rsyed

Guys,

i test drove two VWs on Saturday with DSG - their form of 2 clutch automatic transmission, and I must admit, i was well impressed on how well their system works. With this mechanism, while you are in one gear, the other transmission is basically waiting in the next gear and as soon as the clutch opens of the first tranny, the second tranny is engaged. Result: gears change at 200ms, there is no torque converter that revs your car high, so basically you revs increase with speed, unlike with our trannys..

I must admit, I was very impressed. And the fact htat they offer this tranny in cars like golfs just shows how accessible they have made the technology. Look at BMW - they make the SAT something so special, only the top models get them..

anyone else have pleasant experience with the dsg?

greetings

ipp

Yeah, I've driven the Golf GTI DSG. As you say; it's amazing! It changes gear so fast it's almost ridiculus.

rsyed

dont you think it is ridiclous they offer this technology to 105ps Golfs but BMW is not able to build something as competitive for the 5-series??? i find that very very disappointing...

LowOrbit

As has been mentioned on this site, BMW is expected to make its version if DSG available on the M3 in the next year or so. I would assume we will have to wait until the F10 5-series.

I am still confused as to why VW/Audi can put DSG in an Audi TT and Bugatti Veyron but not the RS4 - I think it has something to do with engine layout.

rsyed

yeah i read that, but guys - is BMW not about 5 years too late. VW have been offering the technology this to most of their cars (including cars as small as a golf) since 2003...

The reason why they do not put the dsg everywhere is because they have been handicaped with the torque the tranny can take - that is why the big huge engines such as in the rs4 dont have a dsg...

ipp

Yeah, the new gearbox should be available through the whole lineup.

m630

not really, DSG cant handle any real torque, hence the reason that Porsche has yet to offer a variant, as for BMW, heres the good news, DCT is on the way....


BMW just recently announced that the DCT (Dual Clutch Tranny) will be available in the U.S for the coupe (M3) beginning with the March production, and for the sedan beginning with the June production


....and since we are BMW freaks, lets not use the term DSG, as that is an Audi/VW term


Dual Clutch "Option 2MK" available to order for all BMW M3 derivatives as of 9th of March 2008.


The world?s first Double Clutch Gearbox conceived and developed
for a high-speed power unit; gearshift without interruption of power and
traction; gearshift management with M-specific configuration; seven gears
for optimum gear increments ensuring particularly dynamic acceleration;
simultaneous debut in the BMW M3 Coup?, BMW M3 Saloon,
and BMW M3 Convertible.

? Drivelogic with eleven electronically controlled driving programs in
M-specific set-up; five shift programs in the automatic mode, six shift
programs in the manual mode including Launch Control for maximum
acceleration from a standstill; efficiency-enhancing transmission control
in the automatic mode; sequential gear selection in the manual mode.

? Fourth, consistently enhanced generation of the automated manual
gearbox in M-specific configuration; further enhancement of the car?s
dynamic driving characteristics and the motorsport-oriented driving
experience; manual gear selection by sports selector lever or via paddles
on the steering wheel; both control elements in M-specific configuration
and set-up; Shift Lights.

? Perfect interaction of the M double-clutch transmission with Drivelogic
and the V8 power unit in the new BMW M3; measurable and tangible
improvement of acceleration; optional sporting downshift performance
with in-between gas.

? Elaborate cooling of transmission fluid as the prerequisite for absolute
reliability and endurance of the Double Clutch Gearbox with Drivelogic
even on the race track, when subject to extreme loads and high outside
temperatures.

? Optimized comfort in driving maneuvers at very low speed ensured by
Low Speed Assistant; automatic activation of parking lock after switching
off the engine.

? Further reduction of fuel consumption and emissions compared
with manual gearshift and a conventional converter-type automatic
transmission.

