When Dual Clutch Transmission disappears, it’s undoubtedly a sign of the times. Whether you love it or detest it, it will be missed! The DCT proved that BMW truly is the Ultimate Driving Machine and was the best there is!
The popularity of the dual-clutch transmission (DCT) used by BMW M, a multi-speed transmission technology that uses two distinct clutches for odd and even gear sets, cannot be questioned. In fact, drivers who had M vehicles with it were head over heels in love with it! This is due to the fact that it produced rapid-fire shifts, was simple to use in any traffic, and provided more theater than the standard automatic. Bottom line: DCT sped up automobiles!
The DCT’s gear selector, which was described as a “bizarre type of transmission,” had the look of a frozen tear drop and had the most peculiar pattern. However, that pattern gave it personality and made it evident that it wasn’t your ordinary automatic gearbox. On the contrary, it was far more intriguing and unusual. The ancient DCT was in so many fantastic automobiles. It had excellent paddle shifters behind the wheel and had many levels of shift aggressiveness. You could be certain that you were operating a performance vehicle with a DCT and extremely quick, jerky shifts.
Fans of the DCT were a little miffed when the F90 M5 moved to a traditional, torque-converter 8-speed automatic from ZF. Even though the 8-speed was a top-notch automatic, people craved the quicker, full-throttle upshifts of the previous DCT. So, fans were much more disappointed when BMW gradually stopped offering the DCT for the M. That’s because the original DCT was associated with so many fantastic automobiles.
However, BMW has made the decision to abandon Dual-Clutch Transmissions in favor of conventional 8-speed torque converters, even in the M vehicles. The F90 generation M5’s 2018 model year launch marked the start of this transformation.
Following the phase-out of the DCT were the F10 BMW M5, F06/F12/F13 BMW M6, F80 BMW M3, and F82 BMW M4. DCT was originally an option for these cars, but it is no longer available. The new G80 BMW M3 and the G82 BMW M4 have both switched to the ZF 8-speed, hence the M Division no longer offers a dual-clutch option. And that modification is long-lasting.
Fans of the DCT should be aware that the BMW M2 is the only vehicle still using the BMW DCT.
All self-shifting transmissions for the M Division moving forward, whether they be the present ZF 8-speed or an upgraded model, will be conventional torque-converter automatics. Sadly, neither now nor in the future will there be a dual-clutch option. The DCT has officially said goodbye since efficiency is of the utmost importance in today’s automated environment!
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Find the finest automobile offers with two modes: automatic and manual!
When operating in automated mode, the conventional DCT will pre-select the next gear and then carry out all the operations required to switch between gears. The two clutches will be activated and deactivated by the DCT as required to upshift during acceleration and downshift while braking. Sequential gear changes occur up and down, in numerical order. The dual-clutch gear pre-selection procedure allows a DCT to quickly shift through its whole range of gears.
A contemporary DCT can function as a clutchless manual in addition to automatic operation. This implies that the next gear can be chosen manually by the driver, typically utilizing levers (paddle shifters) on the steering wheel. There is no requirement for the driver to press a clutch pedal or engage a clutch in any other way. Both internal clutches in the transmission are automatically engaged by its hydraulics and electronics. Fast up-and-down gear changes are made possible by manual shifting, which also offers the driver total control over the way the transmission behaves.
Double-clutch gearbox
Diagram of a DCT (using two identical clutches located on the axis of the flywheel)
Using two distinct clutches for odd and even gear sets, a dual-clutch transmission (DCT), sometimes known as a twin-clutch gearbox, is a form of multi-speed automobile transmission system. The layout frequently resembles two independent manual transmissions functioning together as a single unit, each having its own clutch housed in its own housing. The DCT operates as an automated transmission in vehicle and truck applications, requiring no driver input to change gears.
The Easidrive automatic transmission, which debuted on the 1961 Hillman Minx mid-size automobile, was the first DCT to go into production. Several tractors from eastern Europe that operated manually and had a single clutch pedal came next in the 1970s, and in 1985 came the Porsche 962 C racing vehicle. The 2003 Volkswagen Golf R32 featured the first DCT of the current era. Since the late 2000s, DCTs have proliferated and replaced hydraulic automatic gearboxes in a number of different car types.
A transmission with multiple clutches is more often referred to as a multi clutch transmission. One clutch is used for each gear in the transmission of the Koenigsegg Jesko, for instance, for a total of seven clutches.
Even in M cars, BMW is switching from dual-clutch transmissions to eight-speed automatics.
Before the new 2-series is released, you should probably buy an M2 if you enjoy BMW’s dual-clutch transmission. According to BMW Blog, BMW is abandoning its dual-clutch transmissions across its lineup in favor of conventional eight-speed torque-converter automatic transmissions. Indeed, even in M vehicles.
Fortunately, a six-speed manual will still be available, according to the BMW representative. But depending on the model, there will be different iterations of an eight-speed automatic transmission listed there in place of the DCT.
