http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/17/getting-greasy-with-bmws-m-dual-clutch-transmission/ Autoblog Comments for http://www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2008 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/17/getting-greasy-with-bmws-m-dual-clutch-transmission/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/17/getting-greasy-with-bmws-m-dual-clutch-transmission/Jan 17th 2008 3:38PMhttp://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/17/getting-greasy-with-bmws-m-dual-clutch-transmission/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/17/getting-greasy-with-bmws-m-dual-clutch-transmission/Jan 17th 2008 3:49PMhttp://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/17/getting-greasy-with-bmws-m-dual-clutch-transmission/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/17/getting-greasy-with-bmws-m-dual-clutch-transmission/Jan 17th 2008 4:10PMhttp://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/17/getting-greasy-with-bmws-m-dual-clutch-transmission/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/17/getting-greasy-with-bmws-m-dual-clutch-transmission/Jan 17th 2008 4:02PMhttp://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/17/getting-greasy-with-bmws-m-dual-clutch-transmission/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/17/getting-greasy-with-bmws-m-dual-clutch-transmission/I don't think SMG has a clutch pedal.]]>Jan 17th 2008 4:03PMhttp://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/17/getting-greasy-with-bmws-m-dual-clutch-transmission/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/17/getting-greasy-with-bmws-m-dual-clutch-transmission/Jan 17th 2008 4:06PMhttp://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/17/getting-greasy-with-bmws-m-dual-clutch-transmission/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/17/getting-greasy-with-bmws-m-dual-clutch-transmission/
One thing I've never, ever heard is how long the clutches last in these dual clutch systems, or how much it is to replace them when they do wear out. It seems they would last a long time without a human operator to murder them, but I think it's still a valid concern. Of course, if you nurse the clutch right, it can last a (very) long time. My grandfather has an '85 BMW 325e 5 speed, and he had the original clutch in that car for 18 years.]]>Jan 17th 2008 6:04PMhttp://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/17/getting-greasy-with-bmws-m-dual-clutch-transmission/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/17/getting-greasy-with-bmws-m-dual-clutch-transmission/Is it really faster tha a 6sp manual? That Awesome!]]>Jan 17th 2008 3:48PMhttp://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/17/getting-greasy-with-bmws-m-dual-clutch-transmission/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/17/getting-greasy-with-bmws-m-dual-clutch-transmission/Jan 17th 2008 3:58PMhttp://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/17/getting-greasy-with-bmws-m-dual-clutch-transmission/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/17/getting-greasy-with-bmws-m-dual-clutch-transmission/
Just seems like it is getting out of control, adaptive driving modes and so forth. A human being can change the driving mode anytime he/she wants, without computer assistance.]]>Jan 17th 2008 3:59PMhttp://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/17/getting-greasy-with-bmws-m-dual-clutch-transmission/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/17/getting-greasy-with-bmws-m-dual-clutch-transmission/
And to the comment below about manuals 'feeling' better-- DCT transmissions have very similar inertia to manual transmissions, and provide the nearly same direct feeling as a manual, depending on some control strategies for the clutch engagements. But in an M3 or similar car, you can be sure that it will be biased toward the sporty feel and therefore should be every bit as rewarding on the 'feel' aspect- not slipping feeling, immediate engagements, etc. It is clearly the best solution to filling in the space between the engine and the driven axles of any road car intended for sporting use.]]>Jan 17th 2008 5:05PMhttp://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/17/getting-greasy-with-bmws-m-dual-clutch-transmission/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/17/getting-greasy-with-bmws-m-dual-clutch-transmission/Jan 17th 2008 4:19PMhttp://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/17/getting-greasy-with-bmws-m-dual-clutch-transmission/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/17/getting-greasy-with-bmws-m-dual-clutch-transmission/I'm a huge BMW fan but this over wizardization of essential driving functions is one of the real problems with their most recent cars, with the M5 in particular.

After alot of pressure BMW finally agreed to bring over a good ol' grassroots 6 Speed stick version of the M5, but only in limited numbers, and with no promise that it would continue. Now I hope they aren't planning to ax the manual M3 over this complex gearbox, no matter how good it is.

The beauty of a manual transmission has as much to do with the overall feel it provides as how quick it is or isn't.]]>Jan 17th 2008 4:23PMhttp://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/17/getting-greasy-with-bmws-m-dual-clutch-transmission/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/17/getting-greasy-with-bmws-m-dual-clutch-transmission/
The shifts are executed so fast and hard when the firmest setting is activated that the front end doesnt drop during each shift under hard acceleration, absolutely amazing... and for the "feel" i dont miss my clutch on bit, at the track or on the street!

As for the new twin clutch gear box, im positive the revision was soly focused to make the gear change less "intense" and more seamless for your mid-life crisis posers (BMW's target group).]]>Jan 17th 2008 4:57PMhttp://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/17/getting-greasy-with-bmws-m-dual-clutch-transmission/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/17/getting-greasy-with-bmws-m-dual-clutch-transmission/
Your comments imply that you think the ability to shift smoothly is a desirable trait only for yuppies, not for enthusiasts. Maybe this is what you meant, maybe not... but you're mistaken if you think that twin-clutch transmissions don't make hard shifts when appropriate.

The real purpose of twin clutch transmissions is to shift more quickly AND more smoothly; resulting in less interruption of power to the wheels. I have no idea how you twist this around and make this a "poser" transmission compared to yours. That just doesn't make sense.]]>Jan 17th 2008 5:19PMhttp://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/17/getting-greasy-with-bmws-m-dual-clutch-transmission/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/17/getting-greasy-with-bmws-m-dual-clutch-transmission/Jan 17th 2008 11:29PMhttp://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/17/getting-greasy-with-bmws-m-dual-clutch-transmission/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/17/getting-greasy-with-bmws-m-dual-clutch-transmission/
I think whoever did that, made it just for Clarkson.


POWA!]]>Jan 17th 2008 5:03PMhttp://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/17/getting-greasy-with-bmws-m-dual-clutch-transmission/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/17/getting-greasy-with-bmws-m-dual-clutch-transmission/Jan 17th 2008 5:21PMhttp://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/17/getting-greasy-with-bmws-m-dual-clutch-transmission/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/17/getting-greasy-with-bmws-m-dual-clutch-transmission/Jan 17th 2008 5:05PMhttp://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/17/getting-greasy-with-bmws-m-dual-clutch-transmission/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/17/getting-greasy-with-bmws-m-dual-clutch-transmission/Jan 17th 2008 5:54PM