E92 M3 to feature new 7-speed M DCT

According to Autocar the upcoming E92 BMW M3 V8 will be available with a 7-speed double clutch gearbox. This is not a revision of the previous models SMG which was considered at best a flawed driving experience. It sounds as though the new 7-speed is similar in concept to Volkswagen’s brilliant DSG.

The new gearbox will apparently be called the M DCT and will be made available as an option in the E92 M3 starting in March of next year. The new transmission is being built by Getrag and will be for the exclusive use of BMW.

A 6-speed manual option will still be available. If the new M DCT is as good as Volkswagen’s DSG then we would expect that the manual option would be one that was rarely ticked at order time. Even the flawed (harsh) SMG in the E46 M3 was a more popular option than the manual so a well sorted double clutch DSG style box will probably see the manual consigned to history in a high performance application like the M3. Not to mention the fact that you get the extra ratio.

It’s a little sad but you can almost see the day when a real manual with a clutch just won't be an option in many cars at all. Wait a few more years for the latest DSG style technology to filter down into the lower priced cars at a reasonable price (it already is at VW) and try and find an old fashioned manual in the showroom…

You can click on the links to read our previous articles on the E92 M3 V8.

BMW E92 M3 V8 Convertible

BMW E92 M3 V8 price increase

BMW E92 M3 V8 details released by BMW