Sell me on your preferred transmission...

RockinPA · 12-10-2015, 02:48 PM

I know, this thread probably exists somewhere else... buried away. It is probably long and by now, off topic. I hope you all don't mind too much that I'm bringing this back to the surface.

I have just ordered a 2016 F80. Traditionally, I am a decisive person. Not this time...

I've driven a 2015 F80 with the DCT. I rented one for about four days a few months back so I feel like I had an adequate "test drive". Ever since, I've wanted the car.

To those 6MT fans/gurus, as you know all too well... there's something about rowing through those gears! I've also read this is one of the best manual transmissions the fine folks at BMW have made yet. For that reason, I've ordered my car in this configuration. I haven't driven one though which has me wondering... I know what to expect with the DCT and don't with 6MT. Although, this hasn't yet deterred me...I just want to make the right decision.

I know that you can't go wrong either way. I know the car is incredible in both configurations. I know there is no right or wrong answer and it is mostly a matter of personal preference. I just want to hear your input and experiences. Thanks to all in advance.

Ready, set, GO!

imyopusha · 12-10-2015, 03:11 PM

You have to go with 6MT. If not for just the fun factor, you have 2,800 more reasons. Plus, on road courses, you live in 3rd and 4th gear and don't need to shift much as the power band is so long and potent.

SakhirM4 · 12-10-2015, 03:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RockinPA

I know, this thread probably exists somewhere else... buried away.

Try here

http://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=916402

and here

http://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1059765

DarksideM4 · 12-10-2015, 03:25 PM

I went with DCT, not that I am against being a purist of manuals, but the tech in this car has advanced so much you have already lost a lot of that old analog engaging experience performance cars once had. I DD mine in euro MDM and S3 mode so it is engaging enough for me with the luxury of going into dumb commuter traffic jam mode at a push of the button. I just think for the era of this car's tech and engine it was designed to marry with the DCT better.

I miss rowing my own gears but if I really wanted it that bad I would just pickup an E39 or E46 M car and get the old nostalgia without all the overbearing tech nannies.

Lol sure that didn't sell anyone, the car will be fun in either configuration so you win no matter what

Who's on first · 12-10-2015, 03:33 PM

CVT's are the best!

dalto · 12-10-2015, 04:08 PM

To me, the two big advantages of the 6MT are the cost savings and the connected driving experience you get from driving a manual transmission.

If you are willing to sacrifice those two things the DCT is technically better.

For me personally, I just don't want to drive an MT car all the time so I chose the DCT.

JoeKixxon · 12-10-2015, 04:44 PM

"sell me on your preferred transmission"? like - you'll pay me for it? if you can afford a new M car, and test drive them... ugh. do I need to continue?

Here. Do this please. Find the guy with the blown out knee (really sorry dude) and get the exact car with DCT that he wants, buy that car, and then trade him for his MT.

I have an MT. I like it a lot. Sold?

sh55 · 12-10-2015, 04:54 PM

I have a 6MT M4 and I agree that it is the best BMW manual I have ever driven. However the DCT is pretty badass and as mentioned it fits the high tech car.

What made me choose 6MT over DCT was the following:
- Have only owned MT cars for the past 15 years
- I do not use my car to commute, no traffic concerns
- I know there is a good chance BMW will stop offering manual transmissions so I want to hold out as long as I can
- I like the engaging feeling of rowing the gears, even if it's slower than the DCT. I bought the car for pleasure, not shaving .2 seconds off lap times

RockinPA · 12-10-2015, 04:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by imyopusha

You have to go with 6MT. If not for just the fun factor, you have 2,800 more reasons. Plus, on road courses, you live in 3rd and 4th gear and don't need to shift much as the power band is so long and potent.

All great points!

RockinPA · 12-10-2015, 05:14 PM

thank you for the links!

RockinPA · 12-10-2015, 05:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wanween

I went with DCT, not that I am against being a purist of manuals, but the tech in this car has advanced so much you have already lost a lot of that old analog engaging experience performance cars once had. I DD mine in euro MDM and S3 mode so it is engaging enough for me with the luxury of going into dumb commuter traffic jam mode at a push of the button. I just think for the era of this car's tech and engine it was designed to marry with the DCT better.

I miss rowing my own gears but if I really wanted it that bad I would just pickup an E39 or E46 M car and get the old nostalgia without all the overbearing tech nannies.

Lol sure that didn't sell anyone, the car will be fun in either configuration so you win no matter what

haha true! I'm sure you can't go wrong. Its interesting to hear everyone's perspective though. I can see why you would think that though. I drove the DCT for four days a few months back and the acceleration was unreal! I loved it.

