automatic double clutch transmission

pick333 · 10-02-2013, 01:57 PM

Just curious about how often135i owners use the paddles vs the automatic double clutch transmission. 90/10? 50/50? Of course, it's different with every driver, but would be interested in some feedback.

WhiteTgr135i · 10-02-2013, 02:11 PM

I use the shifter more than the paddles. Feels more natural to use the shifter to downshift then the paddles IMO.

patricksr · 10-02-2013, 02:41 PM

Maybe 25% of the time I push it into S mode and let the car do the shifting but at higher shift points since it is in S mode. Maybe 5% of time use the actual paddles and go into M mode.

IEDEI · 10-02-2013, 02:53 PM

i got a manual in my 135is, but my last car was an A3 quattro with DSG (S-tronic) and i was on the paddles 95% of the time. Almost NEVER in automatic mode. Personally i had a hard time putting in 'D' and driving-----felt totally bored.

Needless to say...i went back to a manual. Not sure if i can do the dual clutch thing again, but it's a great gearbox.

bozaman · 10-02-2013, 02:56 PM

i've found myself keeping the transmission in standard mode for most daily duties, and moving to sport mode on occasion (when the mood strikes me, so to speak). strickly manual mode via the paddles becomes convenient when i want to make some quick passing or other maneuvers, but i don't use it for most driving (and significantly less than i thought i might given my preference for manual transmissions overall). so, probably 85/10/5 (drive/sport/manual) as a breakdown.

gregthegr8 · 10-02-2013, 02:56 PM

I've used the paddles twice for a minute each in the 5 months I've had it.

Started putting it in DS mode a little more of late post break-in, but still letting it shift for me. Too much work and pain to have to use my precious hands.

jester17 · 10-02-2013, 02:57 PM

ALWAYS use M... paddles only if I'm moving 180% more than the speed limit.

PopsnBurbles · 10-02-2013, 03:03 PM

If I have no intention of going fast, I just leave it in auto mode. If I feel the need to "engine brake", I use the paddles to downshift. All else, I use the shifter. I have nothing against the paddles but I just prefer the shifter.

I think I should start using the paddles more because I always have this background thought that I'll accidentally press P and the computer will allow it and kill my car.

AGAV13 · 10-02-2013, 03:06 PM

90% Sport button & Paddles, 5% Sport & Sport, 3% Sport & Auto, 2% Auto (When i have food or other stuff in the trunk)

Walt White Coupe · 10-02-2013, 03:16 PM

In normal driving I just let the transmission do it's own thing. If I'm approaching a turn with an uphill afterward I might downshift with the paddle to override the automatic but that's about it.

gregthegr8 · 10-02-2013, 03:16 PM

No fair, I forgot the sport button.

At this point, though getting progressively more aggressive with each passing day I'm at 89% in auto, but 20% of that time with sport button on. 9% in DS, 1% in Manual mode with paddles.

I also think it feels very plasticky and cheap with the DCT gearshift moving into the DS/Manual modes. Should have a solid thud when moving back and forth, but feels like a cheap plastic clank.

tuco44 · 10-02-2013, 04:23 PM

On the two DCTs I have had to date, I hardly ever used the paddles.

I have gone back to 6MT - much more fun and involvement.

worries · 10-02-2013, 04:47 PM

Manual mode 100% of the time, paddles 75% shifter 25%

BEAR-AvHistory · 10-02-2013, 05:36 PM

I never use the shifter when in "M" on the 335is only the paddles. 135is has a 6MT

///Machiavelli · 10-02-2013, 07:44 PM

Usually manual mode for me, except for gridlock and/or stop and go traffic.

Only use the paddles when on the track. Though, I have used the paddle on occasion to downshift when approaching a red light with a coffee in the other hand.

e36addict · 10-02-2013, 07:47 PM

On the drive to work, all auto. I call it old man mode.. On the drive home though, it's always sport button pressed shifting manually with the shifter itself. I rarely use the paddles unless I'm really hauling ass. I really don't care for the "S" mode at all.. I feel it uses the wrong part of the power band and drags the shifts out too long.

