Got my F80 M3, and it drives "odd" at slow speeds.

timt · 07-21-2014, 02:42 PM

Took delivery of my F80 M3 DCT last week, and now have 500 miles of impression. Two things I've noticed that bother me:

1. Feels like brakes are holding all the time. Have to give it gas to move from a stop, no creep, and as soon as it moves it "jumps". Can't seem to touch the pedal quite soft enough to move, but just move slowly. Maybe this is just a DCT thing I need to get used to? Going up a small hill and taking my foot off the break also seems to slow the car to a stop much more quickly than gravity would. Really feels like the brakes are extra grabby.

2. Throttle response seems jagged, and unpredictable. I can touch the gas to get started and feel like I'm getting almost no gas at all, until it finally kicks in almost randomly. And I mean *no gas*, like hard to hit 15 miles an hour. Once it gets going, everything is great. Distinctly feels like it is throttle control. Switching this setting among efficient, sport, sport+ does change throttle response, but they all seem to act funky at low speeds. I'm familiar with turbos, and this happens well before turbos would kick in.

Really, starting my day driving to work feels like the car is sick or something until I really get moving. Maybe it needs a lot more warm-up? Not sure that explains the brake feel, though.

DieGrüneHölle · 07-21-2014, 04:42 PM

It is just the DCT.

I have been reading comments like this, from people not familiar with DCT. It isn't an automatic, does not feel anything like an automatic.

timt · 07-21-2014, 05:08 PM

Thanks. Seems hard to drive the car with precision at slow speeds with this behavior. Maybe I will just get used to it. I can get used to smashing the pedal more at slow speeds, but the "jump" each time backing out of a parking space will take more practice.

Definitely miss the MT at times - but nice that the wife can drive on occasion.

gthal · 07-21-2014, 05:14 PM

The DCT is, by its nature, a manual. It doesn't react like and auto. It will slip the clutch, it will roll back, etc. Having said that, I would bet that you will get very use to this and it won't be an issue soon enough. Once I got use to how the DCT in my E92 M3 behaved, it was easy to be smooth... the same as the DCT in the F8X.

Having said that, what you describe does sound a bit "extreme" so keep an eye on it and if you don't notice it improving as you get use to it, take it in.

timt · 07-21-2014, 05:22 PM

Thanks - the slow down up the hill, and maybe needing to mash the pedal a bit at slow speeds, makes sense from a "how the thing works" stand point. It is the feeling of the wheels almost being held when first trying to back out, then jumping, that has me a bit worried. Wondering if the hill-hold is coming into play (even though I'm on flat ground.) If it is the DCT, that seems bad for it as the move is pretty sudden.

Oh well, nothing is feeling too badly sorted, so will just keep an eye open. Thanks again!

F82FTW · 07-21-2014, 05:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by timt

Took delivery of my F80 M3 DCT last week, and now have 500 miles of impression. Two things I've noticed that bother me:

1. Feels like brakes are holding all the time. Have to give it gas to move from a stop, no creep, and as soon as it moves it "jumps". Can't seem to touch the pedal quite soft enough to move, but just move slowly. Maybe this is just a DCT thing I need to get used to? Going up a small hill and taking my foot off the break also seems to slow the car to a stop much more quickly than gravity would. Really feels like the brakes are extra grabby.

2. Throttle response seems jagged, and unpredictable. I can touch the gas to get started and feel like I'm getting almost no gas at all, until it finally kicks in almost randomly. And I mean *no gas*, like hard to hit 15 miles an hour. Once it gets going, everything is great. Distinctly feels like it is throttle control. Switching this setting among efficient, sport, sport+ does change throttle response, but they all seem to act funky at low speeds. I'm familiar with turbos, and this happens well before turbos would kick in.

Really, starting my day driving to work feels like the car is sick or something until I really get moving. Maybe it needs a lot more warm-up? Not sure that explains the brake feel, though.

First DCT car I assume?

TurboSid · 07-21-2014, 07:58 PM

Slowing down and downshifting will induce braking, I've noticed this in my car as well. downshift around 20mph to 1st and u will feel the braking until 5 mph where it will then coast to 0.

Also coming to a complete stop your car is in neutral which is why it doesn't creep, apply the throttle and it goes into gear and goes.

This thing is wildly different from my dct in my 335is and I love it, much sportier.

MaynardZed · 07-21-2014, 08:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by F82FTW

First DCT car I assume?

Yeah, no doubt. Should of made him drive an SMG car for awhile, then the DCT would feel as smooth as glass.

