DCT VS MT

631twentyeighteye · 08-19-2013, 09:39 PM

no-fun vs fun. that sums my thoughts up nicely.

Katkarot · 08-20-2013, 12:10 AM

Have the DCT. Awesome transmission but not as involved as the Manual. I would go with manual if I have to do it again. No regrets but just different.

worries · 08-20-2013, 02:43 AM

Previous car was a manual, went with DCT on my 135i. Hawaii is ranked #2 in traffic right behind LA. Needless to say, I'm a lot less stressed out and worn after getting home from work. However, if it didn't have the DCT option I would have gone with a manual regardless - it's real fun for a DD in manual mode and when in traffic I just push it back to D.

Nugget · 08-20-2013, 03:00 AM

IZAGLO · 08-20-2013, 08:26 AM

Alright...i will re-phrase..DCT/ or any automated trans has tremendous value and they are for sure super if your car is a DD and you drive alot or you have traffic issues to deal with...I do not drive much anymore and i avoid traffic area at all cost when out for fun enthusiastic driving....which in my case is local and for the most part spirited hour to 2 hour drives early on a Sunday mornings or early evenings when the roads have very few folks on them..To me this is real street driving going on the twisties and back roads and indeed "M/T shifting through the geares gives me mucho pleasure...where as these same drives with paddles...well lets just say they shift so fast it's almost not like shifting at all...fast indeed but it's like having sex with a condom on.....not quite the same as going bare naked....not the same feeling is it????? But both fun.....

Just kiiding DCT/Autos have there place.

631twentyeighteye · 08-20-2013, 08:28 AM

you pansys need to stop complaining about traffic in a 6mt, its really not a big deal at all. I live on long island and drive to the city all the time, the other day I drove rush hour to JFK airport in my 6MT and it was no problem. oh boo hoo you have to switch gears a little more often, at least it gives me something to do in traffic other than just sitting there wanting to shoot myself.

golf_234 · 08-20-2013, 11:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 631twentyeighteye

you pansys need to stop complaining about traffic in a 6mt, its really not a big deal at all. I live on long island and drive to the city all the time, the other day I drove rush hour to JFK airport in my 6MT and it was no problem. oh boo hoo you have to switch gears a little more often, at least it gives me something to do in traffic other than just sitting there wanting to shoot myself.

+1. I really don't care what anyone says. dct IS an automatic. Pretty much the same level of involvement. Sure it can outperform, maybe if i were tracking a car and wanted to squeeze 1/10s of a second off my times, maybe. Even then. Just can't stand automatic sportscars. Have the auto in my 1 and it is for sale right now. Hope to god this is the last auto I own. Not saying it isn't nice. Just when given the choice.. Sometimes you need to ask yourself, are you more like a Daniel Craig type from casino royale, or a soccer mom.

Fifty3bags · 08-20-2013, 11:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by golf_234

+1. I really don't care what anyone says. dct IS an automatic. Pretty much the same level of involvement. Sure it can outperform, maybe if i were tracking a car and wanted to squeeze 1/10s of a second off my times, maybe. Even then. Just can't stand automatic sportscars. Have the auto in my 1 and it is for sale right now. Hope to god this is the last auto I own. Not saying it isn't nice. Just when given the choice.. Sometimes you need to ask yourself, are you more like a Daniel Craig type from casino royale, or a soccer mom.

I was in the same boat as you. I bought a steptronic with the paddle shifters because it was going to be my daily. But since I sold my fun car for this I couldn't take it anymore, so I traded it in for my 6MT.

FrankieFord · 08-20-2013, 04:07 PM

DCT makes a great daily (traffic) or even track car but I feel nothing beats a 6mt in fun factor and seat of the pants feeling.

3002 tii · 08-20-2013, 04:13 PM

DCT great for daily/commuter but for spirited driving, can't see how anyone can argue DCT over MT. Unless you're doing 1/4 mile runs all day, I'll take MT on a road course anyday. Sure the DCT might be faster but I'm not trying to set any world records lol.

FrankieFord · 08-20-2013, 04:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DSC_OFF

DCT great for daily/commuter but for spirited driving, can't see how anyone can argue DCT over MT. Unless you're doing 1/4 mile runs all day, I'll take MT on a road course anyday. Sure the DCT might be faster but I'm not trying to set any world records lol.

