[ferrarifast]

I really like the DCT in my 2020 M4.
I think it really makes the car, and perhaps a normal transmission might be too tame for an M car. Clearly BMW M has opted for an ZF-8 for all future M cars starting with the F90 M5 onwards.

Those of you who are coming to the X3M/X4M from a DCT car, how do you feel about the transmission. If you could have the DCT, would you prefer it over the ZF8? Just share your thoughts on the ZF8 vs M DCT.

Also mention what car(s) you had with the DCT. I think the DCT in the E92 M3 & the F8x cars was different.

[knepsterd]

Originally Posted by ferrarifast

I really like the DCT in my 2020 M4.
I think it really makes the car, and perhaps a normal transmission might be too tame for an M car. Clearly BMW M has opted for an ZF-8 for all future M cars starting with the F90 M5 onwards.

Those of you who are coming to the X3M/X4M from a DCT car, how do you feel about the transmission. If you could have the DCT, would you prefer it over the ZF8? Just share your thoughts on the ZF8 vs M DCT.

Also mention what car(s) you had with the DCT. I think the DCT in the E92 M3 & the F8x cars was different.

DCT can give you raw power and M3 F80 lower down torque. Miss that a bit, however the s58 motor gets on boogie from 3200-7000 and doesn't let off. It will throw you in the seat but is more predictable.

[skioutwest]

I think in S3 it is pretty damn close to a DCT, with the added advantage that it shift beautifully in full auto mode. Its a little tough to compare, because both my M3 and M5 DCTs were RWD and I miss the rear end kicking out on WOT shifts. My X4M does not do that, nor would I expect it to. Overall, it is an impressive transmission.

-Mark

[URBAN LEGEND]

I had 09 M3, 13 M5, 16 M5 and 18 M3. About the only part I see lacking is on the down shifts. The down shifts won’t go as low as I would like at times on demand. I think that’s more of trans tuning than the trans itself.

On the other side of the equation I have a 2019 ZL1 1LE with the A10 transmission. This A10 is pure fire. So I’ll have to say it’s the tuning that’s soft on the F97 on downshifts. Other than that it rocks. A8=DCT.

[r33_RGSport]

Too bad DCT is not as good as Porsche's PDK.
If it was, I will miss it.

[sayemthree]

What is a normal transmission? A manual?

[mwlmd]

I had an F10 M5 with DCT which I loved. Now have a 991 TTS with PDK and the X3M with ZF auto. The PDK is perfect in my opinion. It has a great auto mode and manual mode is fantastic as well. The ZF I feel has quite a bit of lag from stop to full engagement. I also don't love how it holds revs. I feel like the pdk is "smarter" and anticipates what you want better.

Having said that, I have driven a Cayenne with PDK and didn't love it so perhaps it is all about the TCU tuning? Still getting used to the X3M as we only have 600miles on it.

[SteveX3M40i]

Originally Posted by sayemthree

What is a normal transmission? A manual?

Not really - a torque converter auto rather than a dual clutch auto

[heavyD^2]

Originally Posted by r33_RGSport

Too bad DCT is not as good as Porsche's PDK.
If it was, I will miss it.

The PDK seems to be the only DCT that performs as good on the street as it does on the track. The ZF8 as a daily driver is smoother and more uneventful compared to a DCT that typically adds a little drama on downshifts at the expense of occasionally clunky low speed shifting and lag from a stop. IMO the ZF8 is perfect in this application (X3/4M) but if we are talking M2/3/4 then I may prefer a DCT for the little bit of extra drama and easier launch modes. At the end of the day neither ZF8 or DCT would be a deal breaker for me as I like them both.

[dkhm3]

Originally Posted by mwlmd

I had an F10 M5 with DCT which I loved. Now have a 991 TTS with PDK and the X3M with ZF auto. The PDK is perfect in my opinion. It has a great auto mode and manual mode is fantastic as well. The ZF I feel has quite a bit of lag from stop to full engagement. I also don't love how it holds revs. I feel like the pdk is "smarter" and anticipates what you want better.

Having said that, I have driven a Cayenne with PDK and didn't love it so perhaps it is all about the TCU tuning? Still getting used to the X3M as we only have 600miles on it.

cayennes do not have pdk's. Macans do, not cayennes- towing needs per porsche.

I find the current zf8 tuning to be very good, much better than the x5m I had. It is not comparable to the pdk in my 911.

Does not shift as snappy, does not skip shifts well in manual mode-

3 gear request:
pdk 7-4
zf8 7-6-4

forgot to mention launch control- pdk drops the clutch at boost, zf8 u need to build boost holding for few seconds.

[mwlmd]

Originally Posted by dkhm3

cayennes do not have pdk's. Macans do, not cayennes- towing needs per porsche.

That is good news because I thought the trans sucked in the Cayenne loaner I had!

[robopp]

I def miss the Stronic (read DCT) in my RS3. Not a huge fan of the ZF so far. The PDK in the 991.2 GT3, Turbo S and Macan Turbo that I drove was absolutely sublime though.

[2kaccordocoupe]

I miss how the DCT didn't engage until you hit the gas. It was nice to come to stop on flat ground and not have to hold the brake. I know you can use auto hold now but still.

[Thescout13]

Originally Posted by 2kaccordocoupe

I miss how the DCT didn't engage until you hit the gas. It was nice to come to stop on flat ground and not have to hold the brake. I know you can use auto hold now but still.

100% love this about the DCT. Also the sheer brutality of hitting the gas at 3500 rpm in D/S2/3

[SteveX3M40i]

Hi,
For me the biggest difference between our two cars - the X3 with normal auto box and our TTS with DCT is that in the TT - when you engage sport mode - the transmission also goes into sport mode automatically.
In the X3 - when you engage sport mode the transmission stays in normal mode until you move the lever over to the left - to engage sport mode.
Cheers
Steve

[monmart]

I used to have an F10 M5 and I don't miss the DCT at all.