TheSt|G · 10-02-2013, 08:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gregthegr8

No fair, I forgot the sport button.

At this point, though getting progressively more aggressive with each passing day I'm at 89% in auto, but 20% of that time with sport button on. 9% in DS, 1% in Manual mode with paddles.

I also think it feels very plasticky and cheap with the DCT gearshift moving into the DS/Manual modes. Should have a solid thud when moving back and forth, but feels like a cheap plastic clank.

That's what happens when you push a button instead of pull a lever.

bradleyland · 10-02-2013, 08:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IEDEI

i got a manual in my 135is, but my last car was an A3 quattro with DSG (S-tronic) and i was on the paddles 95% of the time. Almost NEVER in automatic mode. Personally i had a hard time putting in 'D' and driving-----felt totally bored.

Needless to say...i went back to a manual. Not sure if i can do the dual clutch thing again, but it's a great gearbox.

Likewise. I had a GTI with DSG prior to my 135i, which I configured with a 6-speed manual. I found myself constantly using the paddles or shift lever in manual with the DSG transmission because I didn't like the way the car drove in auto.

I've only ever owned manual transmission cars, and there is a definite difference between mid-corner acceleration response when you're pre-selecting a gear versus waiting on an automatic to find the right spot. Even in every day driving, it results in a kind of jerking motion that I've never liked. I even notice it in our 2013 X3, which as the oft-praised ZF 8-speed auto.

I know it's a minor thing, but it's a big part of the reason that I went back to a manual with my 135i. I want to be in control of the gear selection 100% of the time because it impacts the way the car drives.

Pyrat 2 · 10-02-2013, 09:18 PM

Paddle shift at the track. Sport mode or standard mode on the street. Exhaust drone is pretty bad around town in standard mode. Therefore go to sport to get away from the drone or for a little more fun.

Andrewcoja · 10-02-2013, 09:54 PM

Do you have a modded exhaust? Even with the flap disabled, my car only drones if I hit the gas enough to accelerate.

rking117 · 10-03-2013, 10:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pick333

Just curious about how often135i owners use the paddles vs the automatic double clutch transmission. 90/10? 50/50? Of course, it's different with every driver, but would be interested in some feedback.

Well here I go again, sorry for the analytical person within me. When you say Paddles vs the automatic DCT you are really saying Paddles vs letting the trans shift itself right? As I understand how the DCT trans performs the Dual Clutch technology is engaged no matter if you are using the paddles or letting the trans auto shift. (I am not sayign the shoft points arent different of course) If I am wrong about this please let me know as that is not how i read it in the manuals.

As for me I use the paddles like 97% of the time in sport mode on my Z but in the 1er use the auto mode more. Of course my 1 or Z doesnt have the DCT trans.

IEDEI · 10-03-2013, 10:40 AM

i'm pretty surprised at how many of you do not use the paddles in your DCT gearbox. It's sort of a waste to have such a good gearbox and not take advantage its features.

in 'auto mode'...most dual clutch gearboxes feel very uninvolving, no matter how good they are. In 'manual mode' is where they all wake up!