Definitely agree. My uncles has a 911 with PDK which is by far one of the best DCT I've ever been in but it's not as involving as a manual. It's almost so effortless that its boring.

BatteryPowered · 08-21-2013, 10:56 AM

Only manual gives you involvement, no doubt about it. You want to row your gears, get manual.

Unfortunately up until few years ago, the only other real choice was a slushbox (automatic with torque converter). It was historically inferior and slower than manual. I could see why enthusiasts would bash it.

When DCT was introduced it closed the performance gap and got rid of the slushbox stigma. I don't really get all the hate towards it. It's superior gearbox by all counts, except it not being involving. Even that part is arguable, since it responds instantly to manual gear changes, unlike slushboxes with their ridiculous delays.

Been driving with DCT for almost a week, I think of it as "assisted manual" box. It's not as seamless as new ZF 8 speed, but it's not supposed to be in cars like 135 and M3 etc. You can hear loud clunks when it changes gears (like a rally or touring car) and it can be harsh at times, but it's fast and responsive.

tuco44 · 08-21-2013, 11:02 AM

It's superior gearbox by all counts, except it not being involving.

Agreed, and that is the sole point. It's not involving, and for me, that's a large enough issue for me to get rid of it. DCT is clearly better than Step, no issue there.

BEAR-AvHistory · 08-21-2013, 12:42 PM

Define involved. With a DCT in manual S mode the only thing not there is the left pedal.

tuco44 · 08-21-2013, 01:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BEAR-AvHistory

Define involved. With a DCT in manual S mode the only thing not there is the left pedal.

But the left pedal is a huge part of the "involvement". With any auto, and even DCT in S mode, the hand shifters on the steering wheel just don't do it for me. My left leg sits there, useless. The proper matching of left leg action, with right arm movement, and the accompanying "feel" that you get from the car is what it's about for me. I have had many auto trannies, and several DCTs now, and my personal opinion is that Manual tranny is the way I enjoy driving.

Does that answer your question?

ParkNuts · 08-21-2013, 02:59 PM

I have a different angle on the situation. I wanted to get rid of my DCT car after a year of ownership because of a horrendous lag from a slow roll, so I found a manual car 4 hours away to drive and purchase. I get there, test drive the car, and decided it wasn't for me. Soooo glad I didn't get the car because I feel like the DCT is a great match for the N55. No boost drop between shifts and great downshifts. In addition, a software update a couple months later alleviated the slow roll lag which made the car MUCH more enjoyable. My previous car was a Mustang Bullitt with a 5 speed, and a 5.0 GT before that so I am an experienced manual driver. Both were very fun cars. But so is my 1. It's so capable and it is involving in manual mode. The car is still tons of fun without a third pedal and you have a lot of control over the car in manual mode.

BEAR-AvHistory · 08-21-2013, 04:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tuco44

But the left pedal is a huge part of the "involvement". With any auto, and even DCT in S mode, the hand shifters on the steering wheel just don't do it for me. My left leg sits there, useless. The proper matching of left leg action, with right arm movement, and the accompanying "feel" that you get from the car is what it's about for me. I have had many auto trannies, and several DCTs now, and my personal opinion is that Manual tranny is the way I enjoy driving.

Does that answer your question?

No not really. Drove my first manual in 1959, first in competition in 1960 & have had at least one ever since. Really don't think its a big deal. Driven well its all muscle memory that you just do, not think about.

tuco44 · 08-21-2013, 06:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BEAR-AvHistory

No not really. Drove my first manual in 1959, first in competition in 1960 & have had at least one ever since. Really don't think its a big deal. Driven well its all muscle memory that you just do, not think about.

I also learned to drive in the 50s, and have had 17 BMWs of which 13 were manuals. I suppose muscle memory (?) could be part of it, but, in the end, it's all about what you prefer. In a small BMW such as the 135i, I prefer a manual. In a Camry SE that my wife has, I prefer an auto. In any truck, an auto is preferable, except for offroad.

Glad you are happy with your auto, I'm happy with my 6MT; and that should be the end of it. Different strokes, and all that.....

WillisW555 · 08-21-2013, 06:43 PM

My left leg doesn't just sit there. I'm a left foot braker

BEAR-AvHistory · 08-21-2013, 07:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tuco44

I also learned to drive in the 50s, and have had 17 BMWs of which 13 were manuals. I suppose muscle memory (?) could be part of it, but, in the end, it's all about what you prefer. In a small BMW such as the 135i, I prefer a manual. In a Camry SE that my wife has, I prefer an auto. In any truck, an auto is preferable, except for offroad.

