[ChubbsBmth]

Originally Posted by takumichinoku

With reference to the OP question. DCT is amazing! Super quick shifts that aren't even noticeable. I actually don't think I could go back to anything else! Amazing gearbox!

This is what I thought I would hear.

I think my next car needs to have DCT.....

[creepy coupe]

Originally Posted by takumichinoku

With reference to the OP question. DCT is amazing! Super quick shifts that aren't even noticeable. I actually don't think I could go back to anything else! Amazing gearbox!

I have to agree. I went 335i DCT to manual M3 to DCT M3

[Squintstream]

Just to add my experience (I drive Creepys old 335).

The DCT box has a separate sport button as opposed to moving the lever to the left on the conventional box to engage sport/sequential mode. This means you can have:

(Normal) Drive
Drive with sport
Sequential/Manual
Sequential/Manual with sport
Paddle changes
Paddle changes with sport

This means that in the DCT box when the lever is moved to the left (sequential/Manual) it stays in the gear you have selected via the paddles and will hold it (I could sit and drive the car at 5,000 RPM in 3rd all day long). Which is unlike the conventional box that would change automatically after a few seconds or "normal" driving. This irritated me no end. That said, the DCT box won't allow you to go past the red line and does change up and down to protect the box.

In addition, when shifting down using the sequential box/paddles the box will blip the throttle for a more seamless change.

Oh, one final thing, on a long run you effectively have a heated gear knob due to the little LEDs in the lever itself

[AlanYoro35i]

Originally Posted by ChubbsBmth

In reasonably simplistic terms could anyone explain the difference/benefits of DCT over the normal Auto box.

Anyone with experience of the DCT box care to share their experiences of driving with it?

Thanks

The step tronic is actually really good.. best ever standard auto box I used.. but dct iseven better... don't worry I was skeptical when I bought my 335i with the steptronic but I never once complain about once I driven it..

[RagingKileak]

Originally Posted by Squintstream

Just to add my experience (I drive Creepys old 335).

The DCT box has a separate sport button as opposed to moving the lever to the left on the conventional box to engage sport/sequential mode. This means you can have:

(Normal) Drive
Drive with sport
Sequential/Manual
Sequential/Manual with sport
Paddle changes
Paddle changes with sport

This means that in the DCT box when the lever is moved to the left (sequential/Manual) it stays in the gear you have selected via the paddles and will hold it (I could sit and drive the car at 5,000 RPM in 3rd all day long). Which is unlike the conventional box that would change automatically after a few seconds or "normal" driving. This irritated me no end. That said, the DCT box won't allow you to go past the red line and does change up and down to protect the box.

In addition, when shifting down using the sequential box/paddles the box will blip the throttle for a more seamless change.

Oh, one final thing, on a long run you effectively have a heated gear knob due to the little LEDs in the lever itself

Hi mate,

Did you know (sounds like maybe not) that if you engage M/S by pushing the lever left but do NOT use the paddles, you get a Sport Auto type mode?

IE the box will hold gears longer etc. Use the Sport button as well for more aggressive changes!

Matt

[Squintstream]

Originally Posted by RagingKileak

Hi mate,

Did you know (sounds like maybe not) that if you engage M/S by pushing the lever left but do NOT use the paddles, you get a Sport Auto type mode?

IE the box will hold gears longer etc. Use the Sport button as well for more aggressive changes!

Matt

Hi Mate,

Sorry yes, just didn't put that down on the list of options

But yes, there's many different permutations of engaging drive to the rear wheels.

Doubt I will ever go for a normal auto again.

[SO8]

I loved DSG on my Golf GTi Edition 30 ... at least changing up ... very fast ! But, on changing down I found it slower than a normal auto and could get confused ... plus it didn't like traffic ...

I tried a Z4 35i DCT and hated it ... superb mid range but ruined by the auto ... so, would I have another DSG/DCT ?? Well,I would - but would be aware of the downside and not be taken in by the advertising stuff that says 'old' autos are dead ...

Just my view FWIW

[takumichinoku]

I've tried DSG on my mates golf and it doesn't quite match the DCT on the BMW if you ask me! Found it abit dopey. And rather clunky. Can't feel no shifts on the DCT whether I'm shifting up or down. Yes normal step auto are also IMO not quite there too. Anyways the only downside I can think of is when comparing against a manual is the obvious driver interaction but when you have your foot on the gas and is changing gears like Michael Schumacher it doesn't matter plus I have lost count of the amount of times I have to dip the clutch in traffic and getting mild cramp!

[takumichinoku]

With a manual that is. Don't miss them one bit thought I would though