RockinPA · 12-10-2015, 05:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoeKixxon

"sell me on your preferred transmission"? like - you'll pay me for it? if you can afford a new M car, and test drive them... ugh. do I need to continue?

Here. Do this please. Find the guy with the blown out knee (really sorry dude) and get the exact car with DCT that he wants, buy that car, and then trade him for his MT.

I have an MT. I like it a lot. Sold?

haha nice man! I wish I could find one to test drive. It's not that easy... there aren't really any in norcal that I've been able to find. Just trying to do my research and make an educated decision. I'm pretty 50/50 on this.

Glad to hear you're enjoying your MT. That is how I ordered it. Unfortunately, I have another 5 weeks or so until I go into production so that means 5 weeks to torture myself and go back and forth. lol

RockinPA · 12-10-2015, 05:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sh55

I have a 6MT M4 and I agree that it is the best BMW manual I have ever driven. However the DCT is pretty badass and as mentioned it fits the high tech car.

What made me choose 6MT over DCT was the following:
- Have only owned MT cars for the past 15 years
- I do not use my car to commute, no traffic concerns
- I know there is a good chance BMW will stop offering manual transmissions so I want to hold out as long as I can
- I like the engaging feeling of rowing the gears, even if it's slower than the DCT. I bought the car for pleasure, not shaving .2 seconds off lap times

I'd have to agree with you on these points. I too had a MT for about 10 years. Lately, I've been driving an auto and miss that third pedal. Thanks for your input.

JoeKixxon · 12-10-2015, 05:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RockinPA

haha nice man! I wish I could find one to test drive. It's not that easy... there aren't really any in norcal that I've been able to find. Just trying to do my research and make an educated decision. I'm pretty 50/50 on this.

Glad to hear you're enjoying your MT. That is how I ordered it. Unfortunately, I have another 5 weeks or so until I go into production so that means 5 weeks to torture myself and go back and forth. lol

Well I will say this: I've driven MT cars since my first Datsun 510, and this is the best MT I have ever driven in my life. So if you do like MT to begin with I think you will like this one too.

Note: I've never driven the S2000 or some of the other greats people rave about, so my experience is limited. Also I've been doing it wrong, and this was incredibly helpful to me: http://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1183996

Aloha Joe · 12-10-2015, 05:44 PM

I don't have an M4 yet, but it will definitely have a manual trans. Why? Because God accepts everyone into Heaven who has one!

If this doesn't sell you, don't know what will

mhanism · 12-10-2015, 06:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Who's on first

CVT's are the best!

?

qspring · 12-10-2015, 06:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RockinPA

I'd have to agree with you on these points. I too had a MT for about 10 years. Lately, I've been driving an auto and miss that third pedal. Thanks for your input.

I went with a 6MT for this reason alone. I missed how engaged it feels when driving a 6MT. The car's optimal configuration is with a DCT in respect to being quicker, but at the end of the day it's about what makes you jump in your car and enjoy the drive.

MFore · 12-10-2015, 07:01 PM

No telling how much longer you will have the option of a manual. So get it now while you can.
Also the clutch is so light driving in traffic is not an issue. Plus its just more fun. And this is a fun car.

RockinPA · 12-10-2015, 09:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aloha Joe

I don't have an M4 yet, but it will definitely have a manual trans. Why? Because God accepts everyone into Heaven who has one!

If this doesn't sell you, don't know what will

Haha I'm good with that!

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoeKixxon

Well I will say this: I've driven MT cars since my first Datsun 510, and this is the best MT I have ever driven in my life. So if you do like MT to begin with I think you will like this one too.

Note: I've never driven the S2000 or some of the other greats people rave about, so my experience is limited. Also I've been doing it wrong, and this was incredibly helpful to me: http://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1183996

That's awesome to hear! That's what I've been reading as well so I'm definitely leaning towards sticking w/ the 6MT. I will defnitely check out that link!

Quote:

Originally Posted by mhanism

?

Agree w/ above.. not sure what that means.

Quote:

Originally Posted by qspring

I went with a 6MT for this reason alone. I missed how engaged it feels when driving a 6MT. The car's optimal configuration is with a DCT in respect to being quicker, but at the end of the day it's about what makes you jump in your car and enjoy the drive.

Exactly! I agree. I had a blast in the DCT rental but just picture the 6MT being even more fun. Plus, I can't imagine you'd really be able to perceive it as slower...