Glad you are happy with your auto, I'm happy with my 6MT; and that should be the end of it. Different strokes, and all that.....

Think there is some confusion. The 335is is DCT the 135is is 6MT, the Ranger & Bike are 5MT & the rest are regular AT's. I just find it funny how some think driving an MT is something special...was a time when everything was manual.

yaymitch · 08-21-2013, 08:46 PM

Driving a manual is a 'little' special in today's USA. Only a small % of cars are sold with them anymore in the USA and they are super hard to find, especially in the used market. Anyway, it's just a matter of opinion, no need for justification.

GeeRam · 08-22-2013, 02:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yaymitch

Driving a manual is a 'little' special IN THE USA. Only a small % of cars are sold with them anymore IN THE USA and they are super hard to find, especially in the used market.

Corrected your post for you

08-19-2013, 09:39 PM	#23
631twentyeighteye Colonel 198 Rep 2,239 Posts Drives: 08 335i Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Long island iTrader: (7)	no-fun vs fun. that sums my thoughts up nicely. __________________ 08 e93 335i MT
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08-20-2013, 12:10 AM	#24
Katkarot Private First Class 29 Rep 151 Posts Drives: 2010MDX 2012135i Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Lotusland iTrader: (4)	Have the DCT. Awesome transmission but not as involved as the Manual. I would go with manual if I have to do it again. No regrets but just different.
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08-20-2013, 02:43 AM	#25
worries Private 2 Rep 69 Posts Drives: 2013 135i Jet Black Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Honolulu iTrader: (0) Garage List 2013 BMW 135i [0.00]	Previous car was a manual, went with DCT on my 135i. Hawaii is ranked #2 in traffic right behind LA. Needless to say, I'm a lot less stressed out and worn after getting home from work. However, if it didn't have the DCT option I would have gone with a manual regardless - it's real fun for a DD in manual mode and when in traffic I just push it back to D.
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08-20-2013, 03:00 AM	#26
Nugget Colonel 650 Rep 2,601 Posts Drives: G81 M3 Touring, GR Supra GTS Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Perth iTrader: (2) Garage List 2011 BMW 135i [10.00]
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08-20-2013, 08:26 AM	#27
IZAGLO Mbira 30 Rep 1,011 Posts Drives: Sedonna Red 09 135i SOLD Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Garage cleaning Brake Dust iTrader: (3)	Alright...i will re-phrase..DCT/ or any automated trans has tremendous value and they are for sure super if your car is a DD and you drive alot or you have traffic issues to deal with...I do not drive much anymore and i avoid traffic area at all cost when out for fun enthusiastic driving....which in my case is local and for the most part spirited hour to 2 hour drives early on a Sunday mornings or early evenings when the roads have very few folks on them..To me this is real street driving going on the twisties and back roads and indeed "M/T shifting through the geares gives me mucho pleasure...where as these same drives with paddles...well lets just say they shift so fast it's almost not like shifting at all...fast indeed but it's like having sex with a condom on.....not quite the same as going bare naked....not the same feeling is it????? But both fun..... Just kiiding DCT/Autos have there place. __________________
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08-20-2013, 08:28 AM	#28
631twentyeighteye Colonel 198 Rep 2,239 Posts Drives: 08 335i Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Long island iTrader: (7)	you pansys need to stop complaining about traffic in a 6mt, its really not a big deal at all. I live on long island and drive to the city all the time, the other day I drove rush hour to JFK airport in my 6MT and it was no problem. oh boo hoo you have to switch gears a little more often, at least it gives me something to do in traffic other than just sitting there wanting to shoot myself. __________________ 08 e93 335i MT
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08-20-2013, 04:07 PM	#31
FrankieFord New Member 2 Rep 8 Posts Drives: LeMans Blue 2011 135i M Sport Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Miami iTrader: (0)	DCT makes a great daily (traffic) or even track car but I feel nothing beats a 6mt in fun factor and seat of the pants feeling.
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08-20-2013, 04:13 PM	#32
