DCT Vs Manual (Which one is better?) 

Feel free to leave a comment below and explain what your choice is and why please! Would love to hear your perspectives of why. Thanks for watching!

Personally, DCT hits different on e9xs, but the downshifts on manual e9xs are satisfying, I'd personally choose dct though.

Hey man, great video! I drive a DCT M.R. E92 M3 about 60 miles in LA traffic EVERYDAY, and boy am I grateful my left leg isn't double the size as my right one. DCT daily all day, but 6SPD Manual is great for weekends too!

I've had a manual e92 M3 for nearly a decade and the stock manual shifter linkage and throws/slop leave a bit to be desired, but nothing that can't be addressed with the aftermarket. I've had manual cars all my life and don't even notice it while driving. That said, the truth is this: the s65 and s85 engines were designed with their respective 7 speed transmissions in mind (though only the s65 had dct). Both powerplants are high revving, peaky engines with low torque for their power, and take great advantage in having a closer ratio, faster shifting transmission with one more ratio. So i went with the manual because it doesn't reduce my comfort since i'm very accustomed to it and i like the extra interaction, but unless you're a hardcore manual lover, the dct simply is better matched and performs better in every regard(it weighs slightly more, but its negligible).

I love both trans on the e9x. One thing that helps amazingly with the manual e9x m3 is the clutch pedal spring. Very easy to remove and helps tremendously.

Happy to see you making videos again man 🖤

Good to see you back posting regularly and having fun in the videos again.

Had a manual e36 m3 end loved it now have a dct e92 and love it! Also love the more regular uploads spencer I’m just a happy guy

Killing it with the upload frequency. Keep up the good work, Spencer!

I have had my E91 330D 6 speed Manual for almost 3 years now. I live out in the country side in Norway, we have a rough winter, but having that manual and rear wheel drive makes snow driving alot of fun. Pluss throwing gears on the straigths are alot of fun. But, if I lived close to or in a city I would go sport auto/dct if it was an option all the way. If I ever get the chance to own an M3 I would probably go with a 4 door DCT just like you. Watched your videos since before you got your blue E90, good content !

Love the content bro. Keep it up!

Just got a 2011 Alpine white competition dct with carbon roof. It's a dream come true and I'm only 25!

keep up these nice uploads Spence

Great video Spencer!

I currently own an E92 M3 with the 6-speed manual with the UCP and short shifter and also an Alpine tune. I absolutely love how the car drives. I've owned an E36 M3 and E46 M3 both in manual (albeit the non-manual options are less than stellar) but also owned some AMGs that were all automatic (C55, W211 E55, W204 C63) and adored those just as much in different respects. It really comes down to what you want out of a car. For me, I HAD to have a 6-speed M3. It's just what I've always dreamed of and that's what drove my decision. I will admit the DCT is far superior in every measurable way, but there's just something about rowing gears with the V8! You can't go wrong with either. Maybe one day I'll get into a DCT car and it may change my mind about everything! Certainly not opposed to owning a DCT M3, but the manual is just what I've always wanted. Great video, Spencer! You hit the nail on the head.

Personally dct, it compliments the cars high and light shifts while making it easy to drive, so advanced used even on f10m5

Awesome break down. The same applies to PDK.

My man kickin out the new vids, that's what I'm sayin! 💪

SPENCER WITH THE REGULAR UPLOADS!!! Let’s go!! 🔥💪🏽

Great vid!

I had both. I decided to settle for a manual for now since soon we will no longer have manual options, well on newer cars. So i am enjoying it for now.

DCT’s are stellar transmissions, but for now I’m a huge fan of how much a manual adds to the driving experience. I have a ‘15 mustang GT and It’s rewarding to build a muscle memory for heel-toe and rev matching, then pair that with chassis and grip management. I’ve yet to drive a DCT e92 but I might need to add one to the garage lol

the intro was hilarious

Amazing video!!!

You read my mind man haha, I was talking to myself the other day and was like, “Man it would be cool if spencer could do a manual vs dct I can’t decide which one I want.” And here we are, thank you man much love

Great video, it's hard to go wrong with either option but ig it depends on what I would use the car for. Canyon ripper = manual, track car = DCT, and for that reason I'd pick manual. But on a side note I GOT to know where you got that t-shirt from, I love it

I feel like you should get a manual f80 next since you said the the dct felt soulless. Glad to see you uploading bro, love the vids!!

