For years, I was a die-hard manual transmission enthusiast. My last four cars all had stick shifts, and I honestly believed I’d never give them up. That was until I drove a BMW M3 equipped with a Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT). My opinion changed instantly. Perhaps it’s the somewhat vague feel of BMW’s manual clutches and transmissions, but in my view, the DCT is undeniably the best choice for an M3 today.
It’s not just about speed, although the DCT is certainly faster. It’s also arguably more engaging. While some purists might disagree, and I understand the nostalgic appeal of a manual, the advantages of the DCT are simply too significant to ignore. There’s a clear reason why virtually all modern high-performance sports cars are now utilizing DCTs, paddle shifters, or similar automated manual systems. They offer the quickest and most efficient gear changes – it’s a performance fact, not just an opinion. If Formula 1 technology is embraced, it speaks volumes.
And let’s be honest, sometimes it’s fantastic to just put the car in “D” (automatic mode) and enjoy the drive without constantly thinking about shifting gears. I’m willing to bet that every manual transmission owner has, at some point, wished for that same effortless driving experience.
Now, is the DCT an “automatic” in the traditional sense? If you define automatic as a transmission that always shifts for you, then no. You have full control and can hold gears right at the rev limiter if you choose. If you define automatic as lacking a clutch pedal, then also no, it technically has two clutches!
However, if you define automatic as having the option to let the car shift for you, then yes, the DCT offers that flexibility. Ultimately, I don’t care what others think about labels. From a purely technical and performance standpoint, the DCT is a superior transmission, and that’s the reason I chose it for my M3.
