Dual Clutch Transmission Confirmed for the 2009 3 Series

Sections: E90 3 Series Jul 4th, 2008

As we originally stated back in February and discussed further in April, the 3 Series will be receiving a toned down version of the //M DCT transmission.

It has been officially confirmed this morning for those in Australia on the 335i coupe with September production for 2009 model year. While we do not have confirmation for the US as of yet we hope to see a release on it soon (though we do not anticipate it). It will eventually happen as our sources have indicated, we are just feeling the US may take some time to make official announcements for this coming fall.

The Australian guide can be seen here

EDIT: For more information on the premise of the BMW DCT system as currently in the //M models you can find the March press release here which covers the system exhaustively.

The 3 series will have essentially the same transmission but with changes in the software as compared to the //M system.

BMW Australia via E90Post.com

BMWAG

Written By: Michael

31 Comments

Jon Jul 4th, 2008 Link

Good news indeed, I think not bringing it to the States wouldn’t make any sense.

sam Jul 4th, 2008 Link

What about the sedan???

Rich Jul 4th, 2008 Link

“Do not anticipate it”? Why not?

John Jul 4th, 2008 Link

Yea, why “Do not anticipate it”?
Do they sell more bmw cars in Australia than USA? It wouldn’t make sense just release it in Australia and not USA.

If this isn’t come in to USA…I would definitely not going to buy the new 3 series. Sigh!!! Disappointing

Michael Jul 4th, 2008 Link

I do not anticipate a press release for the US soon because of current inventories. The US should see the DCT but more than likely will not be officially announced in the next few days. We have stood behind our sources and been very confident in the DCT coming to the US.

henry Jul 4th, 2008 Link

Can’t wait! I am ready to order!

Vee Jul 4th, 2008 Link

>> “Do not anticipate it”? Why not?
Weak U.S. dollar and U.S. market going downhill.

Bill Jul 5th, 2008 Link

How about the 135i ???????

Cambio 7 velocidades DCT para 335i e92 y e93- en Septiembre - P Jul 5th, 2008 Link

[...] BimmerFile

despu Jul 5th, 2008 Link

[...] BimmerFile

GSKChicago Jul 6th, 2008 Link

Forgive my being naive, but I don’t completely understand “dual clutch”? Are there resources here on BF that explain it that I can read through? Or recommend other resources?

I think I understand it in general, but not at the level I’d like to though.

Thanks!

Michael Jul 6th, 2008 Link

GSK- I have now included the original //M DCT press release which details the systems inner workings.

GSKChicago Jul 6th, 2008 Link

Awesome! Thanks Michael.

GSKChicago Jul 6th, 2008 Link

Very interesting read, I have a much clearer understanding now. Thank you.

Michael/Gabe - have you driven such a transmission? I’d love to hear some real world accounts of this tranny experience. Maybe a different post in the future? But this does sound cool. Had this been available on my 135, I definitely would have considered it instead of the 6-speed manual. Then my wife could drive my car…. Wait, maybe the manual is the better choice that being the case!

Gabe Jul 6th, 2008 Link

Here’s a review I did of the DSG (a dual clutch transmission) on a VW GTI.

BimmerFile » Archive » New iDrive confirmed for the ‘09 1 and 3 Series Jul 6th, 2008 Link

[...] upcoming features from official BMW announcements originating outside of the US; first the DCT in the 3er coupe (BMW Australia) and now the iDrive (BMW [...]

bsd107 Jul 6th, 2008 Link

Michael, as always, thanks for the info. Regarding US 3-series:
1) Will this be offered on the 335i-sedan?
2) Will DCT replace the Steptronic option?

Michael Jul 7th, 2008 Link

BSD- We still do not have any definite indicators of it being an option on the sedan. It should not completely replace the Step.

bsd107 Jul 7th, 2008 Link

Michael, OK thanks.
I did notice that on the Aussie 335i Coupe you can choose between DCT and Manual, while the 328i gets Step or manual. Step not being offered on the 335i Coupe.
I also noticed that the price of DCT is the SAME as the price of Step!