For me, driving cars is all about appealing to the senses. I enjoy a manual transmission because it adds more feel than a DCT, both due to the shifter and that explosive momentum coming into the next highest gear from the small time spent in neutral. I’d also like to mention the enormous satisfaction you get when you nail a rev match just right, sure DCT downshifts are wicked fast but it doesn’t feel as good behind the wheel, at least in my opinion. My favorite car I’ve ever owned was my manual N55 135i. I drove that car in DCT. Currently searching for an E92 M3 and have driven both transmission options. The entire time I was in the DCT cars, all I could think was “Man I really wish this had a third pedal”. Felt the same about the DCT F80 I owned

I think you nailed it, what is your goal. If it's to get the best track times, the DCT is a big advantage. If you just want to have fun with the car and hoon around a little, manuals are a ton of fun.

I would say DCT for the track and the manual as a daily. I drive a 6MT M240i and enjoy it everyday. Great video Spencer.

Ive had both.. DCT all day. No question

Driven both. I love my DCT E92 M3.

Bro the intro🤞🏽👑💯, I prefer DCT much better shifts just my preference

Just got my 2012 BMW M3 E92🎉 so freaking excited 🥵🥵🥵

DCT e92 tuned, exhaust/straight piped...Love it.

I got a manual civic as a daily and dct e92 m3. I wish my m3 was manual but tbh the dct is a great gearbox I have no complaints. It’s fun to drive

Banger

This video is genius, really got me thinking maybe DCT is really the best for daily commute. Which equals for fun;)

I’m getting mine tomorrow. I chose a manual for the daily driving experience. It’s very satisfying to shift a manual. The DCT sounds great when it rev matches though.

I have a bmw m4 G82 with ZF Transmission and I love it

I have both and I like them both for diff reasons. For one, it is much easier to feel the diff lock in the MT so I leave the TC off at all times. With DCT, it is the way to go for city traffics and highway pulls. I actually prefer the MT for trackdays because it is relatively low maintenance.

I love my DCT, it’s just plain fun everytime I drive.

I love the manual. Some days I miss dct. The only issue is the stock shifter sucks.

I've had many manual vehicles but the DCT isn't like any automatic I've ever had. The instant shift performs, you have such fast control over which gear you want. I don't feel like I lose anything - but gain much more convenience in traffic.

Def DCT is Quicker. and is fun . use both center shifter and the paddle 2013 FIRE ORANGE E92 DCT

Yeah I went from a manual E90 to a DCT F80 M3.... it is a very SOULESS car! I miss the E90 M3!

I have a manual E46 M3 and a DCT E90 M3. Put both on track at one point. Long term on track, I’d prefer a manual for reliability and ease of maintenance. Although the DCT is generally reliable it is more complicated when things go wrong. Whether manual or DCT…it will eventually go wrong. Street - DCT

I have a manual 1996 328is. I’ve never driven a dtc paddle shifter. I can’t imagine dtc can be as good of a feeling as a manual but until I really drive one, I’ll never know. Time to get out there and try one

That intro is sick af

Getting the perfect rev matches with my 6MT is super intoxicating. Having the computer do it for me would be sad. But there is no right answer

Maybe do a manual E46? I have a DCT 135i but wish I had a manual some days. The one thing that a manual has is better engine braking and clutch release oh in a pinch you can push start it. If you loose power it’s a bit of a task to get the car into neutral to push it on to a tow truck flatbed.

DCT is like mixing on CD with beat matching Vs Vinyl on turntables.

I love ur opening bro! Manuals can't compete with DCT. Too ADD for it though, I'll row my own until my foot gives out!

I have DCT N55 135i 6MT M5 540i6 and 6MT M2C and man that DCT is a special transmission I wouldn’t trade any of these cars for any other transmission - I also feel like I would want the S65 with DCT

E9X-M3 4Life 💫💫

Ive owned a manual e92 and a manual e90, would like to try a dct e90 next and see how it is

I was always a manual person. It’s a personal preference. I drive daily moved to DCT 3 years ago. The evolution of the automatic has gotten better and evolved over the years. DCT for me. ✌🏻

Can you make a video about what to look out for when buying an e90 M3?

I’m thinking about buying a E9X. Think I might go DCT.

I love manuals. I know they aren't faster but I just love the feel of it! But I definitely see the benefits of dct though. Now what about the manual vs. the new zf box in the g80s?!

I’m gonna keep saying it , auto/dct for f chassis/ newer bmws and manual for e9x chassis and older

i tested both. for me, the dct is relaxing, fun and fast.

Right on the money...DCT for my every day driver. Hit the M button for instantaneous power, response and nothing beats the down shifting rev matching.