Real story. Took my wife for a ride in my SMG M5 and she was convinced something was broken because it was so jerky and dodgy.

To OP these transmissions are annoying around town, in parking lots etc. They are GREAT on the track and when driving aggressively though.

TurboSid · 07-21-2014, 09:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MaynardZed

Yeah, no doubt. Should of made him drive an SMG car for awhile, then the DCT would feel as smooth as glass.

Real story. Took my wife for a ride in my SMG M5 and she was convinced something was broken because it was so jerky and dodgy.

To OP these transmissions are annoying around town, in parking lots etc. They are GREAT on the track and when driving aggressively though.

dont let her sit in a gtr! my budy has a 2010 m6 and i love the smg III tranny in it. if i had that in my m4 i'd be perfectly happy.

DieGrüneHölle · 07-21-2014, 10:06 PM

Second a lot of comment in here about DCT. I treat it like a manual. I have driven in D mode maybe 2 mins total. I always drive in manual mode. Although it is nothing near like the SMG, it does have a lot of manual like tendencies.

DieGrüneHölle · 07-21-2014, 10:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TurboSid

dont let her sit in a gtr! my budy has a 2010 m6 and i love the smg III tranny in it. if i had that in my m4 i'd be perfectly happy.

Yeah the SMG gets a lot of hate. But I like the extreme jerkiness and raw feeling of it.

aus · 07-21-2014, 10:19 PM

DCT in the previous gen cars was fine once the early cars had a software update. It's probably software related.

My wife hasn't notice any difference compared to her 335 Auto.

.

MaynardZed · 07-22-2014, 12:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blipit_

Yeah the SMG gets a lot of hate. But I like the extreme jerkiness and raw feeling of it.

I loved it's rawness too, would chirp into 3rd gear and with that wonderful S85 the M5's top end was pretty amazing. C6zo6 couldn't pass me at speed, very few cars could.

Most of the hatred for the SMG is directed at the fact that they break as did mine.

modkrazy · 07-22-2014, 12:47 AM

Put it in 2nd. DCT"s 1st gear is shaky unless you're gunning it.

bdoooh · 07-22-2014, 12:54 AM

We have a DSG MK6 GTI and it's the same way. My girlfriend drives it with ease but I can't stand it. Just can't get used to it. Hence why I went with 6MT.

Black Gold · 07-22-2014, 07:40 AM

It's dct

Same issue / feel at low speeds in my e92.

jbtco · 07-22-2014, 07:59 AM

Remember that for very low speed manouvering tap the throttle pedal and the car will creep ( the owner guide tells you this). The car is in effect a manual without a clutch pedal so requires its own set of skills to get the best from it.

dmk08 · 07-22-2014, 08:58 AM

Learn to tap the throttle quickly before leaving the line. It will make the clutches engage. This used to drive me crazy. Always thought my car was broken.

dmk08 · 07-22-2014, 08:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jbtco

Remember that for very low speed manouvering tap the throttle pedal and the car will creep ( the owner guide tells you this). The car is in effect a manual without a clutch pedal so requires its own set of skills to get the best from it.

Oops didn't see this. What he said!

DCT feels like sloppy trash til it's warm. (and no it wont change with software updates. I have GTS tune on mine and it's still the same when cold)

timt · 07-22-2014, 12:41 PM

Thanks all - good to know this is expected (I guess.) I've owned a couple manual BMWs (a Dinan-tweaked 135i and an e46 M3), and a dozen other 6-speed manuals. The stick isn't really better or worse, but something that I could completely understand. It does what your foot tells you it is doing. So far, the DCT feels like it will require a bit of habit-forming, but nothing too drastic. May well just go full manual most of the time to train myself for a while.

Thanks again!

SNONC · 07-24-2014, 09:57 PM

It will get better. Got 800 miles on my m3 and now understanding how to keep it smooth. Definitely need to tap it to engage. Until it warms up its a little jerky.

FTS · 07-25-2014, 12:12 AM

This is probably worthless, however: I had never before driven a DCT car, when I took out the launch car out for test driving and I did not even notice it was not an automatic. I mean I did not think of it, it behaved smoothly and as you would expect from an automatic transmission with a converter. So, what the OP is describing is quite far from my very first experience. It may be worth it to take it in for a quick look, or may be mention it if things don't improve 'till 1200 mi. service.