10-02-2013, 01:57 PM	#1
pick333 Private 42 Rep 98 Posts Drives: 2013 BMW series 1 135i Join Date: May 2013 Location: Denver, CO iTrader: (0)	automatic double clutch transmission Just curious about how often135i owners use the paddles vs the automatic double clutch transmission. 90/10? 50/50? Of course, it's different with every driver, but would be interested in some feedback.
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10-02-2013, 02:11 PM	#2
WhiteTgr135i Captain 69 Rep 967 Posts Drives: 2012 BMW 135i Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: City of Rapture iTrader: (5)	I use the shifter more than the paddles. Feels more natural to use the shifter to downshift then the paddles IMO.
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10-02-2013, 02:41 PM	#3
patricksr Enlisted Member 3 Rep 39 Posts Drives: BMW M2 Comp Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: N. CA. iTrader: (0)	Maybe 25% of the time I push it into S mode and let the car do the shifting but at higher shift points since it is in S mode. Maybe 5% of time use the actual paddles and go into M mode.
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10-02-2013, 02:53 PM	#4
IEDEI Banned 1131 Rep 4,686 Posts Drives: L'Orange Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Brooklyn, NYC iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 BMW 1M [8.40]	i got a manual in my 135is, but my last car was an A3 quattro with DSG (S-tronic) and i was on the paddles 95% of the time. Almost NEVER in automatic mode. Personally i had a hard time putting in 'D' and driving-----felt totally bored. Needless to say...i went back to a manual. Not sure if i can do the dual clutch thing again, but it's a great gearbox.
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10-02-2013, 02:56 PM	#5
bozaman New Member 0 Rep 11 Posts Drives: 2013 BMW 135i (E82) Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Phoenix AZ USA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2013 BMW 135i (E82) [0.00]	i've found myself keeping the transmission in standard mode for most daily duties, and moving to sport mode on occasion (when the mood strikes me, so to speak). strickly manual mode via the paddles becomes convenient when i want to make some quick passing or other maneuvers, but i don't use it for most driving (and significantly less than i thought i might given my preference for manual transmissions overall). so, probably 85/10/5 (drive/sport/manual) as a breakdown. __________________ Basics: 2013 BMW 135i (E82) \| AW \| Black Boston \| 7DCT \| M Sport \| Premium \| Tech Upgrades: Pending...
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10-02-2013, 02:56 PM	#6
gregthegr8 Admiral of the Fleet 265 Rep 3,552 Posts Drives: Cars Usually Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Los Angeles, CA iTrader: (5)	I've used the paddles twice for a minute each in the 5 months I've had it. Started putting it in DS mode a little more of late post break-in, but still letting it shift for me. Too much work and pain to have to use my precious hands.
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10-02-2013, 02:57 PM	#7
jester17 First Lieutenant 51 Rep 323 Posts Drives: 2009 E93 M Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Elizabethtown, PA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2009 BMW M3 [0.00]	ALWAYS use M... paddles only if I'm moving 180% more than the speed limit.
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10-02-2013, 03:03 PM	#8
PopsnBurbles Captain 192 Rep 893 Posts Drives: 135is :) 192/586 Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: LA, CA iTrader: (4) Garage List 2013 BMW 135is Coup ... [10.00]	If I have no intention of going fast, I just leave it in auto mode. If I feel the need to "engine brake", I use the paddles to downshift. All else, I use the shifter. I have nothing against the paddles but I just prefer the shifter. I think I should start using the paddles more because I always have this background thought that I'll accidentally press P and the computer will allow it and kill my car.
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10-02-2013, 03:06 PM	#9
AGAV13 Captain 808 Rep 952 Posts Drives: AW 135is (#363/586) Join Date: May 2012 Location: CT 860 iTrader: (2)	90% Sport button & Paddles, 5% Sport & Sport, 3% Sport & Auto, 2% Auto (When i have food or other stuff in the trunk) __________________ CURRENT 2017 Boxster S ?718? (07/27/18) 2018 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon Recon - (10/28/18) SOLD 2013 BMW 135is #363/586 - AW, Black Boston Leather w/ Exclusive Blue Stitching, Prem., Tech, DCT, Heated Seats, HK
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10-02-2013, 03:16 PM	#10
