If you had to choose a transmission...

[sukotto]

DCT or 6mt? I have owned a couple of 6MT BMW's (328i and 135i) and really liked it, but the DCT is engaging as well. I recently drove a 6MT M3 and the tranny felt sticky and rubbery, nothing like the 135i which was smooth and firm. The DCT M3 I recently drove was also really engaging and fun.

Seems like I could go either way. What do you think, long term? There are zero 6MT options available locally, I could get one from out of the area. I have never regretted going for a 6MT on a prior car, however the DCT is just a gem of a transmission and so responsive: do any of you feel that you went that way and lost driving pleasure as a result?

[imserious]

Divisive topic bro. Search will give you a lot of opinions.

My thoughts here. I switched from DCT to MT and ate the transaction cost. No regrets.
http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1174277

[thekurgan]

Oh Jesus titty-fucking Christ

TWS or 0w-40?

[Rocket_Rod]

You need to ask yourself, are you wanting to "drive" the car or just aim it?

[rmcard]

I thought I wanted a manual transmission; for a while I enjoyed it. I had a 5 speed MK1 GTI, then a 5 speed 5th gen Prelude and then the 335is and I missed the engagement of the manual transmission and I went back to the 6 speed in the S4. but then my commute got longer and I suffered more traffic, I had kids, etc. I'm happy to be back in the DCT and I don't regret it. If I really really want a 6MT again, I'll get a second car - but while i have only one car, its the right transmission for me. I also don't love the manual transmission in the E9X M3s for the record.

I get the snobbery of manual transmission owners and by now it has to be seen as an effective theft deterrent. I also get not wanting to be the balding old guy driving the automatic corvette. But the DCT can't be called a slush box and it offers me the right amount of engagement, efficiency and technological advancement.

[aris21]

Which one do you want? Automatic or Manual? It's your choice. For me, I like my DCT but would not mind a manual.

[stevelp99]

Since I daily drive mine I prefer DCT because traffic. if I had a weekend vehicle I would choose manual. The SMG in my old M6 was very satisfying to bang the gears (quite literally), but the DCT in my M3 is soo much crisper with out all the lag in D mode. I feel its livable while still being fun. Really it just depends on how much interaction you want.

[sukotto]

Originally Posted by rmcard

I thought I wanted a manual transmission; for a while I enjoyed it. I had a 5 speed MK1 GTI, then a 5 speed 5th gen Prelude and then the 335is and I missed the engagement of the manual transmission and I went back to the 6 speed in the S4. but then my commute got longer and I suffered more traffic, I had kids, etc. I'm happy to be back in the DCT and I don't regret it. If I really really want a 6MT again, I'll get a second car - but while i have only one car, its the right transmission for me. I also don't love the manual transmission in the E9X M3s for the record.

I get the snobbery of manual transmission owners and by now it has to be seen as an effective theft deterrent. I also get not wanting to be the balding old guy driving the automatic corvette. But the DCT can't be called a slush box and it offers me the right amount of engagement, efficiency and technological advancement.

Good point. My 17 year old Toyota T100 is a manual, perhaps I won't get bored as the Toyota gets most of my driving! I did like the DCT, it was fun. Not that a manual is that much effort either. There aren't any clean 6speeds for sale locally however, and now is the time to buy, going into winter. Car lots can't move any RWD cars right now.

Tough choice! I will probably think the grass is greener either way I go

[djDori_C]

6MT all the way!!! Don't get me wrong the DCT is fantastic. However if you're on the edge get the 6MT while you still can... We all know it's a dying breed... Soon we won't have the option.

[Yvette]

dct if i could go back

[BrewRifle]

I've gone through mainly manual transmission cars and wanted to see the DCT in action so I went with it and absolutely love it.

5MT Integra GSR
5MT E36 M3 - 2nd favorite manual
DSG Mk5 GTI - A great dual clutch as well
6MT 135i - favorite manual
DCT E92 M3

[TrevorM3]

god...

[vsix]

I wanted an DCT but choosed the 6MT, just because it turn's your car a little more into an driver's car. Don't understand me wrong absolutely LOVE the DCT transmission but in the end I wanted something that really stand's out on an M3 and does not require to much maintanence as the DCT.
I was sooo close in getting an ///M3 with DCT, when all of a sudden a buddy of mine told me how much issue's he had with his '11.
This and I really missed for year's an manual.

[BimmerRookie]

6MT is cool and so is DCT. driving a 6MT in traffic is annoying, but it's such a small decision in the grand scheme of things. Does it really matter man? Just pick which one you want to use, both are equally rewarding

[vsix]

Originally Posted by BimmerRookie

6MT is cool and so is DCT. driving a 6MT in traffic is annoying, but it's such a small decision in the grand scheme of things. Does it really matter man? Just pick which one you want to use, both are equally rewarding

As I said, loving the DCT and as you said all transmission type's are rewarding on their own. I mean at the end it's personal preference, you know?

[BimmerRookie]

Originally Posted by vsix

As I said, loving the DCT and as you said all transmission type's are rewarding on their own. I mean at the end it's personal preference, you know?

Of course. It's a decision for sure, but it's such a small part of the car as a whole. I practically started driving on a 6MT 2011 RX8, so 6MT in the M was a no-brainer for me, but would I be opposed to the DCT? Probably not.

[oolas3]

DCT.

[Rajmun340]

6MT

if you master your manual transmission it is fun to drive even in heavy traffic. It's my experience after 2 years. I would say 6MT for the fun factor, sensations, low cost if need replacement and that the oil in it can be changed and the reliability. None of the oil leak, having to deal with a software and complications. (just compare enormous dct issues thread to 6MT issues very rare). But it's your choice !

6MT part is rated 80 lbs.ft higher than dct also.

[1MOREMOD]

I had 6mt but am poor at heal toe and would have benefited from dct for my track use but I enjoy the 6mt more overall. Dct would just make me faster.

[Patrón]

Originally Posted by BrewRifle

I've gone through mainly manual transmission cars and wanted to see the DCT in action so I went with it and absolutely love it.

5MT Integra GSR
5MT E36 M3 - 2nd favorite manual
DSG Mk5 GTI - A great dual clutch as well
6MT 135i - favorite manual
DCT E92 M3

we've owned similar cars.
s/c '95 gsr (great car)
modded 95 e36m (great car).

i bought an SMG car out of laziness in day to day commuting and absolutely loved it in the e46m and i hear with performance tunes the smg was even better.

i've had no regrets in a dct and if i tracked i'm pretty confident my track times would be less than if i had a manual. i can't think of any category the manual is superior except for a tad in weight savings.

at least in M cars (or true dual clutch transmissions)

[duk]

this thread has never been posted ever

[Get lit]

dct, no 6mt, no wait... Dct, no no no... 6mt. Well dct is better... No 6mt is better.... Dct, 6mt, dct, 6mt, dct, 6mt. Focker out!