07-21-2014, 02:42 PM	#1
timt Reader, Rare Poster 10 Rep 100 Posts Drives: F80 M3 Black (2015) Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Bay Area, California iTrader: (0)	Got my F80 M3, and it drives "odd" at slow speeds. Took delivery of my F80 M3 DCT last week, and now have 500 miles of impression. Two things I've noticed that bother me: 1. Feels like brakes are holding all the time. Have to give it gas to move from a stop, no creep, and as soon as it moves it "jumps". Can't seem to touch the pedal quite soft enough to move, but just move slowly. Maybe this is just a DCT thing I need to get used to? Going up a small hill and taking my foot off the break also seems to slow the car to a stop much more quickly than gravity would. Really feels like the brakes are extra grabby. 2. Throttle response seems jagged, and unpredictable. I can touch the gas to get started and feel like I'm getting almost no gas at all, until it finally kicks in almost randomly. And I mean no gas, like hard to hit 15 miles an hour. Once it gets going, everything is great. Distinctly feels like it is throttle control. Switching this setting among efficient, sport, sport+ does change throttle response, but they all seem to act funky at low speeds. I'm familiar with turbos, and this happens well before turbos would kick in. Really, starting my day driving to work feels like the car is sick or something until I really get moving. Maybe it needs a lot more warm-up? Not sure that explains the brake feel, though. __________________ ~ TimT 2015 M3 F80 Black with DCT and Adaptive Suspension Previous (all 6MT): Dinan 135i, E46 M3, 2007 Porsche GT3, 2012 Cayman R, 2003 Carrera 4S, 2001 Gemballa Boxster S, and some Audis.
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07-21-2014, 04:42 PM	#2
DieGrüneHölle Colonel 1309 Rep 2,787 Posts Drives: M Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: bmw iTrader: (0)	It is just the DCT. I have been reading comments like this, from people not familiar with DCT. It isn't an automatic, does not feel anything like an automatic.
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07-21-2014, 05:08 PM	#3
timt Reader, Rare Poster 10 Rep 100 Posts Drives: F80 M3 Black (2015) Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Bay Area, California iTrader: (0)	Thanks. Seems hard to drive the car with precision at slow speeds with this behavior. Maybe I will just get used to it. I can get used to smashing the pedal more at slow speeds, but the "jump" each time backing out of a parking space will take more practice. Definitely miss the MT at times - but nice that the wife can drive on occasion. __________________ ~ TimT 2015 M3 F80 Black with DCT and Adaptive Suspension Previous (all 6MT): Dinan 135i, E46 M3, 2007 Porsche GT3, 2012 Cayman R, 2003 Carrera 4S, 2001 Gemballa Boxster S, and some Audis.
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07-21-2014, 05:14 PM	#4
gthal Major General 1903 Rep 5,678 Posts Drives: 2018 340i xDrive Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Canada iTrader: (2)	The DCT is, by its nature, a manual. It doesn't react like and auto. It will slip the clutch, it will roll back, etc. Having said that, I would bet that you will get very use to this and it won't be an issue soon enough. Once I got use to how the DCT in my E92 M3 behaved, it was easy to be smooth... the same as the DCT in the F8X. Having said that, what you describe does sound a bit "extreme" so keep an eye on it and if you don't notice it improving as you get use to it, take it in. __________________ 2020 X3 M40i \| Black \| Current DD 2020 C8 Corvette \| Z51 \| Torch Red ... built and waiting for delivery 2016 M2 \| Long Beach Blue \| 6MT 2015 M4 \| Austin Yellow \| DCT 2012 MB C63AMG \| 2011 E92 M3 \| 2010 E92 M3
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07-21-2014, 05:22 PM	#5
timt Reader, Rare Poster 10 Rep 100 Posts Drives: F80 M3 Black (2015) Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Bay Area, California iTrader: (0)	Thanks - the slow down up the hill, and maybe needing to mash the pedal a bit at slow speeds, makes sense from a "how the thing works" stand point. It is the feeling of the wheels almost being held when first trying to back out, then jumping, that has me a bit worried. Wondering if the hill-hold is coming into play (even though I'm on flat ground.) If it is the DCT, that seems bad for it as the move is pretty sudden. Oh well, nothing is feeling too badly sorted, so will just keep an eye open. Thanks again!
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07-21-2014, 07:58 PM	#7
TurboSid Brigadier General 1108 Rep 3,262 Posts Drives: 2022 M4Cx BSM/FR Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Florida iTrader: (4) Garage List 2008 335i [0.00]	Slowing down and downshifting will induce braking, I've noticed this in my car as well. downshift around 20mph to 1st and u will feel the braking until 5 mph where it will then coast to 0. Also coming to a complete stop your car is in neutral which is why it doesn't creep, apply the throttle and it goes into gear and goes. This thing is wildly different from my dct in my 335is and I love it, much sportier. __________________ 2022 BSM/FR M4 Competition X-Drive 2017 MW/SO M4 ZCP [SOLD] • 2015 MW/SO M4 M-DCT FBO [SOLD] • 2011 AW/CR 335is DCT FBO [SOLD] • 2008 AW/CR 335i 6MT FBO [SOLD]
