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2Addicts | BMW 2-Series forum Technical Topics B58 (M240i) Engine, Transmission, Exhaust, Tuning 135i DCT vs. 235/240 Auto

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      01-01-2017, 01:07 PM   #1
TX135i
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Hi guys. I have a 2012 135i with the DCT auto. In another year or so, I'll be looking for a replacement vehicle and am thinking about a 240 with auto. I'd prefer manual but the wife prefers auto for when she has to drive it.

So the question is, how do you auto guys like the new 8 speed, and does anyone have any direct comparison to the DCT? I like the DCT and was curious how yours compares.

Thanks
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      01-01-2017, 02:44 PM   #2
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The ZF's 8 Auto is MARVELOUS. As quick as a DCT.
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      01-01-2017, 02:53 PM   #3
TX135i
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Quote:
Originally Posted by AlexM240i View Post
The ZF's 8 Auto is MARVELOUS. As quick as a DCT.
Thanks for the reply. I've been reading some since I posted this, and it looks like the 8 speed is actually quicker than the manual. I knew that was the case with the 1 Series DCT, glad to hear it about the 8 speed as well. Can you tell a big difference in shifts while in Sport mode vs normal?
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      01-01-2017, 04:28 PM   #4
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I feel like I can tell a difference in shift speeds when in comfort compared to sport/+ modes. More specifically I feel the kick like a DCT does when flappy paddling it myself, gas floored, but shifting around 5K instead of 7K. The transmission is amazing in my opinion and very comparable to a DCT in shift speeds.

In comfort and eco pro it shifts very smooth and don't notice when it shifts. In sport/+ it keeps the rpms at a minimum of 1500 so you're always in boost (except when stopped of course) so power is always there. To me it controls the transmission how I would if in a manual, 2-3k when doing spirited driving through corners and 1500 when cruising. I will warn that driving in sport mode constantly will make your mpg drop. BMW won't tell you this but your foot actually gets heavier when you switch to sport/+ modes I've been averaging about 19ish mpg staying in sport mode constantly. When in comfort and eco pro I get around 22-23 for my daily commute.
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      01-01-2017, 09:15 PM   #5
TX135i
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Joe240 View Post
I feel like I can tell a difference in shift speeds when in comfort compared to sport/+ modes. More specifically I feel the kick like a DCT does when flappy paddling it myself, gas floored, but shifting around 5K instead of 7K. The transmission is amazing in my opinion and very comparable to a DCT in shift speeds.

In comfort and eco pro it shifts very smooth and don't notice when it shifts. In sport/+ it keeps the rpms at a minimum of 1500 so you're always in boost (except when stopped of course) so power is always there. To me it controls the transmission how I would if in a manual, 2-3k when doing spirited driving through corners and 1500 when cruising. I will warn that driving in sport mode constantly will make your mpg drop. BMW won't tell you this but your foot actually gets heavier when you switch to sport/+ modes I've been averaging about 19ish mpg staying in sport mode constantly. When in comfort and eco pro I get around 22-23 for my daily commute.
This is all good info, thanks for the details. Doesn't sound like I'd be missing too much if I went with the 8 speed auto vs. DCT.
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      01-02-2017, 01:35 AM   #6
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Yes the 8AT is stellar BUT if you prefer a manual and the wife can drive a manual then get a freaking manual. I have yet to read of one person on this forum, the 3 series forum, and the M forums saying they wished they had gone with automatic/DCT, but I've read countless posts of where people they wished they had gotten the manual even though they know it's the slower car. Why take the chance? Get exactly what you want. If my wife didn't know how to drive a manual, I would have a taught her.
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      04-17-2017, 05:38 PM   #7
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I used to have a 2011 135i DCT and am about to take delivery of a M240i Auto - will let you know how they compare!
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      04-17-2017, 10:35 PM   #8
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I love my 8AT- and I came from a camaro 1LE with the tremec MMT6 tranny
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      04-18-2017, 12:43 PM   #9
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Had 135i DCT and now have M240i ZF8 and there is little noticeable difference. Plus the M240 is a more powerful car so that helps. I have to say that I prefer a manual but have that in my M3. AT or DCT is faster and better for tracking events but kinda boring otherwise.
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      04-18-2017, 09:53 PM   #10
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I came from a 2013 135is with a DCT and I will say this 8AT is amazing. The only real thing I would say I miss about the DCT, is the incredibly quick manual downshifting. I feel like that is the only thing the 8AT "struggles" with. I use that loosely because it's still an amazing tranny. Aside from that, the tranny is better in every aspect hands down. Especially if you were one of the unlucky ones that was plagued with the DCT lag and random surging. Cruising at 80mph and only being at 1800rpm is truly awesome. You'll deff enjoy it!
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      04-20-2017, 07:50 PM   #11
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This 8 speed would be the only auto I've driven, where if I wouldn't be too sad to switch to if lost my left leg.
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      04-22-2017, 09:58 AM   #12
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8 speed auto is fantastic. Traded a 2015 C7 w/ the GM A8 (which is a problematic transmission w/ surging and lurching issues). The transmission was the main reason I traded the car. The BMW 8 speed is fast and smooth and when set to "sport mode", and "D/S", the car really bangs the gears. I'm sure the DCT is a great tranny, but I can't imagine you being disappointed with the ZF.
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      04-26-2017, 04:50 PM   #13
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I've maybe used the paddles twice since I bought the car and I used them all the time on the old car. The ZF is legit.
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      04-28-2017, 11:39 AM   #14
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You can feel the shifts in Sport, but if you really want to feel them as hard and fast as you would in a DCT, do Sport with the shifter pushed to the left.
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      05-02-2017, 12:47 AM   #15
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The ZF is good but doesn't shift like a DCT, it's smoother at low speeds though.
I'm getting a manual.
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      05-04-2017, 09:00 AM   #16
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One thing i like about DCT is the throttle blip (rev match) when down shifting. Sounds glorious when you have an aftermarket exhaust.
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      05-04-2017, 12:26 PM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by AlexM240i View Post
The ZF's 8 Auto is MARVELOUS. As quick as a DCT.
Ditto on this

I've never had the opportunity to drive a 1-er with DCT and I'm a self admitted hater of auto transmissions......but the ZF8 is is truly an amazing AT and one I could begrudgingly live with if I had to purchase a car with an AT as a DD
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      05-04-2017, 04:42 PM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by starvmarv View Post
One thing i like about DCT is the throttle blip (rev match) when down shifting. Sounds glorious when you have an aftermarket exhaust.
The ZF8 does this very well.
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      05-04-2017, 07:20 PM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by PeterWT View Post
The ZF8 does this very well.
Ehhhh haha...don't get me wrong, the ZF8 downshifts flawlessly, but you def. don't get the throttle blip like the DCT (technically and mechanically speaking the auto doesn't need to do it, where as th DCT does)
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