X6-M MSN review: " But, for us, it's no M car."

[hks786]

Verdict 3/5:

BMW's given us the X6M because it's there. Other countries will lap it up. Us? We don't need it, so we don't need to love it. So it goes. We're awe-struck by its accomplishment; it's insanely fast, all the time; the chassis does a gameful job of keeping up, too.

But it's a machine that's been designed for others first. Outside, it's impactful - particularly all the turbo roar if the driver's on it. But the interior won't turn heads, while the drive is similarly soulless. It's less objectionable than a Cayenne Turbo, because it looks the part. But, for us, it's no M car.

http://cars.uk.msn.com/Reviews/artic...ntid=148441863

[mkaresh]

What "other countries" are they talking about? I can't imagine...

[dmlgc]

BMW drivers seem the same to me with the same criteria no matter what country ( ok some like the box shape more than others).

"Other countries will lap it up" a bit condescending.

[randombloke]

Designing a seven or eight-speed auto man enough to handle this power reliably is not yet possible. Thus, the compromises of six: ratios are too widely spaced.

I thought this was just a boggo torque convert auto rather than an automated manual.

[teagueAMX]

Too bad the writer doesn't know what he's talking about. I'd love to see the 7 speed DCT as an option in the X6 M. I hear DCT automatic-manual transmissions are near indestructible, so what are they talking about?

[randombloke]

the bugatti veyron has a 7 speed dual clutch transmission so it can certainly be done if the will is there.

[teagueAMX]

Originally Posted by randombloke

the bugatti veyron has a 7 speed dual clutch transmission so it can certainly be done if the will is there.

And if I'm not mistaken, the Veyron has a few more horses + torque than our buddy the X6, even in M trim. And the writer says they can't make a transmission to handle the power - I wonder if he's actually an automotive expert (LOL), or if he does it as a sideline?

[sortwo]

Originally Posted by randombloke

the bugatti veyron has a 7 speed dual clutch transmission so it can certainly be done if the will is there.

the bugatti's 7 speed dual clutch transmission costs 200 thousand euros

[teagueAMX]

Originally Posted by sortwo

the bugatti's 7 speed dual clutch transmission costs 200 thousand euros

No doubt a suitable combination for the X6 M could be applied and work very well.

BMW's Z4 35i DCT MSRP is $1525 US, or $1100 euros (conversion rate).

It's the way of the future. Not sure about the brands of transmission, but Porsche and Merc are doing as well.

Another forum post
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=14369

It's a brief tech brief, page 40.
http://www.sae.org/automag/techbrief...1-114-4-36.pdf

blog Article
http://subscribers.wardsauto.com/ar/...trag_dct_fray/

[randombloke]

the bugatti's 7 speed dual clutch transmission costs 200 thousand euros

everything on the veyron is expensive - the indicator stalks supposedly cost the best part of $10k to make.

I'd imagine it's a problem bmw are going to have to address with the m5/m6 given it is supposed to be getting the same engine and the existing smg versions have 7 gears so can't see them wanting to reduce the gear count for a dct.

[teagueAMX]

Originally Posted by randombloke

I'd imagine it's a problem bmw are going to have to address with the m5/m6 given it is supposed to be getting the same engine and the existing smg versions have 7 gears so can't see them wanting to reduce the gear count for a dct.

The existing SMG system has a very poor reputation, a really huge fly in the ointment in what would otherwise be an excellent supercar for mere mortals. The shifts can be poor at times, particularly in traffic. The SMG manual transmission itself is proababley adequate for the HP/torque but the clutch is not up to the task. Some folk report having to replace them at 15k mile intervals.

That's where the DCT could really make an improvement and give the M5/M6 the transmission is deserves. Frankly I can't imagine why BMW hasn't made the transition already.

The DCT dual clutches operate "wet" similar to an automatic transmission friction disk planetary gear set. They are capable of thousands of engagements/disengagements under load without failure. The transmission gearsets are very similar to a normal manual transmission, but configured to allow for alternate gearsets riding on two input and output power shafts. Again, very durable and the software is adequate for the job as well.

[randombloke]

got to say, I had an m6 and liked the smg - but I like automated manuals and never drove it in auto mode, only ever as a paddle-manual.

[teagueAMX]

Originally Posted by randombloke

got to say, I had an m6 and liked the smg - but I like automated manuals and never drove it in auto mode, only ever as a paddle-manual.

A true sports car driver - driving manual in automatic world.

How did your clutch hold up?

[randombloke]

It only had about 12k miles on it when I got rid after 2 years - no clutch issues.

[teagueAMX]

I noticed a lot of them for sale with low mileage and don't understand why.

[randombloke]

I'd put it down to multiple car ownership - the miles get spread out over a number of cars.

[mkaresh]

Originally Posted by teagueAMX

I noticed a lot of them for sale with low mileage and don't understand why.

I wouldn't make much of this. You'll find the same with just about any car if you look. Especially if, as randombloke notes, it's a model that isn't likely to be the family's only car.