DCT Clutch Lifespan?

gvan1998 · 03-10-2016, 06:49 PM

DUMB Question, but I need to ask!!!!

Does the clutch needs to replaced in a Dual Clutch Transmission like the manual transmission? Does the clutch wear like the manual transmission?

dkhm3 · 03-10-2016, 07:03 PM

Yes. DCT requires the similar maintenance as a Manual. I believe the clutch wear life is longer however.

mkoesel · 03-10-2016, 07:17 PM

The DCT clutch pack should last the typical first-owner period with the car and beyond. In the past BMW would not even perform service on the DCT transmission, and I am inclined to believe this may remain the case. It is, of course, possible to have a private shop perform work on the transmission, but you'd want to be sure to use a very knowledgeable mechanic with the proper expertise. I suspect there are very few who are qualified, although I know that some forum sponsors do posses the proper skills.

But, again, under normal use, if you have the car for less than, say, 150k+ miles, you probably won't ever have to worry about it.

CanAutM3 · 03-10-2016, 09:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gvan1998

DUMB Question, but I need to ask!!!!

Does the clutch needs to replaced in a Dual Clutch Transmission like the manual transmission? Does the clutch wear like the manual transmission?

Since DCT uses "wet" clutches (immersed in oil), since there are two clutches instead of one (half the wear on each clutch) and since they are computer operated (not exposed to excessive operator induced slippage), the DCT clutches should wear much slower than a MT clutch. According to BMW, the clutches are supposed to last the "lifetime" of the car.

M4Now! · 03-10-2016, 10:18 PM

^ And mine did in my e93; no issues at 101k miles, including some "spirited" driving plus track days.

Cheers

sA x sKy · 03-10-2016, 10:53 PM

Even if you needed to replace the clutches, which you most likely won't have to unless you're running >550+ tq, it's not hard.

It took 2 hours to drop the trans and then 5 min to take out the clutch basket. Then off it went to ShepTrans for them to install the Dodson clutch packs which they did in under an hour. I'm sure they would be able to install stock clutch packs as well.

Any GTR trans shop can install the clutches for the DCT.

JoeFromPA · 03-11-2016, 07:48 AM

I've been impressed by the long-term durability of BMW's DCT transmissions. We've got plenty of examples now over 125k miles as well as running lots of launches and 25-30% more power than stock for many miles and they really do not appear to be a spot that requires any extra maintenance, care, or faces reduced longevity.

In the past, one of the upsides to a manual transmission was a lower running cost over the long-term life of the vehicle. I don't really feel that's a factor with the DCT up to and beyond 150k miles.

minn19 · 03-11-2016, 08:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gvan1998

DUMB Question, but I need to ask!!!!

Does the clutch needs to replaced in a Dual Clutch Transmission like the manual transmission? Does the clutch wear like the manual transmission?

I didn't think it was a dumb question. Was curious myself.

yellowssm · 03-11-2016, 11:54 AM

good to know.

sandwi54 · 03-11-2016, 03:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoeFromPA

I've been impressed by the long-term durability of BMW's DCT transmissions. We've got plenty of examples now over 125k miles as well as running lots of launches and 25-30% more power than stock for many miles and they really do not appear to be a spot that requires any extra maintenance, care, or faces reduced longevity.

In the past, one of the upsides to a manual transmission was a lower running cost over the long-term life of the vehicle. I don't really feel that's a factor with the DCT up to and beyond 150k miles.

Agreed. I have no doubt the DCT clutch can last over 200k miles. A typical manual transmission clutch can last 150k with proper care and no abuse.

rr006rbc · 03-11-2016, 03:08 PM

BMW DCTs are awesome nowadays. Very little issues and just the normal clunkiness and chatter that's inherent in all DCT setups. It's the SMG transmission that were problematic. These DCTs are STOUT so you shouldn't have to replace the clutch unless you're launching the car at every red light and throwing it into first all the time while coming to a stop THEN maybe you'll cause premature failure..

Marth06 · 03-12-2016, 10:17 AM

Great to know.....not a dumb question
I've always wondered it myself since my SMG clutch in my E60 M5 lasted 100,000km......which was considered average
Excellent if this lasts 3 times that (or more)

bimmer456 · 07-07-2017, 05:49 PM

Just curious if the clutches on a DCT need to be replaced due to wear like a clutch on a manual?

ibimmer954 · 07-07-2017, 06:45 PM

A clutch is, by definition, a wear part. So, yes, it would need replacement eventually. I'm assuming when that time is needed it will probably be better just to replace the whole transmission with a new/rebuilt one.

