[tjlazer]

I just wanted to share my experiences with the CS last weekend as I had my first hard drive in it since picking it up in December. My friend is a pro driver that does GT3 level racing and has over 200k clocked at the Nurburgring as a test/taxi driver, so it’s fair to say he’s ‘quite handy’ behind the wheel. Nicely he handicapped himself with his new (to him) nearly stock e92 m3 and summer tyres, to my full fat CS with Michelin Alpine sports on. The roads around us are a good challenge and we chose an ‘alpine style’ tour to take advantage of some slippery conditions and lots of opposite lock in the switchbacks. Now I’m no pro driver, I can handle things but I ended up charging hard as I dared, left foot braking and using the torque and extra power to keep in touch with my friend. I’d tried the manual but I really felt the DCT was a better fit (for me). There is no way I’d have felt comfortable (or capable) of keeping up without the benefit of MDM, seamless shifts, left foot braking and two hands on the wheel and honestly would not have enjoyed myself as much either. I know people think three pedals is mandatory but I really think over time there will be a lot of love for the DCT, the new autos just cannot give the same response and control, plus this thing is absolutely ballistic with this box. Basically I’m fully in love with the car now, I think it will be peak BMW, it’s difficult to see how the new model can come close, in looks it’s already lost and well, the weight can’t hide forever during hard driving. Anyway whichever one you drive you’ll have a lot of fun, these things need driving so make sure you do!

[Champ of America]

Originally Posted by tjlazer

I just wanted to share my experiences with the CS last weekend as I had my first hard drive in it since picking it up in December. My friend is a pro driver that does GT3 level racing and has over 200k clocked at the Nurburgring as a test/taxi driver, so it’s fair to say he’s ‘quite handy’ behind the wheel. Nicely he handicapped himself with his new (to him) nearly stock e92 m3 and summer tyres, to my full fat CS with Michelin Alpine sports on. The roads around us are a good challenge and we chose an ‘alpine style’ tour to take advantage of some slippery conditions and lots of opposite lock in the switchbacks. Now I’m no pro driver, I can handle things but I ended up charging hard as I dared, left foot braking and using the torque and extra power to keep in touch with my friend. I’d tried the manual but I really felt the DCT was a better fit (for me). There is no way I’d have felt comfortable (or capable) of keeping up without the benefit of MDM, seamless shifts, left foot braking and two hands on the wheel and honestly would not have enjoyed myself as much either. I know people think three pedals is mandatory but I really think over time there will be a lot of love for the DCT, the new autos just cannot give the same response and control, plus this thing is absolutely ballistic with this box. Basically I’m fully in love with the car now, I think it will be peak BMW, it’s difficult to see how the new model can come close, in looks it’s already lost and well, the weight can’t hide forever during hard driving. Anyway whichever one you drive you’ll have a lot of fun, these things need driving so make sure you do!

Agreed. I, too, get way more confidence for aggressive driving from the DCT, especially for track work. I always want 2 hands on the wheel. Any 3 pedal desires I have are completely satiated driving a Miata, with big power cars, DCT is where it's at!

[M3R1]

Congrats on a spectacular car sir! I drove a M2C DCT prior to my M2C manual and now my M2cs. I Also have owned 2 E46 M3's and a SC'd E92M3 all manual cars. Clearly I am a three pedal guy.

The DCT begs you to drive hard. It really did make me drive more aggressively than I usually do.

I would love to give a M2cs DCT a go, I bet it is every bit as awesome as most have said.

[to_riffic]

Though I have high praise for the DCT, I'll always be a 3 pedal guy. It makes you work that much harder, which is what I appreciate about it. Yes you will always hear "I could push it that much harder, because I just had to focus on my hands etc etc," but you can push just as hard in a manual and that's why it's still, to me, the better driving experience.

[tjlazer]

I should add I own an e30 325i which has a short shift and many mods that’s a beautiful analogue experience so I don’t necessarily crave 3 pedals especially in such a powerful car. My previous M cars are e39 m5, 2x z4m, f10 m5 and e92 m3…all manual except the m5. There’s no right approach , it depends on your desires but I would definitely say DCT is a fantastic fit with this motor and platform.

[Humdizzle]

both trans are good. you do have to work a bit harder with the manual, but with the auto rev match on it takes ALOT of the work out.

the main difference for me is that the dct is smoother around town. especially the 1-2 shift. extra gear to keep noise down on road trips. and you don't lose boost between shifts and get that rubber band effect.

[ShaknBak]

Originally Posted by Humdizzle

both trans are good. you do have to work a bit harder with the manual, but with the auto rev match on it takes ALOT of the work out.

the main difference for me is that the dct is smoother around town. especially the 1-2 shift. extra gear to keep noise down on road trips. and you don't lose boost between shifts and get that rubber band effect.

What’s the deal with the 1-2 shift needing a longer delay? Took me a sec to figure out initially…

[Humdizzle]

Originally Posted by ShaknBak

What’s the deal with the 1-2 shift needing a longer delay? Took me a sec to figure out initially…

It's a typical bmw thing. It's lurchy unless you are actually concentrating on driving. Probably due to cdv or weird clutch engagement. My manual gt3 feels much more intuitive to shift.

[mfarrzhp]

I’ve owned two DCT BMWs, a tuned 135i and a tuned F80. Both a lot of fun and I always drove in manual mode.

These days, I prefer the manual. Yes, the DCT is easier and can be pushed harder with confidence. However, I love driving the 6MT at 85-90% on windy roads. The engagement of the third pedal and the gear lever on downshifts coming into corners and the upshift on the straight.

You can’t go wrong with either, but the list of great cars with a true manual is shrinking every year.

If I was doing more extreme driving with more track time, the DCT would be a no brainer.

[DanG]

I am glad that I got one of the last BMWs with DCT. Great in Seattle traffic and much more fun than the current automatics.

And the DCT was a blast on the track. Even my instructor opted for a DCT M2. We both were long time 3 pedal guys.

[M2forme]

Originally Posted by DanG

I am glad that I got one of the last BMWs with DCT. Great in Seattle traffic and much more fun than the current automatics.

And the DCT was a blast on the track. Even my instructor opted for a DCT M2. We both were long time 3 pedal guys.

Long time 3 pedal guy here as well and when I test drove the CS I was blown away with how incredible the DCT was. Silky smooth and super fast. I was sold almost immediately.

[cstraley]

I am very impressed with the performance of the dct also. I have owned so many vehicles with dct's and the CS is right up near the top. I am very impressed by how quickly it shifts back into first.