Quote:

Originally Posted by MFore

No telling how much longer you will have the option of a manual. So get it now while you can.
Also the clutch is so light driving in traffic is not an issue. Plus its just more fun. And this is a fun car.

That is also great to hear! I was wondering how stiff the clutch is... I won't be doing a whole lot of commuting in it but for those times that I do happen to get stuck in traffic, a stiff clutch is not so enjoyable.

Thank you all so much for all the input so far, this is awesome.

SlapShot81 · 12-10-2015, 10:42 PM

The idea of the 6MT being obsolete someday makes me worried... No DCT would ever replace the experience of driving the manual gearbox. Go manual!!

KZEVO · 12-10-2015, 11:02 PM

I test drove a manual m3. The pedal placement is excellent for heel toe, the clutch is light and the shifts are relatively shorter and more direct than the e92. Should not be an issue driving in traffic. Very involving experience with the manual. I have a s4 with dual clutch and as much as I enjoy the dual clutch, it's just not as engaging of an experience. I ordered mine in MT. Long live the MT.

xman11 · 12-10-2015, 11:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoeKixxon

"sell me on your preferred transmission"? like - you'll pay me for it? if you can afford a new M car, and test drive them... ugh. do I need to continue?

Here. Do this please. Find the guy with the blown out knee (really sorry dude) and get the exact car with DCT that he wants, buy that car, and then trade him for his MT.

I have an MT. I like it a lot. Sold?

+1. To give up driving MT and having a bum knee is truly a tragedy.

If you're on the fence, just get the DCT. It's one of the best in the world and a bargain at $2900.

With MT, I can change up my shifting style instinctively without having to decide which BMW "program" is best for the situation at hand. That's why I chose it. Saving $2900 for a more refined MT over past gens was a nice topping.

PS. with the money you save on the MT, please send a commission check to JoeKixxon and the rest of the folks who vouched for MT.

Quote:

Originally Posted by KZEVO

I test drove a manual m3. The pedal placement is excellent for heel toe, the clutch is light and the shifts are relatively shorter and more direct than the e92. Should not be an issue driving in traffic. Very involving experience with the manual. I have a s4 with dual clutch and as much as I enjoy the dual clutch, it's just not as engaging of an experience. I ordered mine in MT. Long live the MT.

+1. Glad to see BMW made an effort to improve the legacy transmission.

