It is a matter of when and not if.
You’ll have two options for transmission when you order a new BMW M model. One is a 6-speed manual and one is a seven speed dual-clutch auto. This is going to change, however, as the German brand’s performance division plans to discontinue both manuals AND DCT autos.
Although this statement may sound too definitive at the moment, Peter Quintus is BMW M’s vice president of sales and marketing. He spoke to The Drive. He was asked if manuals and DCTs had a future in M models. This surprised him, considering the current M portfolio.
He said, “It’s more about how long the DCT has got to go.” “How long is it going to last?”
Quintus claims dual-clutch gearboxes last six to seven years. He also predicts that the industry will return to traditional torque converter automatics. He told The Drive that automatic transmissions now come with nine or ten speeds. “There’s a lot technology in modern automatics.” The DCT had two advantages once upon a time: it was lighter and the shift speeds were faster. As automatics become smarter and more efficient, much of the shift-time advantage is gone.
Learn more about BMW M’s future:
According to Quintus, shift time is not the only reason DCTs aren’t popular. According to Quintus, durability is a more important issue than horsepower (335 kilowatts) or 443 pound-feet (603 Newton-meters). Anything beyond that limit, durability cannot be guaranteed. Quintus says that a manual gearbox made by an American automaker would be a great solution to this problem.
“We looked at US gearboxes. They were too heavy and had poor shift quality. I don’t know if the BMW M3 and M4 models will come with a manual gearbox.