03-10-2016, 06:49 PM	#1
gvan1998 First Lieutenant 162 Rep 388 Posts Drives: 16 M4 Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: MD iTrader: (0)	DCT Clutch Lifespan? DUMB Question, but I need to ask!!!! Does the clutch needs to replaced in a Dual Clutch Transmission like the manual transmission? Does the clutch wear like the manual transmission?
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03-10-2016, 07:03 PM	#2
dkhm3 Brigadier General 1882 Rep 3,341 Posts Drives: 991.2 GT3 2020 X3MC Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Orange County iTrader: (0)	Yes. DCT requires the similar maintenance as a Manual. I believe the clutch wear life is longer however. __________________ Currently: 2018 GT3 2020 X3MC Previously: 1999 M3 2002 M3 2005 S4 2008 C63 2015 M3 2016 X5M 2019 911S
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03-10-2016, 07:17 PM	#3
mkoesel Moderator 7517 Rep 19,368 Posts Drives: No BMW for now Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Canton, MI iTrader: (1)	The DCT clutch pack should last the typical first-owner period with the car and beyond. In the past BMW would not even perform service on the DCT transmission, and I am inclined to believe this may remain the case. It is, of course, possible to have a private shop perform work on the transmission, but you'd want to be sure to use a very knowledgeable mechanic with the proper expertise. I suspect there are very few who are qualified, although I know that some forum sponsors do posses the proper skills. But, again, under normal use, if you have the car for less than, say, 150k+ miles, you probably won't ever have to worry about it.
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03-10-2016, 10:18 PM	#5
M4Now! Captain 292 Rep 708 Posts Drives: MG / SO F83 Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Texas iTrader: (0)	^ And mine did in my e93; no issues at 101k miles, including some "spirited" driving plus track days. Cheers __________________ Bye bye E93 M3 - Hello F83 M4!
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03-10-2016, 10:53 PM	#6
sA x sKy Sameet 740 Rep 2,541 Posts Drives: AY/B M4 '15 Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Long Island, New York iTrader: (3) Garage List 2015 BMW M4 [0.00]	Even if you needed to replace the clutches, which you most likely won't have to unless you're running >550+ tq, it's not hard. It took 2 hours to drop the trans and then 5 min to take out the clutch basket. Then off it went to ShepTrans for them to install the Dodson clutch packs which they did in under an hour. I'm sure they would be able to install stock clutch packs as well. Any GTR trans shop can install the clutches for the DCT.
	Appreciate 1 MiamiM235iEstorilBlue61.00

03-11-2016, 07:48 AM	#7
JoeFromPA Colonel 1797 Rep 2,997 Posts Drives: '15 AW M3 6MT Stripper Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: SE PA iTrader: (0)	I've been impressed by the long-term durability of BMW's DCT transmissions. We've got plenty of examples now over 125k miles as well as running lots of launches and 25-30% more power than stock for many miles and they really do not appear to be a spot that requires any extra maintenance, care, or faces reduced longevity. In the past, one of the upsides to a manual transmission was a lower running cost over the long-term life of the vehicle. I don't really feel that's a factor with the DCT up to and beyond 150k miles.
	Appreciate 5

03-11-2016, 11:54 AM	#9
yellowssm Captain 236 Rep 838 Posts Drives: 16 M4 Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: las vegas iTrader: (1)	good to know. __________________ 19 MBB M5C 16 Yas MarinaM4 (gone) 05 E46 M3 HPF/ProEfi Stage 2.25 (Gone )
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03-11-2016, 03:08 PM	#11
rr006rbc Colonel 1205 Rep 2,818 Posts Drives: '23 M440i GC Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: California iTrader: (38)	BMW DCTs are awesome nowadays. Very little issues and just the normal clunkiness and chatter that's inherent in all DCT setups. It's the SMG transmission that were problematic. These DCTs are STOUT so you shouldn't have to replace the clutch unless you're launching the car at every red light and throwing it into first all the time while coming to a stop THEN maybe you'll cause premature failure..
	Appreciate 0

03-12-2016, 10:17 AM	#12
Marth06 Private 19 Rep 66 Posts Drives: F80 M3 Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: Perth, Australia iTrader: (0)	Great to know.....not a dumb question I've always wondered it myself since my SMG clutch in my E60 M5 lasted 100,000km......which was considered average Excellent if this lasts 3 times that (or more)
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07-07-2017, 05:49 PM	#13
bimmer456 Major General 2986 Rep 6,036 Posts Drives: 340i Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: Pasadena, CA iTrader: (0)	Does DCT Require clutch replacement like a manual? Just curious if the clutches on a DCT need to be replaced due to wear like a clutch on a manual?
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07-07-2017, 06:45 PM	#14
ibimmer954 Major 138 Rep 1,424 Posts Drives: '23 i4 M50, '15 M3, '18 911 Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: San Diego, California, USA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2015 BMW M3 [9.75] 2023 BMW i4 M50 [10.00] 2018 Porsche 911 C4S [0.00] 2019 BMW X4 M40i [0.00]	A clutch is, by definition, a wear part. So, yes, it would need replacement eventually. I'm assuming when that time is needed it will probably be better just to replace the whole transmission with a new/rebuilt one.
	Appreciate 0