BMW M3 recalled over new double-clutch gearbox
Dual clutch transmission... sounds complicated. And it is. Case in point: BMW's new DCT on its latest-generation M3. This new transmission from Munich is so complicated that apparently even BMW couldn't get it right the first time, so they're issuing a recall. The problem, as concluded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, is that under hard braking the transmission's software is prone to initiate a multi-stage downshift, which could cause the car to stall. The solution, however, should be fairly simple, as BMW is asking all owners of 2008 or 2009 M3s equipped with the DCT (about 2,500 in the United States) to come in for a software update, free of charge, at their local dealership. After the software update, M3 owners can perform all the panic stops they want in smooth-shifting bliss.
The official recall notice can be viewed on the NHTSA website. Thanks for the tip, TKE!
Gallery: 2009 BMW M3 Facelift
[Source: Good Car Bad Car]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
TJ 2:04PM (11/20/2008)
I know recalls happen... but I can't imagine being in a panic situation and having the engine stall, loosing power steering and power brakes. NOT an opportune time for that to happen....
Reply
why not the LS2LS7? 2:08PM (11/20/2008)
Dang, between this and the GT-R thingy, the good old stick shift looks better and better each day.
Reply
zamafir 2:12PM (11/20/2008)
VW's not having any issues with theirs. Then again, between this and the chronic oil cooler issues on the 335i I'm thinking anything but a BMW is looking better and better each day. I know audi pilfered some M people when they went to work on the most recent RS4 - but seriously? Inadequate cooling? so so transmissions (damn near every review of the M3)? and now this? Luckily BMW can survive a significant bout of quality control/ poor R&D issues due to their badge, just as Mercedes did in the early 00s.
why not the LS2LS7? 2:14PM (11/20/2008)
Oddly, yes, VW has had the fewest problems. Of course, they also just stopped using wet clutches and went to dry. Who knows what'll happen now?
Still, 20 out of 20 companies seem to be doing okay with manuals, and 2 out of 4 with dual-clutch transmissions. I know which odds I prefer.
Franz 2:32PM (11/20/2008)
Well, VW is putting the least amount of power through their DSG. Also, you can't launch at higher than 3k rpm or so. Besides, no matter what state of tune you're running or what redline you program in to the ECU on a DSG equipped VW, the tranny is gonna shift at 6600rpm whether you like it or not. It's not built for all out performance. VW basically covered their asses on this one.
BigMcLargeHuge 2:40PM (11/20/2008)
"Still, 20 out of 20 companies seem to be doing okay with manuals, and 2 out of 4 with dual-clutch transmissions. I know which odds I prefer."
There were those who thought the jet would never replace the piston engined aircraft.
tenfifteen 2:48PM (11/20/2008)
The 'chronic' oil cooler issue has been resolved afaik. They didn't have them, now they do. The HPFP was an issue for a bit, but I believe that's also been resolved. Last track day I went two there were two being driven very hard... both were stock, no issues whatsoever. Yeah, anecdotal, but whatever.
This is a software update. The DCT is not without its detractors, but it's still an improvement over the various iterations of SMG.
Brian 3:11PM (11/20/2008)
"There were those who thought the jet would never replace the piston engined aircraft. "
It only has in certain applications.
Corey W. 3:36PM (11/20/2008)
"There were those who thought the jet would never replace the piston engined aircraft."
Not only is that statement questionable, it's a horrible comparison for this issue.
why not the LS2LS7? 4:07PM (11/20/2008)
I'm not saying that dual-clutch will never win out. But just because it'll win out eventually doesn't mean it works out for the early adopters.
Franz 4:11PM (11/20/2008)
Maybe I wouldn't use the exact comparison that BicMc used, but it isn't such a bad comparison. New technology is sneezed at and bashed all the time, and in most instances it takes a few iterations to get it right. In this case, the dual clutch is the newest iteration of the 'regular' sequential manual transmission (which has already proven it's worth in performance & racing applications, but is not the most seamless or comfy in street use... which is something the dual clutch helps to address... the proverbial best of both worlds, so to speak).
We see it all the time in the auto industry. Enthusiasts used to knock ABS, cruise control & traction control systems... citing the same "driving itself" issues. Power steering: same. Even things as simple as seatbelt pre-tensioners and the motorized belts fro the pre airbag era came under scrutiny. Hell, there was a time when mentioning fuel injection would get you ridiculed and laughed at. Synchros in manual trannys (learn to double clutch!), disc brakes, the use of aluminum and metals other than steel... I could go on and on.