The current M 8-speed automatic (8HP) has the following advantages over a 7-speed M dual-clutch transmission (DCT):
- matches the DCT’s performance
- More gears can be placed more closely together.
- increases fuel efficiency.
- enables use with xDrive all-wheel drive, whereas the DCT transmission was only intended to be used with rear-wheel drive vehicles.
The BMW Blog provided their own explanations for why this is plausible. Right now, efficiency is king, and the ZF eight-speed is simpler to tune for that. BMW’s significant electrification aspirations, though, are also set to materialize soon. When you know electric M vehicles are on the road, investing in the development of an upgraded DCT that could equal the performance of the eight-speed automatic doesn’t make sense.
With the new toothy G80 M3 and G82 M4 being the latest to swap the DCT for ZF’s eight-speed auto, that leaves the M2 as the final M-car with a DCT. The silent phase-out of the DCT began with the 2018 model-year launch of the F90-generation M5, according to BMW Blog. The M2 is already outdated, and spy images of the upcoming model are already circulating.
Given the current confusion around BMW’s marketing and overall direction, you might want to buy a new M2 nevertheless. It’s a tiny rocket that might end up being remembered as one of the greatest internal-combustion BMWs ever produced.
BMW first used dual clutch transmission when?
BMW M Gmbh originally unveiled the 7-Speed M BMW Double-Clutch Transmission (DCT) on November 1st, 2008. The 7-Speed DCT gearbox was first proposed for the M division by BMW, the first automaker in the world. It guarantees smooth gear changes, offers more dynamic acceleration, and lowers fuel consumption.
Are dual-clutch transmissions beneficial?
Benefits of Dual-Clutch Transmission DCTs often offer smoother performance and more efficient fuel use than AMTs and manual transmissions. In the world of performance driving, they are frequently favoured since they shift easily and precisely.
What makes dual clutch transmissions problematic?
As amazing as dual-clutch gearboxes are, they do have some disadvantages, just like any other type of transmission. A DCT’s propensity to jerk and lurch when being driven at slower speeds, like in a parking lot or when the car is in reverse, is one of the most frequently voiced complaints about them.
Drivers who are unfamiliar with this particular transmission type or who are driving in confined areas may find this alarming. Naturally, this doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy using a DCT while driving!
DCT is not the least expensive transmission type available. As a result, it may become less desirable to price-conscious buyers and its prices may rise.
- saving on fuel
- increased performance and speed
- reduces shift shock
- flexibility to manually shift gears or have the vehicle do it for you
- If you’re not used to operating a DCT, driving it at lesser speeds may cause it to jerk or lurch.
- can be pricey
What is the price of a dual-clutch transmission?
If you need to replace a manual transmission, then budget between $1,800 and $5,000. Replacement costs for automatic or semi-automatic equipment might run between $3,000 and $5,000.
A CVT transmission replacement will be much more expensive. Depending on the make and model, plan to spend between $3,000 and $8,000 on a car. Having a dual-clutch transmission raises the price even further. A DCT replacement will cost you at least $4,000.
Don’t forget to take labor costs into account. The price of labor might run from $500 to $1,200 or more.
BMW produces their own transmission, right?
BMW
The majority of European automakers produce their own gearboxes. BMW is a notable exception, as it purchases all of its DCTs and the majority of its manual transmissions from Getrag. Its ZF automatic transmissions are the majority of them. Aisin provides transmissions for several front-wheel-drive BMW models including Mini.
What distinguishes a single clutch from a dual clutch?
One method of an automated transmission is the dual-clutch transmission. Imagine it as a computer-controlled manual transmission with two clutches as opposed to one. The even gears are controlled by one clutch, and the odd gears by the other.
Although that isn’t always the case, dual-clutch gearboxes are intended to shift between speeds more quickly and efficiently than a traditional automatic.
(A clutch is a mechanical component that allows the transmission to shift gears by connecting and disconnecting the engine.)
Can a dual-clutch be used similarly to an automatic?
One clutch controls the odd-numbered gears, and the other clutch controls the even-numbered gears, in a dual clutch transmission. There is no clutch pedal necessary because the two clutches work separately.
Dual clutch transmissions offer a better driving experience since shifting occurs more smoothly and in milliseconds. Also smoother and easier is acceleration. The fuel efficiency of a dual clutch transmission can also be increased.
Comparing dual clutch transmissions to conventional automatic transmissions, several benefits may be available. Most significantly, a dual clutch transmission will yield better fuel economy than an automatic.
In essence, a computer-controlled dual-clutch transmission is a manual transmission. It is, however, technically a form of automatic transmission because there is no pedal and little exertion on the part of the driver.
Driving a dual clutch is different from driving an automatic. Even though gear shifting is swift and computer-controlled, you still need to manage it personally to keep the gearbox in good operating order.