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!
In This Article...
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.
What is the Mechanism of a Dual-Clutch Transmission? Discover the best auto bargains!
There are two clutches but no clutch pedal in a dual-clutch transmission. In a conventional manual transmission, the driver must depress the clutch pedal to engage the clutch. With a DCT, electronics command the internal hydraulics of the transmission to engage the clutch.
The two internal transmissions are each connected to one of the two clutches. The odd-numbered gears are typically housed in one of these transmissions, whereas the even-numbered gears are typically controlled by the other. (The reverse gear for backing up is likewise included in one of the transmissions.)
Depending on the gear selected when operating a DCT vehicle, one internal transmission is connected to the engine and driving the vehicle, while the other is disconnected from the engine but has the next gear already picked. The driveline’s flow of torque is unaffected by the quick gear changes between them.
Diagnostics for the BMW dual-clutch transmission
Some BMW engineers and technicians may be terrified by the term “dual-clutch gearbox,” or DCT. The gears, synchronizers, and shafts that make up a DCT transmission are likely to be your last interaction with them. Instead, you will need to fix the extraneous parts that regulate the clutches and cool the fluid. But it’s crucial to comprehend how the shafts and gears interact.
The gearing concepts of a manual transmission are used by a DCT transmission. A gearset is placed between the input and output shafts of a DCT using two countershafts. The odd-numbered gears are on one side, and the even-numbered gears are on the other. The two countershafts are known as sub-transmissions by BMW. The shift forks are operated by hydraulic solenoids rather than a linkage attached to a shifter within the cabin. There is no clutch pedal; computer-controlled actuators are used instead. When shifting up, one clutch disengages and the other engages, maintaining the flow of power.
The output shaft is connected to the shafts. The input shaft and output shaft are connected by a sub-transmission, which is controlled by the clutch and forks.
SKILLS, M, VOL.
Want the benefits of a torque converter gearbox with the ability to manually shift gears? With the M DCT, this combination activates BMW M for sporty drivers (M double-clutch transmission). This is made possible by the incredibly quick M DCT, which can be used either automatically or manually without affecting traction. You experience more driving pleasure and even better performance both off-road and on the racetrack as a result.
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.
Which BMW vehicles are dual-clutch equipped?
The first M vehicle to include the seven-speed dual-clutch automatic was the E90/E92 BMW M3. The F10 BMW M5, F06/F12/F13 BMW M6, F80 BMW M3, and F82 BMW M4 then came after that. DCTs were available in all of those vehicles, at least as options, and they were all superb transmissions. But now they’re gone.
What does a dual clutch transmission serve?
The goal of a DCT is to minimize the time between gear shifts, which has the advantages of better performance and fuel economy.
The quicker the car can accelerate during gear changes, and by cutting down on the time spent off the power generally during gear changes, the greater fuel economy will be, since engine power is not wasted.
The advantages a manual gearbox offers over an automatic are still present even if gear changes on DCTs can now be measured in milliseconds, which is faster than any driver is capable of.
By anticipating the next gear required based on variables including rate of acceleration or deceleration, current speed of travel, and engine speed, it is able to make these incredibly quick shifts.
This enables the predicted gear to be engaged by the computer before the change is made.
A dual-clutch transmission costs how much?
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.
What is a dual-clutch transmission’s drawback?
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 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.)
What kind of automatic gearbox does BMW employ?
You’ll adore a BMW with a manual transmission if you’re passionate about driving dynamics since it gives you the control you need in a variety of situations. When you need to be a little bit more practical with your car, an automatic gearbox may be what you need for the times when the car should be determining when to shift.
You have options with the BMW’s Steptronic automatic transmission, so you’re not forced to pick between an automatic or manual transmission. You have the option to use a manual shift when you want to or switch to the multi-drive mode automatic when you need it with the Steptronic gearbox.
For nearly 20 years, BMW was the primary designer and exhibitor of the Steptronic transmission. Since then, engineers and the Munich design team have worked to make the transmission more useful for drivers. The most recent Steptronic generation can be employed in a number of circumstances and shifts quite quickly. This allows the driver a wide range of options for performance, driving manner, and selected driving mode.
Is automatic preferable to dual-clutch?
The fuel and acceleration efficiency of a dual-clutch transmission is around 6% better than that of a regular automatic transmission. The changeover from automatic to manual is seamless and gives the driver more control over their driving behavior. A DCT car will easily offer all of these characteristics for individuals who value increased power, efficiency, flexibility, and fuel-saving alternatives.