Corey W. 6:07PM (11/20/2008)
@Frnnz
Don't take this the wrong way, but I have no idea what you're talking about in your second paragraph. You've honestly heard complaints against disc brakes compared to drums, synchs compared to double clutching?!?!?!? And people have been trying to get lighter since the dawn of time, but you've heard people complain about moving away from steel?? Really!!! And power steering/cruise control??? Who in their right mind would complained about power steering/cruise control and why??
I never heard complaints about seatbelts other than the ones that don't allow you to adjust and cut into your neck, depending on your height.
Now concerning ABS and traction control, the main complaint is not weather they were better technology, the complaint was people didn't know how to properly use them, and depending on the driving conditions most people just wanted to be able to turn them off......
i.e. The traction control options stays OFF on my Vett, most the time, but do you think I would have ordered it without??? NO!! And it would be sweet as h*ll if i could turn off my ABS when I wanted, but I'm d@mn sure not going to order a car without it.
If they came out with a dual clutch with the option of going full manual, I would be all over it.
For me, it's not a question of newer technology and the fastest shift, I need to be able to control the degrees of that clutch, and with the thousand of different driving conditions that come up, I need the control, not faith that a computer program will adapt and apply it the way I would.
Franz 6:38PM (11/20/2008)
@ Corey W.:
I'm not the one who complained about any of these things, but asking who in their right mind would complain about these things is a good question. People never usually complain about the end result, but you can be damned sure that you get complaints when something is different or more complex.
Yes there were people who were skeptical about disc brakes vs drums... especially on cost, complexity & durability, but not performance.
Yes, people were skeptical about synchros on manual trannys because big, thick dog gears were stronger and could hold up to more abuse.
Attend a track event and you'll still find people who swear by manual steering, not only because of better feedback, but because of the simplicity and of a manual rack: no lines, pumps and fluids, and no belts to get thrown off under a hard downshift... it happens.
Seatbelts: I've heard countless complaints about the old motorized ones, and I have heard a few complaints about early pre-tensioning systems cinching up under hard braking.
People were skeptical of cruise control and TC because whether you care to admit it or not, there are people who do not like the idea of relinquishing the control of the loud pedal or brakes to any electronic system, and some don't like TC intervening because they think they can do a better job... and some people just flat out don't trust electronics. You hear the "electronic nanny" complaints practically everyday here on Autoblog.
As for different types of metals: Increased purchase cost, increased repair costs if you had a fender bender. Of course now aluminum is the standard, but back in the day some body shops couldn't even weld or machine aluminum. And even today, titanium is a tricky SOB to bend and weld. Now a lot of companies are switching to carbon fiber for some parts: strong as hell, but brittle and expensive... you'll get the same complaints and criticism.
You get my point? You always have people who complain at first, but very few complain about the end result when it's finally done right and the bugs are all worked out.
Daveman427 2:11PM (11/20/2008)
If I were buying an M3, I would get a manual. I would feel so weird getting the flappy paddle option. It would just seem like less of a "driver's car" then. Not saying I would turn down a ride/ drive in a flappy paddle M3... but when I think of an "M" car, I just think "driver's car", and when I think "driver's car", I think "stick shift". I'm sure the DCT M3 is fun and rewarding in its own sense... but...
Reply
happy_penguin 2:15PM (11/20/2008)
You may not be able to drive it but that interior is HOT.
Reply
Jj 2:19PM (11/20/2008)
How long before they just put WiFi in and these types of software updates download automatically whenever the car gets a signal.
I'm not sure it would be a good thing, but I bet eventually someone tries it.
Reply
dukeisduke 2:50PM (11/20/2008)
I think that will be coming, whether it's done by WiFi, satellite link, or whatever.
Leo M. 4:59PM (11/20/2008)
hello i,robot
chester 2:24PM (11/20/2008)
Why do automakers feel the need to redefine the manual transmission when no one is asking for it? My cousin special ordered the very first Z4 with the SMG tranny in the LA area (so his wife could drive it too) but by the time they got home from the dealer the unit failed and could only engage reverse. It had to be loaded on a flatbed back to the dealer where it sat in service for more than a month. For all their trouble the dealer loaned them a used X5 for the month.
Reply
ElPyroDude 2:27PM (11/20/2008)
Still available with a 6-speed...