M3 to get DSG-style Manual Gearbox

[CosmosBlack]

M3 to get DSG-style Manual Gearbox

Autocar.co.uk

The new BMW M3 will get a seven-speed double-clutch gearbox as an alternative to the standard six-speed manual.

Official confirmation of the long-rumoured transmission came via a document issued to BMW dealers confirming the car’s specification.

The new gearbox, called M DCT, will be available from March 2008. Made by BMW’s long-standing transmission partner Getrag, it will provide rapid and nearly imperceptible shifts.

The speed of a double-clutch transmission is likely to improve the M3’s 4.8sec 0-62mph time by a couple of tenths of a second. The system should offer significantly smoother shifts than BMW’s SMG transmission in the M5 and M6.

The transmission will be controlled by a combination of a shift lever, likely to be similar to the M5 and X5’s joystick control, and steering wheel paddles.

The 'box has been exclusively developed for BMW, and different versions are destined for the 3-series and the 5-series.

Other options for the M3 (on sale in September) include 19in alloy wheels and electronic damper control. The carbonfibre roof will be standard.

 

[Tom]

Nice.

Have you read the article in Car & Driver about the 6-speed M5? It actually performed much worse than the 7-speed SMG.

 

[deutsch100]

Nice.

Have you read the article in Car & Driver about the 6-speed M5? It actually performed much worse than the 7-speed SMG.

SMG, DSG and some autos can perform much, much better than a manual transmission. I fully understand those who just "have" to have a manual tranny, but I just wish they would admit to wanting it because they really do enjoy shifting, and not because they are better than automated transmissions. Most German and some Asian auto, or DSG trannies not only out perform manuals, but mpg is better.

 

[Big Daddy]

I like manuals and autos. The wife has a Chrysler product with their "autostick" and it can be a blast to drive. Than again I love the manual in the roadster and the total auto in my GM truck.

 

[Average Jae]

i'm torn on this one. i like manuals, but newest tech are also very cool. save for SMG II on e46 (from what i hear anyway) seamless shifting.. if it works well, Brilliant!! (iirc first gen DSG on VWs weren't as awesome was advertised)

 

[MrElussive]

SMG blows, VW's DSG is amazing. DSG combines the smoothness and practicality of an automatic transmission in regular Drive while offering insanely rapid gear shifts in manual shift mode. If BMW's system is anything like DSG, I would probably take that over a typical manual transmission for my daily driver.

 

[///M SPEED]

SMG blows, VW's DSG is amazing. DSG combines the smoothness and practicality of an automatic transmission in regular Drive while offering insanely rapid gear shifts in manual shift mode. If BMW's system is anything like DSG, I would probably take that over a typical manual transmission for my daily driver.

BS, SMG only blows if you use the auto mode, which isn't the reason people buy an SMG equipped M3. I have maybe used the auto mode on the SMG gearbox a total of 2-3 times (usually due to doing something quick while driving) and it serves that (and only that) purpose well. Those who buy a M3 wanting a smooth shifting auto gearbox need to sell the car in the first place. And I don't want to hear about how one needs the auto mode for city driving blah, blah, blah. Get a daily driver if it bothers you ("you" in general not pointing the gun at you Emile) these cars where meant to be driven, i.e. with a manual transmission; whether it be 6MT or SMG….