Issues with DCT clutch

[cevallos.j]

So my car is a 2009 e90 DCT with 70k miles... I had the Transmission malfunction warming come on my screen one day when going up the gears after about a 15 minute drive. The car lost 1st, 3rd, 5th, and 7th. I then turned the car off and back on and it returned to normal but I took it into the dealership anyway. They insisted it was a one time fault and gave me the car back a few days later.

A week later it happened again, and now I am noticing the clutch slipping. I took it back into the dealership and got quoted $5,000 for a clutch replacement and the extended warranty denied my claim so it has to be out of pocket.

My question is does this sound normal for a 70,000 mile car? Is this a job an independent BMW shop can do? Any recommendations for someone in southern California or even better, San Diego?

any advice is much appreciated!

Jorge Cevallos

[Leonardo629]

You probably just need a fluid change, and a DCT re-adapt. I'm not sure if indie shops can do the re-learn, but fellow owners have been getting it done at the dealer to fix issues.

You may not need brand new clutches, when a re-learn can solve your problem.

[bigjae1976]

I'd do a DCT service (fluid and filters) first before dropping 5k at the stealer. You should be able to get a used unit and new clutches for less than $5k.

What kind of warranty do you have? BMW extended or some other company?

[fhaze3]

I have an aftermarket warranty and this is /exactly/ the thing I would expect them to cover. Who do you have and at what level of coverage?

[cevallos.j]

Thanks guys I will insist on them doing the DCT re learn and fluid change, I just kind want to take it away from the dealership and do it else where. I have United auto care extended warranty, with the high tech preferred coverage, and they denied my claim over and over again.

[M3Bimmer77]

What's the reason for denial? Don't you have copy of the contract? Study it and ask the reason for denial.

Try changing the fluid but I doubt it will fix it. There must be a something wrong with one side.

[cevallos.j]

On my contract it states Automatic transmissions have clutches covered, but they are arguing that my transmission is more like a manual and it has a flywheel and pressure plate exc so those are not covered. They say they only cover the internal clutches in an automatic trans...

[narkotic]

Odd. It's a wet clutch system that should last a very long time. Wet = less friction. It's not a traditional dry flywheel / clutch.

You'd be surprised how much this can be electronic and not physical. They need to figure out the problem, don't give them things to do. Or just go to a different dealer if that is feasible.

[besiktas]

Had the same problem at 60k, the dealer told me they dont repair DCT's. soon your R,1,3,5,7 will be completely out if not already.if they can fix it for 5k, try to negotiate, use bmw cca 15% discount etc. if not get it rebuilt or buy used which will cost close to 4-5k all costs included.

[cevallos.j]

They are throwing a new clutch in it. Let's hope that's it. 5k later

[swifty]

OP, do you have the GTS tune?

[cevallos.j]

I do not, but I do plan on getting it once I get my car back!

[Honda]

Hmm.. This is the first thread I read with DCT physical problem. I do hope it is still reliable compared to other transmission

[Bushum]

It seems kind of ironic that this forum insists the DCT is NOT an automatic but is actually built and functions more as a manual (which I agree 100% and loved the DCT car I had) but when the clutch goes out and warranty won't cover it people are surprised. A clutch is a wear item. It always has been.

[besiktas]

Originally Posted by S65-M3

Hmm.. This is the first thread I read with DCT physical problem. I do hope it is still reliable compared to other transmission

Do a google search, turns out its more than many people think.

[Varjo]

I would fight them on this. The DCT may have more in common with manual transmissions than with the technology in most automatic boxes, but it is still automatic. If the warranty makes statements about automatic vs manual transmissions... well that's technology agnostic, if you do not manually operate the clutch, then it is automatic. This is an important distinction. A person can abuse a manual clutch however they want but the DCT has a computer taking car of it, controlling the shifting, the amount of slippage, and even the engine torque during the shift. Honestly, for 5 grand, this is worth it to take to small claims court.

[Nemo91]

Just had this happen to me recently. Did you ever find the source of the issue?