Steptronic ratios and 1st gear use vs DCTs?

Fun w/N54 · 01-18-2013, 12:23 PM

I had a 08 135 with 6MT for 4 years and loved it. Spent the last year with my 09 335 xdrive 6AT and has been 'almost' as equally rewarding. Except that it is effectively a 5AT since it starts out in 2nd gear. I know this unit is used in few other non-BMW applications and can only assume the ratios were not selected by BMW? I recall reading that the 6AT cars get a higher rear gear (or is it those with xdrive) vs MT cars as well? Seems odd as 1st gear is basically useless with 6AT.

Anyway so my question is...is 1st gear a useable gear with the DCTs?

Thanks.

themyst · 01-18-2013, 01:01 PM

Not quite sure why you think 1st gear is useless on an xdrive. You should hook lovely.

Fun w/N54 · 01-18-2013, 07:52 PM

Yes I get your point but how often are takeoffs like that needed. N54 w/Cobb can take most cars if needed with 2nd gear start.

Fun w/N54 · 01-22-2013, 12:20 PM

So no one has input on the ratio differences between the two units? Or if the DCT starts in 1st (or 2nd gear like the steptronic) without driver input.

Thanks.

BQTuning · 01-22-2013, 03:00 PM

The DCT N54 does not allow launching in 2nd. You have to launch in 1st and yes the gearing is different from the regular N54.

All 200+ launches that I have done were all in 1st gear with a best 60' of 1.84

Keep in mind the DCT N54 does not have a torque converter

BEAR-AvHistory · 01-22-2013, 05:01 PM

Could be a wording issue with the word “Launch”. The DCT has a launch control capability which as BuraQ states only works in 1st gear. You can however do standing start runs beginning in 2nd gear by selecting it with the paddles or stick when you are stopped.

These starts do not use the “launch control” program which means all the feathering has to be done with the throttle. There is no torque converter you can’t power brake like a true automatic.

In normal driving the DCT starts in first gear all the time unless you pick a different one with the paddles or stick.

335is DCT 4:78 + 2:56 = 7.34
335i coupe 4:17 + 3:46 = 7:63
335i sedan 4:71 + 3:15 = 7:86

Sedan is an 8spd Coupe is 7spd auto

Fun w/N54 · 01-22-2013, 05:22 PM

Makes sense...thank you both for the info.

01-18-2013, 12:23 PM	#1
Fun w/N54 Lieutenant 39 Rep 592 Posts Drives: '11 E92 335is AW/CR/DCT Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: WI iTrader: (2)	Steptronic ratios and 1st gear use vs DCTs? I had a 08 135 with 6MT for 4 years and loved it. Spent the last year with my 09 335 xdrive 6AT and has been 'almost' as equally rewarding. Except that it is effectively a 5AT since it starts out in 2nd gear. I know this unit is used in few other non-BMW applications and can only assume the ratios were not selected by BMW? I recall reading that the 6AT cars get a higher rear gear (or is it those with xdrive) vs MT cars as well? Seems odd as 1st gear is basically useless with 6AT. Anyway so my question is...is 1st gear a useable gear with the DCTs? Thanks.
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01-18-2013, 01:01 PM	#2
themyst Major General 177 Rep 6,631 Posts Drives: '16 MK7 GTI Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: NYC iTrader: (8)	Not quite sure why you think 1st gear is useless on an xdrive. You should hook lovely. __________________ E90 LCI N54 6AT
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01-18-2013, 07:52 PM	#3
Fun w/N54 Lieutenant 39 Rep 592 Posts Drives: '11 E92 335is AW/CR/DCT Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: WI iTrader: (2)	Yes I get your point but how often are takeoffs like that needed. N54 w/Cobb can take most cars if needed with 2nd gear start. __________________ Evolution Racewerks FMIC and Charge Pipe with TIAL-Q. Wedge Tuned 93 Oct, K&N Panel, Conti DWS 245/275.
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01-22-2013, 12:20 PM	#4
Fun w/N54 Lieutenant 39 Rep 592 Posts Drives: '11 E92 335is AW/CR/DCT Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: WI iTrader: (2)	So no one has input on the ratio differences between the two units? Or if the DCT starts in 1st (or 2nd gear like the steptronic) without driver input. Thanks.
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01-22-2013, 03:00 PM	#5
BQTuning Banned 469 Rep 4,392 Posts Drives: 2012 Z4 sDrive35i M Sport 6MT Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: bq@bqtuning.com iTrader: (0)	The DCT N54 does not allow launching in 2nd. You have to launch in 1st and yes the gearing is different from the regular N54. All 200+ launches that I have done were all in 1st gear with a best 60' of 1.84 Keep in mind the DCT N54 does not have a torque converter
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01-22-2013, 05:01 PM	#6
BEAR-AvHistory 2020 Z4 M40i - 2022 M4C Convt 3129 Rep 5,264 Posts Drives: 2020 Z4 M40i - 2022 M4C Convrt Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Raleigh, NC - OIB, NC iTrader: (0) Garage List 1965 COBRA (FFR rep ... [8.57] 2023 Jeep Wrangler ... [9.50] 2009 Yamaha V-Star [0.00] Cars 2-BMW, 2-FORD, ... [0.00] 2023 Ford Expeditio ... [0.00] 2020 Z4 M40i [10.00] 2022 BMW M4C [7.25] 1998 FORD Ranger 4X4 [0.00]	Could be a wording issue with the word “Launch”. The DCT has a launch control capability which as BuraQ states only works in 1st gear. You can however do standing start runs beginning in 2nd gear by selecting it with the paddles or stick when you are stopped. These starts do not use the “launch control” program which means all the feathering has to be done with the throttle. There is no torque converter you can’t power brake like a true automatic. In normal driving the DCT starts in first gear all the time unless you pick a different one with the paddles or stick. 335is DCT 4:78 + 2:56 = 7.34 335i coupe 4:17 + 3:46 = 7:63 335i sedan 4:71 + 3:15 = 7:86 Sedan is an 8spd Coupe is 7spd auto __________________ Kevin Dravit Gray, Black Leather, Moonlight Roof, Red Calipers 2022 M4C - 2020 Z4 M40i - 2023 FORD Expedition XLT Max 4X4 400BHP - 2009 V-Star - 1998 Ranger 4X4 5MT - 1965 Cobra (R) 5MT - 2023 Jeep Wrangler Sport S 6MT Last edited by BEAR-AvHistory; 01-22-2013 at 05:26 PM..
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01-22-2013, 05:22 PM	#7
Fun w/N54 Lieutenant 39 Rep 592 Posts Drives: '11 E92 335is AW/CR/DCT Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: WI iTrader: (2)	Makes sense...thank you both for the info. __________________ Evolution Racewerks FMIC and Charge Pipe with TIAL-Q. Wedge Tuned 93 Oct, K&N Panel, Conti DWS 245/275.
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