[EnI]

Latest info:

Not only DCT is to be featured in 335si (coming to German market in 2007), but BMW are also testing new DCT gearbox in the new M3. And SMG III as well.

Tests results will determine which gearbox will be featured in the new M3: DCT or SMG III. First tests shows very impressive DCT performance. But that's only the begining.

PS: DCT is of course a superior solution to SMG, so BMW want to use it in M cars as well. Therefore they are testing it. The first indications are M3 will get the DCT, and then also new M's will get it when they come out.

[maximinimaus]

Originally Posted by GregA

Don't know.

I was told Leipzig is more possible (just a slight possibility) to see something new from BMW (E92 or 3-door 1-series hatch), since BMW wants to get back to old time promotion: first display car at motor show, followed later by press day, and then sales launch.
There are some ideas to thank the city of Leipzig and its Motor Show with a world premiere: E92, since it will be produced in Leipzig plant. But some are more prone to show 3-door 1er, while I do not know what the BoM (board of management) will decide. As I said many times: they take the decisions about Motor Shows in the last minutes.

Tomorrow BMW AG hold an annual press conference - I'm sure they will also talk about future plans - including this year's launches. Maybe we will told us some kind of schedule.

I'm interested in the concepts cars: BMW have plenty of them ready or in the works - showing them to BMW senior managers around the world. I wonder when the general public will be able to see those cars. Maybe New York will bring something of this kind.

PS: I'm sure they will bring E92 in New York - in BMW VIP lounge for certain.

BMW will only show Z4 M (coupe and Roadster),
Z4 (Coupe and Roadster) and 320SI, nothing else.
I got this from official BMW Germanclub.

[mapezzul]

Originally Posted by maximinimaus

BMW will only show Z4 M (coupe and Roadster),
Z4 (Coupe and Roadster) and 320SI, nothing else.
I got this from official BMW Germanclub.

I will be there for manufacturers day at the NY auto show so I will hopefully get some photos before everyone else does! Just got clearance yesterday as a manufacturing consultant First show I have gotten to go to in a long while..... BMW bring some good stuff please!

[stressdoc]

Mapezzul, you may have to sign certain disclosure agreements. As GregA suggests, the interesting goodies are likely to be in the VIP lounge, or even off-site.

Get some better shots of the Z4 M coupe and we will probably be happy for a while. But dam* the list has been dry for a long time now. It's about time for some good news. I am a patient person, but the seemingly endless delays and pushed-back release dates are annoying.

[RichReg]

Originally Posted by GregA

PS: I'm sure they will bring E92 in New York - in BMW VIP lounge for certain.

I've been to the NY Auto Show several times.

Where is the BMW VIP lounge?????

[ex-poster]

335 / E92 info is out, don't see a mention of DCT... Will we have to wait for the 335si?

[E90Fleet]

Originally Posted by smithrh

335 / E92 info is out, don't see a mention of DCT... Will we have to wait for the 335si?

Not all info is ever given in initial press release, and not all options are usually available at the beginning of production ( just like 2 of the new colors will only be available later.

Hopefually they will be giving us some info on this soon.

[Peanuthead]

Although we might not get the DCT initially, at least there is some consolation in the fact that the Steptronic has an improved torque converter, for faster shifts.

"The new six-speed STEPTRONIC automatic uses an innovative torque converter and enhanced management software to improve shifting responsiveness. The response time of the automatic transmission on the new BMW 3 Series Coupe is down by approximately 40 per cent compared with a conventional automatic transmission".

[ex-poster]

Originally Posted by Peanuthead

The response time of the automatic transmission on the new BMW 3 Series Coupe is down by approximately 40 per cent compared with a conventional automatic transmission".

If it's 40% better than the e90 sedan, that's one thing... If 40% better than "a conventional transmission" then that unfortunately doesn't mean too much.

Still hoping for DCT myself.

Mit paddles!

[ahmpower]

Improved step is consolation? Maybe, but are you gonna buy a step now and change car again for DCT? I am not that rich to be changing 50K car every year, and I sure dont like the idea of buying an automatic, which will be less than a DCT if that comes out. If DCT comes out, and then it will be offered only on more expensive models such as 335si, which will be close to M3 money anyway. BMW doesn't really care about their not-so-rich customers, or what?
Besides, I hope BMW didnt drop DCT plans because this new step is "sooo good".
Sorry for my cynicism, but I'm pissed off with BMW for dropping SMG and offering a so called "sport" auto in its place, and no information about the future of sequential box. I had a Z4 SMG on order, then they dropped SMG and had to put that order on hold. I'm just waiting now, not ordering anything. Very frustrating.

[stressdoc]

DCT would really be most useful on the higher end, sportier models anyway. Most USA 325 buyers, e.g., would probably be just as happy if not happier with step. The 335si looks like the ideal application.

[epiphone3]

BMW F1 is currently developing a transimission that preselects the next gear to make seamless shifts. They call them "seamless shift gearboxes" and Honda F1 already has one. The idea is that if in 2nd gear, the transmission has a secondary shaft or something that has 3rd gear already arranged so when an upshift is called for there some sort of instant shift. Sorry I can't explain it better, but I don't know much about it since F1 is so secretive.

[Peanuthead]

Based on a few quick searches, it seems this new torque converter Step should be fun to drive, especially with the new paddle shifters.
Not sure about most people, but I manually shift automatics about 90% of the time, both upshifts and downshifts.
I drove a manual 535i for 15 years and 187k miles, and don't want
another clutch due to traffic concerns.
My AMG Speedshift is fairly responsive, I expect the 335i to be better
To put things in perspective:

DSG: 8ms up (300-600ms down)
BMW M5/6 SMG III: 60ms
ENZO FXX: 100ms
BMW 335i: 100ms
FERRARI F430: 120ms
BMW M3/5/6 SMG II: 130ms

This is based on a quick google search. Granted all of the other cars in the list DON'T have a torque converter, but if the 335i can shift in the reported 100ms, it should be an excellent transmission, at least until the new SMG M3 gets here.

[E90Fleet]

Originally Posted by Peanuthead

DSG: 8ms up (300-600ms down)

VW/Audi's official docs say 40ms

[lakerz4sho']

lol rofl lmao brb ttyl

[E90Fleet]

Dont worry people. they are still woring on the ZSG

Im hearing wispers of it possibly becomming available with the M Sports pack on the E92 in europe

[ahmpower]

Thanks.. Any info is welcome.

[Mii]

Originally Posted by GregA

Latest info:
Not only DCT is to be featured in 335si (coming to German market in 2007), but BMW are also testing new DCT gearbox in the new M3. And SMG III as well.

Tests results will determine which gearbox will be featured in the new M3: DCT or SMG III. First tests shows very impressive DCT performance. But that's only the begining.

PS: DCT is of course a superior solution to SMG, so BMW want to use it in M cars as well. Therefore they are testing it. The first indications are M3 will get the DCT, and then also new M's will get it when they come out.

This info accurate. Any idea if the 08 model 335i will equip DCT gearbox?

[E90330iS]

Cool! A 7-Speed Double-Clutch Transmission will dominate all the auto trannies and even the VW tranny in the auto market!

[x7original4x]

so i guess this died off.....