12-10-2015, 02:48 PM	#1
RockinPA Lieutenant Colonel 4848 Rep 1,534 Posts Drives: '22 Mexico Blue G80 xDrive, '2 Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: The Orange County, Socal iTrader: (0) Garage List 2020 Tesla Model 3 ... [7.50] 2022 BMW X3M Compet ... [10.00] 2022 BMW M3 Competi ... [9.00]	Sell me on your preferred transmission... I know, this thread probably exists somewhere else... buried away. It is probably long and by now, off topic. I hope you all don't mind too much that I'm bringing this back to the surface. I have just ordered a 2016 F80. Traditionally, I am a decisive person. Not this time... I've driven a 2015 F80 with the DCT. I rented one for about four days a few months back so I feel like I had an adequate "test drive". Ever since, I've wanted the car. To those 6MT fans/gurus, as you know all too well... there's something about rowing through those gears! I've also read this is one of the best manual transmissions the fine folks at BMW have made yet. For that reason, I've ordered my car in this configuration. I haven't driven one though which has me wondering... I know what to expect with the DCT and don't with 6MT. Although, this hasn't yet deterred me...I just want to make the right decision. I know that you can't go wrong either way. I know the car is incredible in both configurations. I know there is no right or wrong answer and it is mostly a matter of personal preference. I just want to hear your input and experiences. Thanks to all in advance. Ready, set, GO!
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12-10-2015, 03:11 PM	#2
imyopusha Lieutenant 196 Rep 453 Posts Drives: 2015 M5 CP in Singapore Gray Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: KC, MO iTrader: (4)	You have to go with 6MT. If not for just the fun factor, you have 2,800 more reasons. Plus, on road courses, you live in 3rd and 4th gear and don't need to shift much as the power band is so long and potent. __________________ 2015 M5 CP 2015 ZL1 (Sold) 2016 M3 AY; Home ED Sep 15 (SOLD) 2012 335i (SOLD) Instagram- AY_M3 My ED thread: http://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1176511
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12-10-2015, 03:25 PM	#4
DarksideM4 Second Lieutenant 208 Rep 246 Posts Drives: 2015 BSM M4 Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Allen, TX iTrader: (1) Garage List 2015 BMW M4 [10.00]	I went with DCT, not that I am against being a purist of manuals, but the tech in this car has advanced so much you have already lost a lot of that old analog engaging experience performance cars once had. I DD mine in euro MDM and S3 mode so it is engaging enough for me with the luxury of going into dumb commuter traffic jam mode at a push of the button. I just think for the era of this car's tech and engine it was designed to marry with the DCT better. I miss rowing my own gears but if I really wanted it that bad I would just pickup an E39 or E46 M car and get the old nostalgia without all the overbearing tech nannies. Lol sure that didn't sell anyone, the car will be fun in either configuration so you win no matter what
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12-10-2015, 03:33 PM	#5
Who's on first Brigadier General 2464 Rep 3,803 Posts Drives: A-10C Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: Maryland iTrader: (2)	CVT's are the best!
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12-10-2015, 04:08 PM	#6
dalto Lieutenant 202 Rep 499 Posts Drives: 2016 F80 Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Texas iTrader: (0) Garage List 2016 BMW 340i [0.00] 2016 BMW M3 [0.00]	To me, the two big advantages of the 6MT are the cost savings and the connected driving experience you get from driving a manual transmission. If you are willing to sacrifice those two things the DCT is technically better. For me personally, I just don't want to drive an MT car all the time so I chose the DCT.
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12-10-2015, 04:44 PM	#7
JoeKixxon Captain 715 Rep 746 Posts Drives: 2016 M3 Sakhir Orange on Black Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Austin, Texas iTrader: (0)	"sell me on your preferred transmission"? like - you'll pay me for it? if you can afford a new M car, and test drive them... ugh. do I need to continue? Here. Do this please. Find the guy with the blown out knee (really sorry dude) and get the exact car with DCT that he wants, buy that car, and then trade him for his MT. I have an MT. I like it a lot. Sold?
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12-10-2015, 04:54 PM	#8
sh55 Lieutenant 220 Rep 433 Posts Drives: %E2%80%9805 E46 ZCP 6MT and '9 Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Brooklyn NY iTrader: (0)	I have a 6MT M4 and I agree that it is the best BMW manual I have ever driven. However the DCT is pretty badass and as mentioned it fits the high tech car. What made me choose 6MT over DCT was the following: - Have only owned MT cars for the past 15 years - I do not use my car to commute, no traffic concerns - I know there is a good chance BMW will stop offering manual transmissions so I want to hold out as long as I can - I like the engaging feeling of rowing the gears, even if it's slower than the DCT. I bought the car for pleasure, not shaving .2 seconds off lap times __________________ ______________________________ ?05 E46 M3 ZCP 6MT ?06 C55 AMG '97 911S 6MT
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12-10-2015, 05:14 PM	#10
RockinPA Lieutenant Colonel 4848 Rep 1,534 Posts Drives: '22 Mexico Blue G80 xDrive, '2 Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: The Orange County, Socal iTrader: (0) Garage List 2020 Tesla Model 3 ... [7.50] 2022 BMW X3M Compet ... [10.00] 2022 BMW M3 Competi ... [9.00]	thank you for the links!
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12-10-2015, 05:44 PM	#15
Aloha Joe Hanapaa! 393 Rep 449 Posts Drives: 17 M2 6mt, LBB Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: Honolulu, HI iTrader: (0)	I don't have an M4 yet, but it will definitely have a manual trans. Why? Because God accepts everyone into Heaven who has one! If this doesn't sell you, don't know what will
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12-10-2015, 07:01 PM	#18
MFore Private First Class 69 Rep 121 Posts Drives: 2015 M4 Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: McLean VA iTrader: (1)	No telling how much longer you will have the option of a manual. So get it now while you can. Also the clutch is so light driving in traffic is not an issue. Plus its just more fun. And this is a fun car.
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12-10-2015, 10:42 PM	#20
SlapShot81 Private 10 Rep 71 Posts Drives: 16 BMW M4, BSM 6MT Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Chicago iTrader: (0)	The idea of the 6MT being obsolete someday makes me worried... No DCT would ever replace the experience of driving the manual gearbox. Go manual!! __________________ 16 M4, BSM, 6MT
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12-10-2015, 11:02 PM	#21
KZEVO Lieutenant 191 Rep 516 Posts Drives: '18 F80 Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: NOVA iTrader: (0)	I test drove a manual m3. The pedal placement is excellent for heel toe, the clutch is light and the shifts are relatively shorter and more direct than the e92. Should not be an issue driving in traffic. Very involving experience with the manual. I have a s4 with dual clutch and as much as I enjoy the dual clutch, it's just not as engaging of an experience. I ordered mine in MT. Long live the MT.
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