Auto or manual

[ronk]

I think so. Had an 8 speed 320d as a courtesy car.

I wasn't impressed, it felt just as slushy as previous BMW auto boxs but it's possible that there are differnet 8 speeds available and I just had the sh***y one.

The box in my wife's 335xd (June 2015) is very punchy and sharp. Certainly more so than the box in my 3.0 E89
The launch control is a good laugh as well although in real day to day life nothing more than a bit of a gimmick - it also seems a bit unsympathetic to the system !

[R.E92]

I think so. Had an 8 speed 320d as a courtesy car.

I wasn't impressed, it felt just as slushy as previous BMW auto boxs but it's possible that there are differnet 8 speeds available and I just had the sh***y one.

The box in my wife's 335xd (June 2015) is very punchy and sharp. Certainly more so than the box in my 3.0 E89
The launch control is a good laugh as well although in real day to day life nothing more than a bit of a gimmick - it also seems a bit unsympathetic to the system !

I lusted after launch control for years but since getting a car with it I've only been out and used it twice. I think the problem is that it's such a hassle to engage.

[GuidoK]

Launch control also isnt something that can compliment the driver. It only compliments some engineer in an office in munich.
It says nothing about how fast you can go, only how fast that engineer can let you go.

[techathy]

I think so. Had an 8 speed 320d as a courtesy car.

I wasn't impressed, it felt just as slushy as previous BMW auto boxs but it's possible that there are differnet 8 speeds available and I just had the sh***y one.

The box in my wife's 335xd (June 2015) is very punchy and sharp. Certainly more so than the box in my 3.0 E89
The launch control is a good laugh as well although in real day to day life nothing more than a bit of a gimmick - it also seems a bit unsympathetic to the system !

Depends what you're used to. The I spend quite a big of time with an M135i auto & an 35iS, hardly surprising that and said...

The 8sp is great 'box. Comparing an M135i the w/8sp auto to a 35iS w/DCT; the 8sp auto is never harsh but does have a oh-so-slight rubber band effect on occasions, the DCT is crisp all the time but can be a little harsh at times.

[Jasey]

Yep - boring old sloppy POS Auto ...

[Nanu]

"Another thing an automatic usually cant do is skip multiple gears. When I want to overtake someone quickly, it's very common to change back from 6th to 3rd. I dont think there's any automatic that can do that in their kickdown mode (some may skip 1 gear?). If it goes to 5th, then 4th and then 3rd, it was twice in the wrong gear"

Its easy to skip multiple gears. A couple of quick flips on the down paddle and Bob's your uncle. Still a lot quicker than a manual

[GuidoK]

Its easy to skip multiple gears. A couple of quick flips on the down paddle and Bob's your uncle. Still a lot quicker than a manual

I'm pretty sure it isnt quicker

[Nanu]

Its easy to skip multiple gears. A couple of quick flips on the down paddle and Bob's your uncle. Still a lot quicker than a manual

I'm pretty sure it isnt quicker

It is. I've driven both a 28i manual and my 35is and trust me auto DCT is much quicker.
Don't forget all it takes is a flick of the fingers on the paddles. The gears would be changed before your hand even left the steering wheel and got to the gear stick.

[GuidoK]

We're talking about multiple shifts, and were talking about an automatic.
First get your technical definitions straight

[Obs-Com]

Its easy to skip multiple gears. A couple of quick flips on the down paddle and Bob's your uncle. Still a lot quicker than a manual

I'm pretty sure it isnt quicker

It is. I've driven both a 28i manual and my 35is and trust me auto DCT is much quicker.
Don't forget all it takes is a flick of the fingers on the paddles. The gears would be changed before your hand even left the steering wheel and got to the gear stick.

Totally agree. The you can drop two/three gears just as quick if not quicker with the DCT and keep both hands on the wheel! However, there's so much torque available you often don't need to drop a gear. The DCT is an automated manual box.

[techathy]

I thought the 8sp auto had to do a cascade change when block shifting were as the DCT can do a proper block change. The problem for both 'boxes is actually persuading the 'box to block change. Only way I know is kick down.

[Jasey]

We're talking about multiple shifts, and were talking about an automatic.
First get your technical definitions straight

When was thew last time you drove an auto ?

I'm guessing 1957

[Mr Tidy]

I guess if you are undecided you need to try both before you make andya1's day!

I have a manual E86 and can't imagine the auto being nearly as good with the N52 engine, but a DCT in an E89 will be totally different - be interesting to hear what you go for and how you get on with it!

[GuidoK]

When was thew last time you drove an auto ?

I'm guessing 1957

Why do you say that?

[Jasey]

When was thew last time you drove an auto ?

I'm guessing 1957

Why do you say that?

I've had 2 modern "autos" and neither of them have any trouble overtaking "quickly".

From your earlier descriptions of needing to drop down gears to overtake it would appear that you are basing your theories on long past experiences or indeed experiences in crappy sloppy autos (which do still exist).