Quote:
Originally Posted by brad850csi
I'm with you there. It doesn't seem to be a popular opinion though, most people say 6MT only and that DCT/ZF8 are the same. I strongly disagree and am happy with 6MT or DCT but not the ZF8
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I am not sure which numbers you are looking at.
The two most popular choices so far are: "I prefer DCT" and "I don't care. No manual, no purchase."
I am pretty sure it means that your preference matches how most people here voted.
Quote:
Originally Posted by pbar
I just got home after test-driving an X3M Competition and an M2 Competition at the M Town Tour. (the M5 Comp was broken)
I can say with confidence that I will not be buying a new M3 if it drives anything like the X3M. The transmission was *awful*.
I had the car in the the most aggressive shift mode, sport plus throttle, suspension and steering. I didn't bother the the 'Auto' mode - just tried to drive it using the paddles the same way I drive my M4.
However, it just wouldn't change gears when I wanted it to. In addition, there was essentially no audio feedback when I shifted, so I kept having to look for the number on the cluttered digital dash to see 'did it change yet'? 'What gear am I in?' There was much less engine braking than the F82 for the same gear (and it's an 8 speed so I would have expected shorter ratios). Oh, and this may seem a trivial thing, but to me the paddle shifters themselves feel like big clunky lumps of plastic (like you're not really supposed to be using them)
Add to that the fact that the steering feel was non-existent and the turbo lag was really noticeable. It just wasn't close to being a driver's car and I have no idea how they could put an 'M' badge on this thing.
In contrast, the M2 Competition was a bunch of fun. Felt light and nimble... changed gear when I wanted it to. But somehow a little less responsive on the throttle than my M4 Comp (perhaps because I'm running wider PS4S tires and tend to drive with MDM to reduce traction control intervention? - they insisted I left DSC on in the M2)
I could probably be tempted to buy an M2 Comp if only it had a head-up-display.
But the most fun I had all day was the drive home in my own car, enjoying the DCT throttle blips and exhaust burbles in the corners and in the tunnels.  |
While I haven't test-driven the X3M, I wouldn't be surprised a bit if I agreed with you 100% after a proper test drive, just based on my recent experience with many of the late model M/M-performance cars.
However, I am surprised that you were surprised to find these compromised M characteristics. After all, it didn't just happen overnight. You didn't see it coming a mile away?
I do have a simple solution for the gearbox and paddler shifter issues though: good ol' manual. You're welcome.
As for the turbo lag and steering feel issue... I'd better shut up before i am told (yet again) that I am one of the few remaining crazies who want BMW financially ruined for wanting a proper M car.