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) [9.22]	DCT great for daily/commuter but for spirited driving, can't see how anyone can argue DCT over MT. Unless you're doing 1/4 mile runs all day, I'll take MT on a road course anyday. Sure the DCT might be faster but I'm not trying to set any world records lol. __________________ Follow for latest mods
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08-21-2013, 10:56 AM	#34
BatteryPowered Private 9 Rep 73 Posts Drives: Coupe Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: East Coast iTrader: (0)	Only manual gives you involvement, no doubt about it. You want to row your gears, get manual. Unfortunately up until few years ago, the only other real choice was a slushbox (automatic with torque converter). It was historically inferior and slower than manual. I could see why enthusiasts would bash it. When DCT was introduced it closed the performance gap and got rid of the slushbox stigma. I don't really get all the hate towards it. It's superior gearbox by all counts, except it not being involving. Even that part is arguable, since it responds instantly to manual gear changes, unlike slushboxes with their ridiculous delays. Been driving with DCT for almost a week, I think of it as "assisted manual" box. It's not as seamless as new ZF 8 speed, but it's not supposed to be in cars like 135 and M3 etc. You can hear loud clunks when it changes gears (like a rally or touring car) and it can be harsh at times, but it's fast and responsive.
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08-21-2013, 11:02 AM	#35
tuco44 Colonel 644 Rep 2,294 Posts Drives: 2018 340i xDrive M Perf Edtn Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Western Canada iTrader: (0)	It's superior gearbox by all counts, except it not being involving. Agreed, and that is the sole point. It's not involving, and for me, that's a large enough issue for me to get rid of it. DCT is clearly better than Step, no issue there. __________________ 2018 340i xDrive M Perf Edtn Sunset Orange Previous BMWs - 19 others since 1971.
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08-21-2013, 12:42 PM	#36
BEAR-AvHistory 2020 Z4 M40i - 2022 M4C Convt 3127 Rep 5,264 Posts Drives: 2020 Z4 M40i - 2022 M4C Convrt Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Raleigh, NC - OIB, NC iTrader: (0) Garage List 1965 COBRA (FFR rep ... [8.57] 2023 Jeep Wrangler ... [9.50] 2009 Yamaha V-Star [0.00] Cars 2-BMW, 2-FORD, ... [0.00] 2023 Ford Expeditio ... [0.00] 2020 Z4 M40i [10.00] 2022 BMW M4C [7.25] 1998 FORD Ranger 4X4 [0.00]	Define involved. With a DCT in manual S mode the only thing not there is the left pedal. __________________ Kevin Dravit Gray, Black Leather, Moonlight Roof, Red Calipers 2022 M4C - 2020 Z4 M40i - 2023 FORD Expedition XLT Max 4X4 400BHP - 2009 V-Star - 1998 Ranger 4X4 5MT - 1965 Cobra (R) 5MT - 2023 Jeep Wrangler Sport S 6MT
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08-21-2013, 02:59 PM	#38
ParkNuts First Lieutenant 99 Rep 370 Posts Drives: 2021 Tesla Model 3 Performance Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Dallas iTrader: (0)	I have a different angle on the situation. I wanted to get rid of my DCT car after a year of ownership because of a horrendous lag from a slow roll, so I found a manual car 4 hours away to drive and purchase. I get there, test drive the car, and decided it wasn't for me. Soooo glad I didn't get the car because I feel like the DCT is a great match for the N55. No boost drop between shifts and great downshifts. In addition, a software update a couple months later alleviated the slow roll lag which made the car MUCH more enjoyable. My previous car was a Mustang Bullitt with a 5 speed, and a 5.0 GT before that so I am an experienced manual driver. Both were very fun cars. But so is my 1. It's so capable and it is involving in manual mode. The car is still tons of fun without a third pedal and you have a lot of control over the car in manual mode.
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08-21-2013, 06:43 PM	#41
WillisW555 Enlisted Member 0 Rep 34 Posts Drives: 135is Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: South San Francisco iTrader: (0)	My left leg doesn't just sit there. I'm a left foot braker
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08-21-2013, 08:46 PM	#43
yaymitch Major 868 Rep 1,246 Posts Drives: 2020 M2CS & 2022 RSQ8 Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Houston iTrader: (2)	Driving a manual is a 'little' special in today's USA. Only a small % of cars are sold with them anymore in the USA and they are super hard to find, especially in the used market. Anyway, it's just a matter of opinion, no need for justification. __________________ 2020 BMW M2CS HS 6MT 2022 Audi RSQ8 Last edited by yaymitch; 08-22-2013 at 10:39 PM..
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