BMW M GmbH is proud to be the world?s first car maker now offering a
seven-speed Double Clutch Gearbox specially conceived and designed for a
high-speed power unit. Compared with all conventional systems available
so far, this new gearbox ensures an optimum gearshift and even more dynamic
acceleration, and at the same time reduces fuel consumption by a significant
margin.
The new M double-clutch transmission with Drivelogic shifts gears without
the slightest interruption in the flow of power, thus promoting both the
sports driving experience and gearshift comfort for the driver. In its gearshift
characteristics, the new M double-clutch transmission with Drivelogic is ideally
matched to the fast-revving V8 power unit in the new BMW M3. Making its
debut on the same occasion in the BMW M3 Coup?, the BMW M3 Saloon
and the BMW M3 Convertible, the new transmission helps to provide
even faster and more dynamic acceleration.
Given these qualities, the seven-speed Double Clutch Gearbox offers
particularly the sporting and ambitious driver an attractive alternative to the sixspeed
manual gearbox featured as standard. Maintaining a permanent flow
of power from the engine, reducing gear increments to a minimum and using
dynamic torque surge when shifting gears, the M double-clutch transmission
with Drivelogic ensures a truly sporting experience at all times when shifting
gears, whether in the automatic or manual mode.
A further essential point is that Drivelogic exclusive to BMW M with its five shift
programs in the D- and six shift programs in the S-mode gives the driver the
opportunity to tailor his BMW M3 individually to his personal style of motoring.
An even faster and more comfortable gearshift is ensured by the M doubleclutch
transmission with Drivelogic both in the automated (D-) mode and
when driving in the manual (S-) mode.
The process of shifting gears is basically the same as on BMW?s proven
Sequential M Gearbox, meaning that even when shifting gears manually there
is no need for a clutch paddle and the driver may keep the gas pedal on the
floor during the shift process as such.

To activate the D- or S-mode and to shift to reverse, the driver first has the
choice of the new sports shift lever exclusive to the BMW M3, enabling
him to shift gears himself in the S-mode. In this case he moves the gearshift
lever only along one line, that is in a sequential process.
As an alternative the driver is able to shift gears via paddles on the steering
wheel, pulling the right-hand paddle to shift up, the left paddle to shift down.
Consistent enhancement of the automated manual gearbox.
As early as in 1996, the BMW M3 became the first production car in the
world to feature a fully automated manual gearbox. In the years to come the
Sequential M Gearbox (SMG) was consistently enhanced and upgraded
in two further generations, optimized in its control logic and enhanced by
the addition of further functions.
In 2001 BMW M GmbH then presented the ? again unique ? Sequential
M Gearbox with Drivelogic in the predecessor to the new BMW M3, enabling
the driver to adjust gearshift characteristics according to his individual
requirements and preferences.
The new M double-clutch transmission with Drivelogic now offers further,
consistent enhancement of the automated manual gearbox in BMW M
GmbH?s high-performance sports cars. Similar to the Sequential M Gearbox
featured so far, the new gearbox fulfils all the specific requirements coming
from motorsport in the transmission of supreme engine power to the drive
wheels and offers unique control and gearshift technology all enhanced to
an unprecedented standard.
Once again, therefore, BMW M GmbH is setting a new benchmark in
technology through this new gearshift concept. And like the three generations
of the Sequential M Gearbox in the past, the M double-clutch transmission
with Drivelogic immediately comes at the top of the market in terms of sportiness
and driving pleasure in a production car.
Motorsport as the benchmark, top performance as the principle.
In its concept and operating principle, the Double Clutch Gearbox comes
straight from motorsport. On the race track, where every tenth of a second is
crucial to winning or losing, this unique gearshift concept has proven its value
and benefits in the same way as the sequential gearshift used in Formula 1:
Shifting up with his foot fully on the throttle and without the slightest
interruption of torque and pulling force makes even a professional driver a few
fractions of a second faster, giving him that small but incredibly important
advantage on the track.

