because the car has been doing good? But it could be bad if there is something that should have been done under warranty no? By the way I appreciate the input! Tona
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01-15-2015, 04:01 PM	#15
tvmendoza Private 13 Rep 86 Posts Drives: 2011 135i Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Bothell iTrader: (1)	I just called my closest BMW dealer and they told me they don't do pre-purchase inspections, is that normal? However, I found a local shop that does the job for $250 According to him they look at everything from paint to suspension to run diagnostics etc. He said it takes them 3-4 hours to do it. If it really takes them that long it seems fair no? Last edited by tvmendoza; 01-15-2015 at 04:44 PM..
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