BMW to introduce DCT with M3 sedan

[LeMansX5]

BMW will debut its first dual-clutch gearbox — dubbed M DCT — in the upcoming M3 Sedan. The sedan is expected to bow at an American auto show, probably either Detroit or Los Angeles. Although the car will also be available with a six-speed manual, the dual-clutch gearbox will use a seven-speed setup.

Co-developed with Getrag, the new gear box promises to be smoother than the outgoing SMG and will feature a shift lever similar to the one found on the X5 as well as paddle shifters.

The M3 Convertible is set to bow soon and is also expected to use the new M DCT technology. The M3 Coupe will likely see the technology as well. A high-performance M3 CSL is also believed to be in the works.

[M-individual]

This will be interesting and I can't wait to get behind the wheel of an M car equipped with M DCT (= confusing with the DTC).

I'm a huge SMG III fan (I can't imagine having my M6 with a 6 speed) and I'll be the first to admit that driving the SMG in D mode is a jerky experience but then again, he who drives the M5 or M6 in D mode doesn't have a clue of what he or she is doing. SMG III set up should be S5 minimum all the time.

Having said all this, if they managed to develop a system with all the pro's of the SMG and making the D mode less harsh us M guys will have a lot of happy female partners.

But ... let us wait for now and test drive it first.

Thanks for the info LeMans

[SANguru]

Caveat Emptor... I wouldn't touch it with a 10 foot pole the first couple years...