Thoughts on the X5M's tranny? How does it compare to either DCT or SMGII?

[YolkyPalky]

Hello,

I just wanted to get feedback from X5M owners on the transmission. I'm an original owner of an '02 M3 with SMGII and love it! I've heard that DCT on newer models is even better but have never tried it. Since the X5M also has "paddle shifters", I was just wondering how the transmission on the X5M compares to trannys like SMGII and DCT? What are your thoughts? Thanks!

[YolkyPalky]

Hi again,

I'm really thinking of getting a new X5M, and hope current owners will talk about their thoughts on the transmission - paddle shifters, of the X5M. I'm imagining it is a slower shift than in a SMGII or DCT transmission.

Thanks again for any thoughts.

[DDP2011X5M]

Originally Posted by YolkyPalky

Hi again,

I'm really thinking of getting a new X5M, and hope current owners will talk about their thoughts on the transmission - paddle shifters, of the X5M. I'm imagining it is a slower shift than in a SMGII or DCT transmission.

Thanks again for any thoughts.

I like it, but I cant tell u how it compares to the other cars

[michaelpnett]

it is no wear near as nice as the DCT in my experience.
Much slower
DCT is really remarkable

[enzoleo]

Upshifts are always perfect, first to second is really short and redlines almost instantly. downshifts need some getting used to... rather hate it at low speed.. nothing near as aggressive and lively like a dct. can feel the weight of the car when you downshift and engine brake esp at lower speed. downshifting at high speed is good, quick but not as fun as dct

[apw2607]

I can't tell you how it compares to your gearbox in the x5m but I experienced the dct in the m3.

I had one of the first dct m3 cars delivered (1st week of production) and I was very impressed at first.

Then BMW updated the control software and broke the thing.

I started a post on m3post which ended getting 1774 post with 172,000 views.

Owning that car with that gearbox became a miserable experience. I eventually sold the car and bought a x5 diesel with a regular old gearbox. I pity the m3 owners still having to put up with the dct gearbox.

[TimZ]

I cannot compare to the DCT but the transmission on the x5m, I can speak about it. I love it, it's pretty quick to be honest. Downshifting takes some getting used to but it's quick to learn. While downshifting in low speeds, you really feel the weight of the car and it does engine brake really fast. Shifting from first to second while having the pedal pressed hard is blazing quick. There's literally like 1 second spent in first gear when using launch control. There isn't really anything I hate about the transmission. The only possible thing I can think of is maybe make it stand out more since it is in an M vehicle

[x5lover7777]

heard that x5m engine cylinder deactivate when gear change due to high torque. you can feel gear change on lower rpm than high rpm.. i think it has best auto tranny/torque converter, less worry for clutch wear out... i like smg>dct>x5m tranny
on paper dct is best.

[jlee]

the X5M tranny is your traditional auto tranny with a manual shift mode nothing fancy about it. its not SMG or DCT like the M3...

But with the M Sport mode on, the auto tranny is great

Jeff