DCT Swap + S54

[usdmej]

What about a ZF8 speed auto swap?

those ZF boxes > any DCT out there

[bigjae46]

It appears that tuning seamless downshifts for the DCT swap is no small feat. Almost every video I have seen with these DCT swaps has some issue changing gear smoothly.

I know that changing the gear ratios on the E9X M3 can sometimes screw up the shifting. Two popular gearsets were 3.45 and the 3.62. I haven't heard of anyone having an issue with the 3.45. Have heard of issues with the 3.62. Apparently there is software for the OE transmission control unit that fixes shifting in both manual and auto modes.

I want to put a 3.62 in my E90 M3...someday...when I get off my lazy ass.

From a couple of short rides on G80 M3s...the auto trans in the G8X is every bit as fast on the shifts as my E90 M3 DCT. The auto feels like a DCT. I have to wonder how much more does it weigh than a DCT?

[chalaka]

would love to read/hear more updates from this DCT swap experience journey~

[George Hill]

What are some of the factors that make it difficult?

The factors are HTG. But really for the most part you have 3x options for DCT controllers: MaxxECU, DKGECU and HTG Tuning. HTG is the most prevalent and drivability seems to be 100% dependent on the end users definition of drivable. Some people say they are great, some people through them in the trash (metaphorically speaking) like Martyn.

[Arith2]

It appears that tuning seamless downshifts for the DCT swap is no small feat. Almost every video I have seen with these DCT swaps has some issue changing gear smoothly.

What are some of the factors that make it difficult?

[lastMleft]

The DCT is great on the s65, looks like it works well on the s54....wish I could drive it lol....

[Slideways]

It appears that tuning seamless downshifts for the DCT swap is no small feat. Almost every video I have seen with these DCT swaps has some issue changing gear smoothly.

[George Hill]

Never thought I would see the day where there is an auto E46 M3...lol

I love my E90 M3 DCT. Its constant power with a quick jerk on the upshifts.

To be fair that is an Auto S54 touring, lol.

But really I think there is a decent market for these (same as what the DCT retrofit option was SUPPOSED to be) for people who don't want a clutch pedal but also don't want a SMG.

[bigjae46]

This is the comment I came here for, haha.


What about a ZF8 speed auto swap?

Never thought I would see the day where there is an auto E46 M3...lol

I love my E90 M3 DCT. Its constant power with a quick jerk on the upshifts.

[George Hill]

If you decide to attempt this, don't bother with the HTG junk, it's utter rubbish! Been there, done that lol.

This is the comment I came here for, haha.


What about a ZF8 speed auto swap?

[Casa de Mesa]

This was my car on the long ratio box with a 4.10 rear end.

I didn't realize you had done this before. Sick! Did you do the conversion yourself? Do you have any other details?

I'm 6MT so probably not doing this swap anytime soon (ever), but the technical feat for the pioneers who decided to make this work without a kit available or manual to go by... call me impressed.

[S14]

as and SMG owner, I'd love to do the DCT swap!

[Arith2]

I've only test drove the DCT once, but curious how it compares to Porsches PDK which I've only heard is quicker and smoother, also more reliable? If I was bored and funds were available that's probably the swap I would am for maybe if its even possible.

The PDK beats it in every area, as much as I hate to say it.

The issue would be swapping a PDK. You don't want the ones out the cars that have front engines. Those are ones that always break, even with proper service. One out of a boxster or 911 would be more trouble than it's worth. It'd also have to sit in a custom subframe at the rear. Then there's the software problem. Porsche transmissions talk to everything... even the stupid headlights. The engineers are super quiet about their designs as well. Reverse engineering the software would absolutely be the hardest part. Porsche is sloppy in that sense.

Sorry to be a kill joy. They did nail it with the PDK and I wish BMW could keep up but that PDK is just unmatched.

[Cronenberged]

I love my car being manual, but daily it again and when stick in traffic would love the use of a DCT. Also when I tracked the car having auto rev match would be nice cause I struggle to brake and rev match at.the same time. I think its more of a pedal spacing thing for me as I don't have the biggest feet.

I've only test drove the DCT once, but curious how it compares to Porsches PDK which I've only heard is quicker and smoother, also more reliable? If I was bored and funds were available that's probably the swap I would am for maybe if its even possible.

[eacmen]

Tough crowd.

advantage of the DCT is smoother shifts than SMG, which allows you to shift even in high G turns on the limit of traction. This would allow shorter gearing so the powerband becomes more dynamic and adaptable to each track.

Am I rushing out to DCT my SMG track car? no
If the DCT evolves to a point where the swap is easier I would consider it when the SMG dies.