Moving over to production cars, the problem so far was that the gearshift
comfort required in everyday use could only be achieved in combination with
far less powerful engines and with far less torque. But now, for the first time,
the benefits of a Double Clutch Gearbox are available for the first time even
under supreme loads. The M double-clutch transmission with Drivelogic is
indeed the first power transmission of its kind the world over conceived
and designed for engine speeds of up to 9,000 rpm.
A further advantage for the driver of a BMW M3 is the systematic control
concept ensuring maximum driving dynamics also in motorsport: Gearshift
paddles on the steering wheel guarantee a very fast and, at the same time,
safe gearshift in all situations, the sequential shift pattern serving to minimize
the risk of making a mistake when shifting gears.
Always a step ahead when shifting gears.
The M double-clutch transmission with Drivelogic combines two gearbox
components in one common housing with the same compact dimensions as
a conventional manual gearbox. The ?heart? of the new M double-clutch
transmission in technical terms is formed by the two oil-cooled wet clutches.
One of the two clutches is for the even (2, 4, 6), the other for the uneven
(1, 3, 5, 7) gears and, in addition, for the reverse gear.
While driving, one of the two clutches is always closed, the other is open.
When accelerating ? and when shifting down ? the clutches are activated
in an alternating process, one after the other. When shifting gears, therefore,
the first clutch opens just as the second clutch is closing. This ensures
an absolutely smooth and comfortable and at the same time an incomparably
fast gearshift without the slightest interruption in the flow of power.
This interaction of two clutches ensures an unparalleled rate of gear change in
particular because the transmission control unit pre-selects the next gear with
the transmission ratio matched ideally to engine and road speed and keeps this
gear waiting for immediate operation. So if the BMW 3 Series is accelerating,
say, in third gear, an immediate flow of power is ensured by the appropriate
clutch and the gearbox component controlling the uneven gears.
While all this is happening, the gearbox segment responsible for the even
gears shifts to the gear required, in this case to fourth gear. The only operation
required for this purpose is to close the clutch for fourth gear, at the same
time opening the clutch for third gear, the power of the engine then being
transmitted through the new gear with its different ratio to the wheels.

This entire process takes only a few milliseconds, meaning that in the time
even a skilled driver takes to press down the clutch pedal the M double-clutch
transmission with Drivelogic has easily completed the entire process of shifting
gears, continuing to accelerate in the next gear higher up.
Like in motorsport: dynamic torque peaks when shifting up,
in-between gas when shifting down.
With the process of engaging and disengaging the gears continuing in a
smooth flow, the positive engagement connecting the engine to the
transmission is not interrupted, allowing the driver to set off smoothly and
comfortably and, in particular, to shift up at an incomparably fast speed.
To provide an even more sporting driving impression and to further improve
the car?s acceleration, the M double-clutch increases torque and pulling
power to an even higher standard when shifting gears by means of the
appropriately configured Drivelogic programs. In conjunction with the small
increments between gears, these Drivelogic programs give the driver an even
more intense feeling of acceleration, sensing each gearshift as the starting
point for an even greater surge of power. The additional power generated
in this way comes out clearly in the new transmission ratio feeding torque and
traction to the drive wheels.
The combination of short gearshift times, small gear increments and the
increase in torque gives the driver of a BMW M3 with an M double-clutch
transmission a new, unprecedented experience of driving dynamics carried
over directly from motorsport.
When shifting down the M double-clutch transmission works according to
exactly the same principle. The only difference is that the electronic
transmission control makes the process of engaging the clutch smoother and
softer to prevent the rear wheels from being slowed down suddenly and
with too great an effect.
Should the electronic control unit ? for example when the driver is driving
the car in an extremely sporting style or applying the brakes hard ? recognize
a very large gap in engine speed when changing gears, it will automatically
adjust the transition of torque to the speed of the engine. This process
of giving gas in between gears serves to further enhance the car?s driving
stability and makes the entire driving experience even more intense. The drag
force exerted by the engine comes out only to the extent desired by the
driver, remaining within the limits already well known from cars with a manual
gearbox.