I really enjoy the manual in my v10 m6. To me, the more enjoyable option. It can be a pain when I'm in traffic or when I'm trying to keep up with faster stuff in the canyons. So long term I might buy a dct e92 to compliment it

Both equal for me… M6 garage queen DcT and N54 manual e92.. enjoy both gearboxes

I want a dct so I can daily it to work. Currently have a 6speed ; traffic sucks

I have e93 M3 DCT alpine stage 2 tune with DCT tune I love DCT I have M2 to with DCT too I had Shelby manual Subaru sti manual DCT is my choice

When I was shopping for my E92 I was indifferent to DCT/6MT. Was more concerned about other options such as ZCP. I ended up going with a DCT car and haven’t regretted it since.

way off topic but that shirt you have on is super nice, where can i find one?

So can I get these loud downshifts with DCT then ? Thanks

I like a manual in a mustang but prefer a DCT M3 (owned a E92 in the past).

I drive SMG so don’t know how DCT or manual feels like😭 But I will definetly go for either swap in future

Which one is better? Depends on personal preference. Which one is faster? The DCT

I have never driven a DCT in my life. I drive an E92 Manual. Whenever I am stuck in traffic I cuss myself out and tell myself that I should have bought a DCT, but when I am driving in the backroads… it’s all smiles the whole way. I am thinking of buying a DCT M3 as a daily because I cannot daily this manual. I would say it’s all up to personal preference.

I prefer smg old but hard kicks and the filing of someone hit you with hammer 🔨 its amazing

I'll get a DCT, PDQ when my ALS makes me SOL and I have to apply for SSDI!

my first e92 m3 was manual loved the damn thing my 2.e92 m3 (current) is a dct car now i want a manual e92 m3 again but i don't want to sell my dct e92 m3 i guess the answer is both are awesome and get 2 e92 m3s if you can right? why not i am gonna try :)

6MT for me although the DCT is good too.

What about e92 335is

I haven’t owned a manual M3, but I’m definitely satisfied with my current Evolve Stage 2 DCT setup. Especially, coming from an SMG M3 that was stock performance wise. So DCT for me 👍🏽💯

Dang it, now I have to buy both!

Daily - 6spd manual works for me. I have almost zero commute. If I was tracking a car on a regular basis I'd buy a DCT

Better than an e46 M3?

Had both for the e92 m3. Went from wanting a manual to selling it and buying another one with a dct. IMO your driving situation plays a big part daily driving or for pleasure. But mann the down shifts on a dct are waaaay too CRISP let me tell ya.

The manual is an anti-theft device, lol. I love my manual e93, nothing could be better than that sound from behind. To each his own. My car is weekend car, I don't drive in stop and go traffic, don't daily it. It's what I bought it for. Good luck to any of the drivers with these wonderful cars, manual or DCT.

I've had 2 Audis with DCTs. An S3 and my current RS3. I also owned a manual M2 Competition. I don't think there's a "better" option. It all depends on what you want. If you're looking for speed, then the DCT is better. If you want to have more fun, then manual is the way to go. Personally I prefer the manual, but I never race or go to the track. I just enjoy a clutch. The problem is that so few cars offer them now so the decision is being made for us.

Powerwise Dct ftw

That intro 🤣

i got a manual 320d for my first car. I fucking love it. Allthough the bmw manual transmission feels like shit sometimes. I think in an m3 with that much power i'd prefer the dct just so i don't need to worry about getting the gear in while shifting

The only thing I dislike about my dct is when in “auto” and merging onto a freeway it struggles downshifting out of 7th. Seems like it’s confused.

Manual 💯. I would rather sit in daily traffic in my E90 M3 manual all day every day. Unless I was physically unable to row gears, I pick manual. More connected w the car. I don’t track, otherwise DCT. Full exhaust, 93 Alpine st 2 tune, h&r w/ stock EDC + spacers.

ive been driving manual most of my coupe cars... i think DCT is another level thats why v8 s65 plus DCT is great fit in my opinion...i personally think DCT is better than manual it shift faster and it is 7 speed

some old spencer berke type shit

DCT is just an automatic with an extra step. You might as well get a chauffeur if you aren't going to be engaged while driving.

DCT if you want to be fast. DCT is the best manual or automatic at the driver's choice.

You might prefer manual for fun, I accept that although I get more fun from a manually operated DCT. But better? Sequential gearboxes are better and faster than manuals for more than 2 decades...

In this car DCT is the king

IMO, DCT with GTS tune makes my E90 come alive. Otherwise, manual is fantastic.

I really like listening to talk about these cars. I currently have an OG M2 6spd and a GT4 PDK. I’m thinking about swapping the M2 for the e92 M3. I owned a 2008 AW M3 6spd with a red interior from 2009-2012 and miss it so much….

I'd say the one thing DCT really misses out on that people don't consider is the throttle response while blipping for a down shift. It's very satisfying.