New M3 double clutch 7 Speed transmission

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#1
The new BMW M3 Coupe, Sedan and Convertible will be the first to feature BMW's latest technological achievement. The M DKG is a seven-speed double clutch transmission with BMW M's DriveLogic.
The new transmission is capable of even faster gearshifts which result in faster acceleration than the six-speed manual of the new M3, improved fuel economy and reduced emissions. The M3 coupe is capable of a 0 - 100 km/h time of just 4.6 seconds (0.2 seconds faster than the manual) while still using only 11.9 liters of fuel per 100 km.
The transmission comes with an wide array of program choices, 11 to be precise. Five shift programmes in fully automatic mode, six in manual mode which are supplemened by the Launch Control program which will provide maximum use of every last horsepower from the 4.0 liter V8 (309 kW / 420 hp). We will have to wait and see whether this Launch Control is as capable as BMW claims.
As the name says, the M DKG uses two clutches, both are oil-cooled, one is used for the uneven gears and reverse while the other is used for the even gears. One clutch is of course in use while driving, while the other is already pre-engaged. This is the big secret behind the double-clutch system, resulting in almost instantaneous gearshifts.
BMW's Drivelogic system is capable of several different shifting options, ranging from F1 style as-fast-as-possible gearshifts to luxurious and smooth gearshifts for boulevard cruising. The transmission can be used through either a sports selector lever in the center console or aluminium paddle-shifters on the steering wheel.
New BMW M3 owners will be happy to hear that the M DKG transmission is capable of taking some punishment on the racetrack.
 
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#2
I wonder if "the fully automated" mode will be better than the SMG I, II or III? We all know that SMG is not an automatic, but so many people bought the M3 (and M5 and M6) thinking they had the option of a fully automatic transmission. It was quite brutal, if one tried to drive the SMG as an automatic.

Doesn't Audi use the double clutch (DSG) with great success?
 
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#4
I wonder if "the fully automated" mode will be better than the SMG I, II or III? We all know that SMG is not an automatic, but so many people bought the M3 (and M5 and M6) thinking they had the option of a fully automatic transmission. It was quite brutal, if one tried to drive the SMG as an automatic.

Doesn't Audi use the double clutch (DSG) with great success?
If it's as good as DSG, and presumably it's better, I think it will be a success. My girlfriend has an Audi A3 3.2 with DSG and it's terrific. Granted an M3 and A3 are different animals. However, one can't help feeling a bit Schumi-ish running up and down the gears with the paddle-shifters. The auto-mode (normal) is great in the stop-and-go Bay Area traffic. Too bad the technology showcased by such a "meh" wrapper.
 
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#6
im sure once the car is finally released most of the bugs will already be worked out and if not BMW will have a fix for it right away.
its gonna have to take a serious [boxface] before somethin goes wrong, but from what i noticed about most people that own theses Ms is they dont drive them hard like they should or put that many miles on them either.
[rolleyes]
 
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#7
How so? Rough shifts? (Never drove an SMG.)
Speaking from experience with my 2005 Competition Pkg. M3...the "auto" mode with the SMG would jerk, lurch and shake. If you didn't perfectly "feather and blend" the gas pedal with the SMG shifts..BAM...head snaps!

Paddles shifting, or using the little gear lever on the center console gave amazing, crisp (and lightning fast) shifts, but the "automatic" mode was god awful.
 


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