Electronic transmission management recognizing the driver?s
particular preferences.
In choosing the gear to be prepared for operation, the electronic control unit
naturally takes current driving conditions ? that is the current situation on the
road ? into account: Focusing on the position of the gas pedal, engine speed,
road speed and the driving program currently in use, the system recognizes
the kind of acceleration the driver wishes to enjoy or, conversely, whether he
wishes to reduce his speed on the road.
Operating in such an intelligent manner, the transmission control consistently
makes the necessary preparations for harmoniously continuing a maneuver
initiated by the driver. So even with an extreme change in the style of motoring,
the system changes gears appropriately, again at unparalleled speed and
with unparalleled precision. Should the driver be required to suddenly stop the
process of acceleration, for example, the M double-clutch transmission will
promptly provide the transmission ratio required under such new conditions,
operating just as quickly and efficiently as a conventional automatic transmission
of the latest generation set to an extremely dynamic gearshift mode.
A two-mass flywheel serves as the torsion damper and the two clutches
are activated via an integrated hydraulic module. Dry sump lubrication, in turn,
guarantees a high standard of reliability and maintenance-free function
throughout the entire running life of the car.
Special cooling to handle even the most extreme conditions.
The engineers at BMW M GmbH have adapted the M double-clutch transmission
with Drivelogic not only to the high engine speed concept and the
specific torque curve of BMW?s M engines, but also to the high thermal loads
encountered in the drivetrain of such a high-performance sports car. As an
example, the transmission fluid is kept within the optimum temperature range
not only by integrating the transmission into the coolant cycle of the engine.
Instead, an additional oil/air cooler helps to avoid excessively high temperatures
inside the M double-clutch transmission even under extreme conditions,
for example on the race track.
A further point is that the transmission fluid, being connected to the engine?s
cooling system, reaches its normal operating temperature faster than
usual, for example in particularly cold weather. This again helps to reduce
frictional losses in the warm-up phase and saves fuel in the process.

Perfect combination:
eight cylinders and 8,400 rpm, two clutches and seven gears.
Both in its basic configuration and in the specific application on the BMW M3,
BMW?s new M double-clutch transmission with Drivelogic is the ideal partner
for the ? likewise brand-new ? eight-cylinder power unit of the new BMW M3.
Quite simply, this is because the particular power and performance
characteristics of BMW?s M Cars were taken into account from the start by
the engineers in developing the new transmission.
In this process the engineers at BMW M GmbH were able ? over and above
their detailed knowledge of BMW M engines and their particular features ?
to contribute many years of experience in the development and set-up of the
Sequential M Gearbox in the process of developing the new transmission.
This skill therefore went directly into the design and construction of the
M double-clutch transmission and was compared right from the start with the
knowledge gained in developing the new V8 high-speed engine for the
BMW M3. As a result, the M double-clutch transmission is the first transmission
of its kind able to handle engine speeds of up to 9,000 rpm. And at
the same time it is perfectly prepared for high engine torque and extra power.
Given this qualities, the M double-clutch transmission is particularly suitable
for the BMW M3, where the unique muscle of the 309 kW/420 hp V8 power
unit is based on the high engine speed concept so typical of BMW M:
The eight-cylinder reaches its maximum output at 8,300 rpm and revs all the
way to 8 ,400 rpm. Maximum torque, in turn, is 400 Newton-meters or
295 lb-ft.
So precisely this kind of power and muscle was taken into account from the
start in developing the M Double Clutch Gearbox.
Like the Sequential M Gearbox already featured today, the new M doubleclutch
transmission comes with seven gears allowing perfect adjustment of
the transmission ratios to the engine?s power and performance. As a result,
the new gearbox shifts gears when accelerating with only a minimum gap or
increment between the gears involved, ensuring an optimum flow of engine
power and speed in every gearshift and allowing the driver to really enjoy the
enormous power reserves of the engine.
This serves to capitalize on the engine?s torque and the traction and muscle
offered by the high-speed concept throughout the entire speed range.
After every gearshift, therefore, the speed of the car on the road continues to
increase unabated with ongoing power and muscle.