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07-21-2014, 10:06 PM	#10
DieGrüneHölle Colonel 1309 Rep 2,787 Posts Drives: M Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: bmw iTrader: (0)	Second a lot of comment in here about DCT. I treat it like a manual. I have driven in D mode maybe 2 mins total. I always drive in manual mode. Although it is nothing near like the SMG, it does have a lot of manual like tendencies.
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07-21-2014, 10:19 PM	#12
aus Major General 890 Rep 9,031 Posts Drives: Odysse Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Seal Beach, CA iTrader: (10)	DCT in the previous gen cars was fine once the early cars had a software update. It's probably software related. My wife hasn't notice any difference compared to her 335 Auto. . __________________ Let me get this straight... You are swapping out parts designed by some of the top engineers in the world because some guys sponsored by a company told you it's "better??" But when you ask the same guy about tracking, "oh no, I have a kid now" or "I just detailed my car." or "i just got new tires."
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07-22-2014, 12:47 AM	#14
modkrazy Lieutenant Colonel 171 Rep 1,536 Posts Drives: m3 Join Date: May 2014 Location: tx iTrader: (1)	Put it in 2nd. DCT"s 1st gear is shaky unless you're gunning it.
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07-22-2014, 12:54 AM	#15
bdoooh Captain 112 Rep 969 Posts Drives: 2014 SSII M5 CP Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Ohio iTrader: (2)	We have a DSG MK6 GTI and it's the same way. My girlfriend drives it with ease but I can't stand it. Just can't get used to it. Hence why I went with 6MT.
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07-22-2014, 07:40 AM	#16
Black Gold Major General 590 Rep 5,396 Posts Drives: M3 Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Texas iTrader: (15)	It's dct Same issue / feel at low speeds in my e92.
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07-22-2014, 07:59 AM	#17
jbtco Captain 163 Rep 641 Posts Drives: F80 M3 Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Scotland iTrader: (0)	Remember that for very low speed manouvering tap the throttle pedal and the car will creep ( the owner guide tells you this). The car is in effect a manual without a clutch pedal so requires its own set of skills to get the best from it.
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07-22-2014, 08:58 AM	#18
dmk08 Gone Fishin’ 7316 Rep 12,125 Posts Drives: Walks Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Atlanta iTrader: (19)	Learn to tap the throttle quickly before leaving the line. It will make the clutches engage. This used to drive me crazy. Always thought my car was broken.
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07-22-2014, 12:41 PM	#20
timt Reader, Rare Poster 10 Rep 100 Posts Drives: F80 M3 Black (2015) Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Bay Area, California iTrader: (0)	Thanks all - good to know this is expected (I guess.) I've owned a couple manual BMWs (a Dinan-tweaked 135i and an e46 M3), and a dozen other 6-speed manuals. The stick isn't really better or worse, but something that I could completely understand. It does what your foot tells you it is doing. So far, the DCT feels like it will require a bit of habit-forming, but nothing too drastic. May well just go full manual most of the time to train myself for a while. Thanks again! __________________ ~ TimT 2015 M3 F80 Black with DCT and Adaptive Suspension Previous (all 6MT): Dinan 135i, E46 M3, 2007 Porsche GT3, 2012 Cayman R, 2003 Carrera 4S, 2001 Gemballa Boxster S, and some Audis.
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07-24-2014, 09:57 PM	#21
SNONC Private 2 Rep 54 Posts Drives: 2009 X6 35 sport Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Illinois iTrader: (0)	It will get better. Got 800 miles on my m3 and now understanding how to keep it smooth. Definitely need to tap it to engage. Until it warms up its a little jerky.
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07-25-2014, 12:12 AM	#22
FTS Enjoying driving 388 Rep 1,169 Posts Drives: 645 Join Date: May 2009 Location: MD iTrader: (0)	This is probably worthless, however: I had never before driven a DCT car, when I took out the launch car out for test driving and I did not even notice it was not an automatic. I mean I did not think of it, it behaved smoothly and as you would expect from an automatic transmission with a converter. So, what the OP is describing is quite far from my very first experience. It may be worth it to take it in for a quick look, or may be mention it if things don't improve 'till 1200 mi. service.
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