BMW Confirms M3’s DSG-style Gearbox?

The new BMW M3 will arrive with either a conventional six-speed manual gearbox or a newly designed seven-speed double-clutch system with paddle shifters. Called ‘M DCT’ in BMW speak, the new gearbox will be available from March next year in the M3 and will eventually filter down across the 3 and 5-series range in detuned form.

We reported previously about the possibility of a DSG-style box for the M3 a while back but this latest confirmation comes from an official document that was issued to BMW dealers, according to Autocar magazine.


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budfrogS4 - 5/30/2007 9:00:57 AM

+3 Boost

I wonder who their supplier is. If I'm not mistaken, Borg Warner is the only one making the 7 speed DSG trannies and they're only good for far less torque than what the new M3's going to have. But hey, good for BMW when they pull it off. It'll make it hard to decide which way to go...manual or dsg.

SevorbeupstryIsBack - 5/30/2007 2:47:17 PM

+2 Boost

Ricardo is making the 7-speed DSG for the Bugatti Veyron.

Recently VAG announced an all-new 7-speed DSG gearbox for their smaller cars. Very economical and compact transmission since it now uses a dry clutch instead of the 7 liter oil the current 6-speed S-tronic/DSG need. Which also translates into even faster shifts. How does 4ms sound like?

SevorbeupstryIsBack - 5/31/2007 10:43:47 AM

+1 Boost

The R8 doesn't have an S-tronic gearbox. It has a reengineered Lambo E-gear flappy paddle nonsense and it dubbed R-tronic by Audi.

dannyboy2 - 5/30/2007 9:10:02 AM

+1 Boost

Getrag - follow the link to read more about

Brembo - 5/30/2007 9:27:45 AM

+1 Boost

Double-clutch system...This is what I was waiting for BMW to do. I drove an s4 with the double-clutch system and it felt great. This is going to make BMW even better. Hope they put in the 3 series sooner and then later.

Lavic - 5/30/2007 10:06:57 AM

+1 Boost

DSG in the S4?

I doubt it. But if it is true, Woooooooow!

rg12345 - 5/30/2007 12:56:57 PM

+3 Boost

No DSG in the S4 YET. Maybe the next S4 (2008). Only the tiptronic for now, which feels good but it's far away from the DSG/S-tronic.

S4cabriofoxone - 5/30/2007 5:29:09 PM

+2 Boost

Nope. It has "eGear/R-Tronic" from the Gallardo- I'm pretty sure it's a first-gen sequential manual like SMG. Correct me if I'm wrong.

Brembo - 5/31/2007 11:31:26 AM

+1 Boost

Wow. I looked it up. You guys are right. However, the gear change was super smooth.

I still can't wait for the dual system for BMW.

urbansouljah - 5/30/2007 10:23:21 AM

0 Boost

ZF is also working on a DCT.

candywhite - 5/30/2007 12:46:26 PM

+1 Boost

I have a DSG in my GTI. shifting is super fast, unlike anything else.
I must say, that i miss manual. Dsg is fun and all but you are alot less involved then when driving manual.
If i had a choice i would go back to manual.

SevorbeupstryIsBack - 5/30/2007 2:49:18 PM

+3 Boost

In a fun little hot hatch like the GTI you just need a manual! It's part of the fun package!

S4cabriofoxone - 5/30/2007 11:19:40 PM

+2 Boost

But you did have a choice, and you still chose DSG...?

I love the DSG in my A3- I just can't have a manual in my "winter" car.

S4cabriofoxone - 5/30/2007 11:17:53 PM

+2 Boost

Even though Audi had it first? What's your problem? You think Audi is going to stay behind and not put the seven-speed DSG in their cars?

LOL. I'm not even going to mention their SMG failure...

S4cabriofoxone - 5/30/2007 11:18:41 PM

+2 Boost

BTW, Audi and Mercedes have both used/are currently using twin-turbos.

MunichRob - 5/31/2007 1:30:01 AM

+1 Boost

"S4" you have a winter car? I thought you lived in Cali.

r_driver04 - 5/31/2007 2:30:46 PM

+2 Boost

I'll take mine with a "real" clutch pedal, thank you.

WeAreMad - 5/31/2007 4:27:25 PM

+1 Boost

i was under the impression that porsche in the in 80's (or 70's please correct me, thanks) pioneered the dual clutch transmission and VAG was the first mainstraem manufacturer that offered it in production cars...wait!!! hasn't porsche owned some part of vag for a while now, maybe they passed along this concept in exhange for their first suv. hmmmmm...

salraf - 6/1/2007 4:42:27 PM

+1 Boost

any idea when m3 sedan will be available in the US?
Sounds enticing especially with kids to haul around...