Shifting gears without interruption of power:
dynamic and comfortable.
When it comes to driving dynamics, the seven-speed double-clutch
transmission offers an advantage over seven-speed SMG already boasting an
extremely fast gearshift by way of the change in gears now taking place
without the slightest interruption of power and torque. In practice, this means
even faster and more dynamic acceleration clearly measurable in seconds
and meters.
The M double-clutch transmission is the only system of its kind able to offer
the advantages of shifting gears without any interruption of power in
combination with seven gears in a truly outstanding, high-performance car.
The progress provided by this configuration comes to bear not only in the car?s
driving dynamics, but also in its driving comfort and efficiency. The fast and
smooth shift of gears, for example, ensures an unusually harmonious process
of acceleration.
Precisely this is why the indicator needle in the rev counter is virtually the only
sign of a change in gears when shifting in the automated mode. The load
change reactions so typical of a conventional gearbox are avoided completely,
ensuring a standard of driving comfort even under dynamic conditions never
experienced before.
More gears, greater efficiency.
Compared with a conventional automatic transmission, the M double-clutch
transmission allows greater fuel economy and cleaner emissions on exactly
the same engine with the same power. This is primarily attributable to the even
more direct connection between the engine and the M double-clutch transmission
as well as the general layout with seven gears. Quite simply, the
advantage is that the larger number of gears allows even finer increments
between the individual gear ratios.
With its overall gear spread of 4.8, the M double-clutch transmission with
Drivelogic offers the appropriate transmission ratio in virtually every situation
in everyday traffic. This again enables the driver to save fuel through an
appropriate style of motoring, without making any concessions in terms of
driving dynamics. For the M double-clutch transmission is able to provide
the appropriate gear for fast and powerful acceleration at any time and with
incredibly fast operation, even in response to sudden command.

Automatic or sequential ? it?s the driver?s choice.
The M double-clutch transmission with Drivelogic allows both automated
and manual selection of gears. In both cases gears are shifted at a rate and
with a level of precision never seen before on a conventional manual gearbox
or automatic transmission. At the same time the driver is able to enjoy
the optimized gearshift comfort of the M double-clutch transmission while
switching over whenever he wishes to a more active and dynamic style
of motoring.
To change from the automated to the manual gearshift mode, the driver is
not even required to move the gearshift lever in the appropriate direction.
Rather, all he has to do while driving is to operate one of the gearshift paddles
on the steering wheel to shift gears immediately and change over to the
S-mode. Then, via the appropriate paddle or with the help of the gearshift
lever, the driver subsequently selects the gear of his choice.
The electronic control unit relieves the driver of the usual chore of shifting
down in a predetermined process independently of the gearshift mode
selected ? for example when rolling towards traffic lights switching to red.
And in all operating modes and driving programs, a gear indicator in
the instrument panel informs the driver of the gear currently selected by
the automatic mode or by the driver himself.
M-specific Drivelogic with eleven driving programs.
The driver of a BMW M3 equipped with the M double-clutch transmission
has the choice not only of automated and manual selection of gears, but
also variable gearshift characteristics both in the D- and S-mode. For in both
cases he is able to determine the degree of gearshift dynamics as he wishes.
The configurations available range in several steps from a more balanced,
comfort-oriented all the way to a very dynamic, racing-like set-up of the
transmission.
To provide this additional function, Drivelogic specially tailored to the M
double-clutch transmission provides no less than five driving programs in the
D- and six programs in the S-mode.
This gives the driver the opportunity to configure his BMW M3 perfectly to his
personal preferences also when it comes to the car?s gearshift characteristics.
At the same time he has the freedom to choose the appropriate set-up in
various driving situations, taking, say, weather conditions, his route, or the
load/number of passengers the car is carrying into account.

To change the gearshift program, all the driver has to do is press the
Drivelogic button on the centre console. Indeed, he is even able to save his
personal favorite among the Drivelogic options as part of an individual,
personalized configuration, then retrieving this specific function at any time
simply by pressing the MDrive button on the multifunction steering wheel
of his BMW M3. Then, just like the gear currently in mesh, the driving program
selected is shown in the instrument cluster between the speedometer
and the rev counter.
Sports or comfort: the driver has the choice.
In the D-mode with the gearbox shifting automatically among no less than
seven gears, the driver has the choice of five Drivelogic programs adjusting the
gearshift characteristics very precisely to the driver?s individual style of
motoring.
The driving programs differ through the speed at which they change gears
as well as the engine revs at which a gearshift is initiated. Both of these
parameters are varied in all driving programs as a function of current driving
conditions, the speed of the car, and the position of the gas pedal. So
choosing the appropriate driving program, the driver is able to use the sports
and comfort potential of the M double-clutch transmission as he wishes.
In a particularly sporting set-up ? driving program D5 ? the M double-clutch
transmission shifts up almost like in a racing car whenever the driver activates
the kick-down function, that is shortly before the engine reaches its maximum
speed ? and the process of shifting down is equally dynamic.
The other end of the gearshift range is Drivelogic stage D1 enabling the driver
to set off in second gear. In this case the clutch is particularly smooth and
soft, helping the driver to set off without problems on, say, slippery surfaces
in winter.
In the automated mode the driver is able to influence the gearshift for example
by taking back the gas pedal slowly and determining himself when the
transmission shifts up. Conversely, by kicking down the gas pedal he is able
to quickly shift back to the best gear for optimum acceleration.
Clear signals: feedback when shifting and Shift Lights.
In the manual gearshift mode the driver has the choice of six Drivelogic driving
programs again rendering the complete range of features and characteristics
so typical of the M Double Clutch Gearbox. In the most dynamic Drivelogic
stages in the S-mode, management of the clutch is very sporting and
dynamic, creating the direct flow of power so typical of a car with a manual

