DCT in the "real" world

J

James_G

Member
 Guildford, Surrey
Hello DCT owners

Not strictly a Z4 question but a question on DCT. In the near future I want to get back to one car that does it all so both my Z4MC and my Honda Auto will go to be replaced with a 3 series, specifically a 335i. I would love a manual, but they aren't common and no doubt a nightmare to sell on in the future. So I've started thinking about a DCT equipped 335i Coupe, which is of course the same drive train as in the Z4 35i. As luck would have it at the Vines Z day last year I drove a Z4 thus equipped and was very impressed.

So, on a short test drive (with the roof down on a sunny day outside Beulieu) all is good. But what are they like in the real world? Like for example having to gently reverse into a garage when you need very good control of movement. And do you ever get in and think "I can't be bothered to use the paddles - I should have just got an auto". My regular commute involves lots of traffic unfortunately so I reckon a good 60% of the time I'm likely to be using it in auto mode - what's that like?

Now I know I am unlikely to get anybody telling me they've wasted their money, but I'd love to hear your thoughts, good or bad.

Thanks in advance

James
 
I never use the paddles and rarely use the shift in the left side 'manual' position. I use the auto on the DCT all of the time and never have any problem with it either for responsiveness or for precision.
 
For me its perfect. Very smooth auto, agressive in sport and even more so in sport + and when I feel the need the paddles and /or shift up and down with the gear knob. I like the options the DCT gives and after nearly 2 years I can't find a down side.

Paul
 
Endorse both comments as above. Just leave DCT to do its stuff if you want. No problems in fine manoeuvring. When I want to play, I put in sport, knock it down a couple of cogs on the paddle shift and hang on to the gears longer on manual up shifts. Did this in a tunnel the other day and nearly wet myself with joy :oops:
 
Forget manual drive unless you want the sound in M1 and M2.....auto mode works just superbly....
 
I've been told by the sales guy that the resale value is much better if you have it. So will help with monthly finance if you get a pcp
 
One more vote for leaving it in auto for the tedium of rush hour and backing out of the driveway, sport for normal around town with the occasional paddle shift and sport + with the paddles and shifter for tearing up the road and embarassing various so called supercars.... :thumbsup:
 
All, thanks for the comments and feedback. Seems like DCT may be the way go and as I said, I was impressed with it when I drove the Z4.

There's a DCT equipped 335i turned up at Cooper Cobham so I'll be planning on going for a drive in that this week.
 
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