I know this has been widely debated on the forum but it was in scenarios where you had the choice to order PDK or traditional manual ...

here is my question... lets say a car you like is only available in f1/dct/smg/pdk etc;

do you get it and hope it grows on you or do you pass it up ??

I love the 2006-2008 M6 ... impossible to find with a traditional 6-speed gearbox... however they are greatly priced at 50-60k certified considering there sticker new was 100k+

my friend and I had this debate and truth is as much as I love the cars looks/engine/etc; I feel like that would be a 60k dollar mistake for me ...

anyone can chime in with experiences/opinions???

 

My coworker drives a 2011 135i with DCT transmission. After driving short distances with my M3 and our other coworkers WRX, he felt that he regretted getting a 6 manual. He hasn't drove in stop and go traffic yet so I don't know if his opinion would change after that but to me driving a manual makes me feel more connected to my car. I drove his car and the new M3 with DCT and wasn't really a fan of paddle shifters.

If I were you I would look into long term ownership of the car if you would enjoy driving the car as a manual or SMG. Sure DCT/F1/PDK will have faster shifts but I can't come around to owning one.

 

I was in your situation before buying an e92 M3.
Wanted a manual but after test driving the DCT decided that either transmission would work for me. That allowed me to pick the best car for the $$$.
After buying one with DCT I can say I am 95% happy with the decision. There are days I wish I had a manual but next summer when I get the car to the track, I bet I will appreciate the DCT.
Also, the DCT and SMG are different animals. I am amazed how much the DCT behaves like a manual which is a good thing. I have heard that the SMG isn't quite the same but I cannot be firm since I have never driven one.
Goodluck

 

if automated manuals are option, I always have it checked.

But if its a choice between traditional torque converted auto or manual. I'd probably choose manual depending on the car.

SMG single clutch automated boxes are actually more fun to play with. It feels just like a manual car but without the need of the left foot. But it sucks to live with as a daily driver if you are not used to it.

Dual clutch boxes are almost smooth like a torque converter box, but the shift are so quick, it loses the shifting feeling of a manual box. Dual clutch is the replacement for torque converted transmission. It is the best of both world.

I'm sure Lamborghini would agree with me, since they decided to use the single clutch in the Aventador due to the fact that dual clutch are too smooth and quick.

 

Love my 135i with DCT, one of the main reasons I bought it.

 

I drove the DCT in an e92 m3 and wasnt a fan ..

but now it looks like I may be transferring to an office where I have to drive to work so I will need AWD... that cuts my choices even more...

 

i have driven sticks for a very long time (a series of 540 6 speeds followed by an e39 m5)...until i got an e92 m3 a year ago. i do not miss the stick at all. the dct is really fun, and you have the flexibility to be lazy and keep it in auto mode but to override it at any time..or just put it in manual mode and have fun that way. i don't see any downsides to the dual clutch boxes as long as they are as reliable as a stick or slushbox...time will tell, but for now i would choose a dual clutch over all other options.

 

Maybe the new dual clutch boxes have perfected the balance between autos and manuals however I still wish I had gone with the 6spd rather than the SMG. Don't get me wrong I love it and love my car but I've driven the manual E46 and even for daily driving and stop-start I'd rather that. My SMG is smooth and fast when I push it hard but it's jerky in stop-start and I would actually prefer a clutch. You get used to it, it's not that bad but it's still no automatic.