Walt White Coupe Captain 225 Rep 741 Posts Drives: 2013 650ix Coupe, 23 C8 Vette Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Phila, PA iTrader: (0)	In normal driving I just let the transmission do it's own thing. If I'm approaching a turn with an uphill afterward I might downshift with the paddle to override the automatic but that's about it.
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10-02-2013, 04:23 PM	#12
tuco44 Colonel 645 Rep 2,292 Posts Drives: 2018 340i xDrive M Perf Edtn Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Western Canada iTrader: (0)	On the two DCTs I have had to date, I hardly ever used the paddles. I have gone back to 6MT - much more fun and involvement. __________________ 2018 340i xDrive M Perf Edtn Sunset Orange Previous BMWs - 19 others since 1971.
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10-02-2013, 04:47 PM	#13
worries Private 2 Rep 69 Posts Drives: 2013 135i Jet Black Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Honolulu iTrader: (0) Garage List 2013 BMW 135i [0.00]	Manual mode 100% of the time, paddles 75% shifter 25%
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10-02-2013, 05:36 PM	#14
BEAR-AvHistory 2020 Z4 M40i - 2022 M4C Convt 3131 Rep 5,264 Posts Drives: 2020 Z4 M40i - 2022 M4C Convrt Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Raleigh, NC - OIB, NC iTrader: (0) Garage List 1965 COBRA (FFR rep ... [8.57] 2023 Jeep Wrangler ... [9.50] 2009 Yamaha V-Star [0.00] Cars 2-BMW, 2-FORD, ... [0.00] 2023 Ford Expeditio ... [0.00] 2020 Z4 M40i [10.00] 2022 BMW M4C [7.25] 1998 FORD Ranger 4X4 [0.00]	I never use the shifter when in "M" on the 335is only the paddles. 135is has a 6MT __________________ Kevin Dravit Gray, Black Leather, Moonlight Roof, Red Calipers 2022 M4C - 2020 Z4 M40i - 2023 FORD Expedition XLT Max 4X4 400BHP - 2009 V-Star - 1998 Ranger 4X4 5MT - 1965 Cobra (R) 5MT - 2023 Jeep Wrangler Sport S 6MT
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10-02-2013, 07:44 PM	#15
///Machiavelli Big Mac 121 Rep 494 Posts Drives: MY16 F80 Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Canada iTrader: (4) Garage List 2016 BMW M3 [0.00] 2012 BMW 135i coupé ... [8.80] 2011 BMW 328i xdriv ... [0.00] 2015 BMW X5 35i [0.00]	Usually manual mode for me, except for gridlock and/or stop and go traffic. Only use the paddles when on the track. Though, I have used the paddle on occasion to downshift when approaching a red light with a coffee in the other hand.
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10-02-2013, 07:47 PM	#16
e36addict Captain 137 Rep 952 Posts Drives: 2013 X1 35iX Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Tim @ BMW of Dallas iTrader: (5)	On the drive to work, all auto. I call it old man mode.. On the drive home though, it's always sport button pressed shifting manually with the shifter itself. I rarely use the paddles unless I'm really hauling ass. I really don't care for the "S" mode at all.. I feel it uses the wrong part of the power band and drags the shifts out too long. __________________ 13 X1 35iX, 98 Z3 2.8, 01 M Coupe, 96 Z3 1.9 DASC, 95 318ti, 13 smart fortwo
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10-02-2013, 09:18 PM	#19
Pyrat 2 Colonel 1421 Rep 2,560 Posts Drives: Rapidly from A to B Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Chicago 'burbs or TN Smokies iTrader: (3) Garage List 2022 Porsche GT4 [9.64] 2018 Porsche GT3 [9.33] 2007 Z4 M Roadster [8.33] 2020 BMW X1 [0.00]	Paddle shift at the track. Sport mode or standard mode on the street. Exhaust drone is pretty bad around town in standard mode. Therefore go to sport to get away from the drone or for a little more fun. __________________ '07 Z4MR '22 GT4 '18 GT3 '16 GT4, '16 M2, '14 X1, '13 135is, '06 330i, '03 323 Ci, '01 330i, '99 M3 (RIP), '96 318is, some non-BMWs
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10-02-2013, 09:54 PM	#20
Andrewcoja First Lieutenant 9 Rep 385 Posts Drives: 2011 135i MSport Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Texas iTrader: (0)	Do you have a modded exhaust? Even with the flap disabled, my car only drones if I hit the gas enough to accelerate.
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10-03-2013, 10:40 AM	#22
IEDEI Banned 1131 Rep 4,686 Posts Drives: L'Orange Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Brooklyn, NYC iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 BMW 1M [8.40]	i'm pretty surprised at how many of you do not use the paddles in your DCT gearbox. It's sort of a waste to have such a good gearbox and not take advantage its features. in 'auto mode'...most dual clutch gearboxes feel very uninvolving, no matter how good they are. In 'manual mode' is where they all wake up!
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