gearbox ? which is precisely what most drivers with a particularly sporting
orientation expect. Indeed, this kind of feedback to the driver after shifting
gears serves to further emotionalize the driving experience in a BMW M3 with
the M Double Clutch Gearbox.
The engine speed required for optimum acceleration when shifting up is
presented clearly to the driver by eight LED units housed in the upper edge
of the rev counter on the ornamental surround. These Shift Lights enable
the driver to precisely determine the ideal time for shifting gears. Six LED units
flashing on in yellow one after the other accompany the engine as it
approaches its top speed. The latest moment for shifting up is then presented
by two LED units coming on in red.
Once the engine reaches its maximum speed, the lights so far remaining on
consistently start to flash on and off. A further point is that the driver is able
to configure the individual operation of the Shift Lights via the MDrive button
and, if he wishes, deactivate their operation in the instrument cluster.
Manual mode with Launch Control for setting off like a racing car.
In the manual mode Drivelogic also provides a Launch Control function
operating in accordance with specific BMW M parameters. Under optimum
conditions in terms of the tire condition, road surface and the load the
car is carrying, Launch Control ensures the fastest possible acceleration from a
standstill. To achieve this dynamic performance, all the driver has to do with
the car at a standstill and in driving program S6 is move the sports shift lever to
the front and hold it in this position. Then, as soon as the starter flag symbol
comes on in the instrument cluster, the driver just presses down the gas pedal
to automatically obtain the ideal starting speed on the engine. Pressing
down the brake pedal lightly with his left foot, in turn, the driver can prevent
the car from rolling forward, and by briefly tipping the cruise control lever
he is able to finely adjust the desired starter speed.
Then, after letting go the selector lever, the BMW M3 accelerates with
optimum performance and with slip on the rear wheels controlled by the
clutch ? if the driver wishes, all the way to top speed.
In this process the M double-clutch transmission chooses exactly the right
gearshift points ensuring optimum pick-up of engine speed when shifting up.
To use Launch Control the driver is first required to deactivate DSC Dynamic
Stability Control. Then, after completing the acceleration process, the driver
again takes command in choosing the gears he wishes to use.

Sequential gearshift like in a racing car.
The seven-stage M double-clutch transmission with Drivelogic is operated by
an M-specific sports gearshift lever transmitting the driver?s shift commands
electronically to the transmission management. This serves to facilitate the
gearshift process, reducing control forces in accordance with the dynamic
character of the gearbox and the car itself. The shift commands determined
by the driver through manual control are generated in a sequential process,
that is on one single level.
To shift up to the next gear, all the driver has to do is briefly tip the gearshift
lever backwards, to shift down all he does is briefly tip the lever forwards.
In both cases the lever automatically moves back to its starting point after
operation.
This configuration is the same as on the sequential gearboxes used in motorsport
and is the logical control mode for the sports-minded driver. At the
same time this highlights the close connection between the M double-clutch
transmission and motorsport technology.
Gearshift paddles on the steering wheel to shift gears quickly
and smoothly.
In addition to the newly developed gearshift lever, the BMW M3 equipped
with an M double-clutch transmission also comes with gearshift paddles on
the steering wheel. Made of solid aluminum, these paddles enable the driver
to shift gears manually ultra-fast and with maximum safety. In particular,
this is because he does not have to take his hands off the steering wheel
when shifting gears, which means extra safety in controlling the car.
Fitted firmly to the steering wheel, the gearshift paddles are always in
a convenient position for shifting gears virtually level with the driver?s hands.
They therefore enhance not only the driving experience, but also the
high standard of safety the driver enjoys at the wheel.
Like the sports gearshift lever, the gearshift paddles operate according to
the usual pattern in motorsport: The paddle on the right is for shifting up, the
paddle on the left for shifting down. And at the same time the high-quality
finish of the aluminum paddles also establishes a direct link to motorsport with
the flair of a genuine racing car.
The kick-down function is a special feature in controlling the car, operated
either by the gearshift paddles or by the gearshift lever in the S-mode.
As soon as the driver presses the gas pedal right down to the floor (kick-down)
and then pulls the left-hand paddle once or tips the gearshift lever forward,
the transmission shifts back for optimum torque and pulling force.
BMW

