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Entry Level Luxury Performance Sedans

16087 messages,  Last post on May 09, 2013 at 9:32 AM

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What is this discussion about? BMW 3 Series, Infiniti G37, Acura TL, Lexus IS 350, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Cadillac CTS, Volvo S60, Audi A4, Acura TSX, Car Comparisons, Sedan

Messages Page 1492 of 1609

#14908 of 16087 BMW Transmissions - Best Choice?? by habitat1

Sep 18, 2012 (5:13 am)

There seems to be a theme here that more gears is better. I disagree. Ranking the transmission options in a 335i, I'd put it at:
 
#1: 6-speed manual
#2: 7-speed dual clutch automatic ("auto-manual")
#3: 8-speed Steptronic (torque converter "slush box")
 
Even the suggestion that an 8-speed Steptronic is better than a 6-speed is a little questionable. I recall when BMW responded to Lexus introduction of 8-speed autos with the counter that BMW engine torque bands were wide enough that they didn't want to add more gears to have the car fishing for the right one at a particular speed. Is the current 8-speed Steptronic a response to the EPA in trying to eek an extra mpg out of the engine? Just like the not so popular start stop feature. The 6-speed auto in our X5d has no trouble producing 30 mpg on the highway and accelerating like a (big) V8 from 50 to 80. I can see where the lower torque 3.5i might benefit with 2 extra gears, but the X5d doesn't need them.
 
What's next, a 10-speed auto that has to shift 9 times to get you to a highway cruise? Or worse, a CVT transmission with an "infinite" number of equivalent gear ratios? At least when Porsche made their EPA concession, it was by adding a 7th gear to their manual that was a pure overdrive. They left the first 6 ratios untouched. The engine redlines in 6th gear at 188 mph (top speed) and the ratios are perfectly matched to get every ounce of performance out of the engine. That's what's important. And should be to BMW. Not playing a who's got more game with Lexus.

#14909 of 16087 Re: It finally happened [flightnurse] by sweendogy

Sep 18, 2012 (5:22 am)

Replying to: flightnurse (Sep 17, 2012 8:34 pm)
Agree- could a cvt head into the g and M? Or will he engine change to MB in the next refresh- something has to break

#14910 of 16087 Re: You know what? [flightnurse] by m6user

Sep 18, 2012 (5:35 am)

Replying to: flightnurse (Sep 17, 2012 10:53 pm)
The X1 gets an 8 speed auto on the turbo four and a 6 speed auto on the i35 6 cyl model.

#14911 of 16087 Re: You know what? [cdnpinhead] by graphicguy

Sep 18, 2012 (6:23 am)

Replying to: cdnpinhead (Sep 17, 2012 9:48 pm)
Be happy to talk about BMW 335i and Audi S4 if you want.....

#14912 of 16087 #2 Re: BMW Transmissions - Best Choice?? [habitat1] by rayainsw

Sep 18, 2012 (7:07 am)

Replying to: habitat1 (Sep 18, 2012 5:13 am)
The ‘Best Choice’ for me [ YMMV ] is #2 - the 7-speed DCT in the BMW 335iS I currently drive.
 
I have driven several BMW 6-speed Steptronics and one new 8-speed Step [ in a 2012 535i ] and except in very slow & stop traffic [ 0 – 20 mph ] this transmission is a paragon of quick & precise gearchanges [ up & down ] with very well managed driveline shock.
 
- Ray
No manual trans. for me anymore . . .

#14913 of 16087 Re: #2 Re: BMW Transmissions - Best Choice?? [rayainsw] by habitat1

Sep 18, 2012 (7:58 am)

Replying to: rayainsw (Sep 18, 2012 7:07 am)
this transmission is a paragon of quick & precise gearchanges [ up & down ] with very well managed driveline shock.
 
Fortunately, I can still say the same thing about my right hand and left foot. But that's a debate for another forum.

#14914 of 16087 Re: BMW Transmissions - Best Choice?? [habitat1] by flightnurse

Sep 18, 2012 (8:06 am)

Replying to: habitat1 (Sep 18, 2012 5:13 am)
I'm sure it has to do with the EPA more than anything else, but the benefits of the 8 spd steptronic are three fold. One it helps with the EPA figure and two it keeps the engine in the torque band and three more people buy BMW with Auto's then manuals. With that being said, the 8 spd works will with the turbo 4, I haven't driven the turbo 6 with the 8 spd, but I would assume it would be a nice fit too.
 
In regards to the 7 spd manual in the 911, I'm sure BMW will be moving to this soon to get their manual cars into line with the EPA too.
 
I like the newer DCT a lot, very quick shifting up and down, and no lag when shifted

#14915 of 16087 Re: It finally happened [sweendogy] by flightnurse

Sep 18, 2012 (8:12 am)

Replying to: sweendogy (Sep 18, 2012 5:22 am)
Sweeny the issue Infiniti has, it is trying to one up BMW, and to do that it is doing it with more HP, and this comes at a cost. Infiniti for some reason just can not get the FM platform to handle as well as the 3 series, it has all the right box's checked to be a better car... Infiniti will have to do something to get in line with the EPA...
 
I have a question some of you experts, does Infiniti fall under Nissan when it comes to the EPA? I would suspect if it does, then Infiniti will not worry about the MPG of the G or M for a while.

#14916 of 16087 Re: You know what? [m6user] by flightnurse

Sep 18, 2012 (8:17 am)

Replying to: m6user (Sep 18, 2012 5:35 am)
Interesting I swear the window sticker said the 4 cyl had the 6 spd. Either way just too small, and I was told that the X1 might take over for the 3 series wagon, I hope not...

#14917 of 16087 Re: #2 Re: BMW Transmissions - Best Choice?? [habitat1] by flightnurse

Sep 18, 2012 (8:23 am)

Replying to: habitat1 (Sep 18, 2012 7:58 am)
I highly doubt you can shift your 911 faster then a DCT.
 
In regards to your X5d, the torque band if so flat that having a 8 spd auto would be very beneficial in aiding more MPG without sacrificing performance.

Messages Page 1492 of 1609

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