BMW prefers 8-speed automatic over dual-clutch for volume vehicles
Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2009 BMW 750i
In the fierce competition between luxury automakers, every detail is a potential battlefield, including the number of forward ratios in an automatic transmission. Mercedes-Benz struck first with its seven-speed automatic, which prompted eight-speed responses from Lexus, along with BMW, Audi and even Hyundai. These slushboxes are packed with technology and can either rifle off extremely fast up- and downshifts or coddle their occupants with velvety smooth transitions.
The newest front, though, replaces the traditional torque converter with a set of clutches that hand off gearchanges from one to the next in a fraction of a second. While these new dual-clutch gearboxes are a performance home run, they are still more costly and complex than their more traditional automatic brethren, so it's not surprising to hear that the famous Bavarian automaker is sticking with the tried-and-true autobox in its volume sellers, for now at least.
Gallery: 2009 BMW 7 Series
[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
KC 6:51PM (2/02/2009)
The fun of DSG usually doesn't last more than 3 weeks. And then 95% of customers will treat it like auto anyways.
Reply
Matt 7:19PM (2/02/2009)
I agree, I have a 08 VW GTi and I think the DSG is great but the cool-factor dies a bit when you aren't on a track everyday.
What kills it even more is having to explain why it's not a normal auto.
zamafir 6:52PM (2/02/2009)
Honestly, it's not surprising at all. This is the company who brought us SMG and who's not doing so hot right now, certainly not flush with cash like VAG, so it makes sense they'd be taking whatever route they can to maximize declining profits. The complexity argument, from the company who brought us IDrive, doesn't make a whole lot of sense, especially given their complementary maintenance cycles. I’ve driven the IS-F, it’s the fastest slush box I’ve had the fortune of flogging around a track, I’ll never prefer a traditional auto to DSG, it’s slow, the hunting for gears is more noticeable, and it’s just not meant for spirited driving the way DSG is (yes I realize lots of torque Mercedes boats have slush boxes, I don’t track ‘em).
All in all, BMW customers won't care, they purchase badge first.r
Reply
Craig 9:23PM (2/02/2009)
So I just took a look at Audi's website which states the A6, A8, and A5 all list a Triptronic 6speed transmission. The A4 lists a CVT. I may be mistaken but its my understanding that tiptronic is a regular auto.
Dondonel 5:55AM (2/03/2009)
I prefer regular automatics over DSG anyday, if they are capable of fast upshifts/downshifts and can match the revs on downshifts. The ZF gearbox discussed here is capable of both.
Asher 6:55PM (2/02/2009)
These gear wars are incredibly idiotic. Everyone should stick with the 6 speed gearbox. When you're driving in the city with a 7 speed or an 8 speed, the rev meter and the gearbox are CONSTANTLY working and its INCREDIBLY annoying. I bet a couple of years from now we're going to see the 10 speed gearbox, possibly from Lexus. So stupid. It's taking out the fun from driving.
Reply
CarbonBlack 7:01PM (2/02/2009)
Competition is ALWAYS good!
zamafir 8:02PM (2/02/2009)
"When you're driving in the city with a 7 speed or an 8 speed, the rev meter and the gearbox are CONSTANTLY"
I've owned a few DSG cars, none have be haved in this fashion. CVT cars on the other hand, very much so. What 7 or 8 speed slush box did you find acting this way? Make and Model would help.
chconline 6:58PM (2/02/2009)
I'll go a bit off topic -- enough is enough. Besides marketing, you don't NEED that many gears. 7 is much more than necessary; it's kind of like that whole megapixel myth especially with compact cameras. The surface area of the sensor is not necessarily large enough to justify such high sensitivity which results in increased picture noise. Although I've never driven cars with more than 6 forward gears, I would say that the amount of shifting is probably not as desirable with 8 gears as compared to 6.
Reply
chconline 9:51PM (2/03/2009)
Okay make the change -- I drove an Infiniti G37x today. Shifting is smooth with the 7 speed auto. But definitely not necessary and I still prefer 6.
P.V. 7:02PM (2/02/2009)
This makes me wonder why Honda can't come up with an automatic transmission for Acura that has more than 5 speeds. It's pretty pathetic. No wonder Toyota considers Hyundai to be a bigger threat than Honda.
Reply
Michael 7:11PM (2/02/2009)
I'm going to build a 9-speed automatic and put it in a Kia Rio. Just to screw everyone up.
Reply
MikeW 7:40PM (2/02/2009)
See if you can develop a transverse installation of this one.
http://www.tu-chemnitz.de/mb/MaschElem/e-automat.php?druck
Put a tow/how mode: 1-8 & R1, otherwise 2-9 & R2
It will be the little Kia that can!
chconline 7:11PM (2/02/2009)
The sad thing is that the Honda Civic has the same amount of gears as a TL lol.
Reply
Mr.Oak 7:36PM (2/02/2009)
P.S. : It has the same amount of wheels too.
JDMlover 8:17PM (2/02/2009)
wow.....
retsel 7:16PM (2/02/2009)
Ok... what about a really good CVT with user selectable ratios... if u are a fuel economy nut... that is a pure CVT if u want to put down some rubber then u set it up as a 4 speed... if u are a normal human u set it up with 5 forward...
Reply
MachinaDC5 7:30PM (2/02/2009)
Needs more gears. I propose a 32-speed automatic for all luxury brands.
Reply
duknuz 7:32PM (2/02/2009)
Didn't the current gen M5 have 7 gears before anything Mercedes had?
Reply
MikeW 7:56PM (2/02/2009)
No.
The 7g-tronic has been out for a long time.