Pulling the paddle or tipping the gearshift lever only once therefore makes the
transmission shift down either one or several gears, whatever is appropriate.
The electronic control unit in command of the M double-clutch transmission
automatically changes the gear currently in mesh to give the car optimum
acceleration under its current driving conditions and at the speed at which it
is traveling.
Comfort and safety functions rounding off the sporting character
of the car.
The M double-clutch transmission with Drivelogic supports the driver of
the BMW M3 not only when he prefers a particularly sporting mode, but also
through a wide range of safety functions. In critical driving situations, for
example, the M double-clutch transmission instantaneously opens the clutch
currently active to prevent the rear end of the car from swerving round due
to engine drag forces suddenly acting on the drive wheels.
For optimum conditions when driving at particularly low speeds ? for example
when maneuvering below 5 km/h ? the M double-clutch transmission features
a Low Speed Assistant. This function already well known from the automatic
transmission serves to significantly increase driving and control comfort,
for example when parking, and is activated by briefly tipping the gas pedal.
After the engine has been switched off, the electronic control unit also
automatically activates a parking lock acting through the transmission.
Assistance when setting off on an uphill gradient.
Gradient detection by the M double-clutch transmission varies the gearshift
points as a function of the route the driver is taking and its specific profile.
This means that the gears shift differently on uphill and downhill gradients
than when driving on a flat, level surface. Driving uphill, for example, this
function avoids the constant change of gears so typical of a conventional
automatic transmission, the so-called pendulum gearshift with the gears
constantly shifting up and down. When driving downhill, on the other hand,
the M double-clutch transmission keeps the lower gears in mesh longer
than would otherwise be the case in order to capitalize on the brake power
of the engine. And last but not least, the choice of gears is automatically
adjusted to an uphill gradient in the automated mode.
Motorsport character for everyday traffic:
the BMW M3 with M Double Clutch Gearbox.
Introducing the new M Double Clutch Gearbox, BMW M GmbH is presenting
a power transmission which offers the latest state of the art in this technology.
The M double-clutch transmission with Drivelogic excellently enhances
the particularly dynamic character of this high-performance sports car bearing
BMW

the M logo. In its M-specific configuration, the new transmission harmonizes
perfectly with the engine and suspension technology of the BMW M3 based
from the start on the particular features and requirements of motorsport.
And at the same time the M double-clutch transmission with Drivelogic makes
a helpful contribution to driving comfort and supports the driver in ensuring
maximum efficiency at the wheel.
The M double-clutch transmission with Drivelogic offers all the features
required to enjoy extra driving dynamics and motoring comfort as well as
a new standard of all-round economy in a car of this caliber. Compared
with a conventional automatic transmission, for example, there is no loss
of energy otherwise caused by the torque converter.
A further advantage of this high-performance transmission management is
that it is able to provide the ideal transmission ratio at all times for maximum
efficiency, taking the particular style of motoring preferred by the driver into
account. In this way the M double-clutch transmission with Drivelogic also
helps to reduce fuel consumption and emissions.
Proudly presenting the new technology, BMW M GmbH is once again
highlighting the Company?s competence in modern technology and its leading
role in the development of high-performance cars able to provide their racing
qualities also in everyday motoring and offer up-to-date comfort and efficiency
at the same time.

swajames

The 922lb/ft of torque on the Bugatti Veyron says otherwise! Porsche's PDK is expected to be available within the next year.