I need to know current BMW transmissions

I am seriously looking at a three series BMW as my do it all vehicle. I need a daily driver, with a backseat, befitting an executive, that I can occasionally autocross. I am totally fine with a manual transmission, but an automatic has advantages when I am not racing.

Trouble is, I can't figure out BMW transmissions. The dealer is claiming that paddle shifters are only available starting in 2013, but I see older vehicles with smaller paddle shifters. Some newer models have large padles, others don't, while others claim only the console shift os available.

Is an automatic transmission the same as a DCT? Are there different automatics? Do the paddle shifters really make a difference? Are they faster than slapping the console shifter? Is the sport shift able to hold gears until you tell it to shift, or will it just shift eventually anyway like my old Dodge 4-speed? What should I look for?

And for the same price, would you go for a 320 with the sport suspension, or a 328 without?

If the Chrysler modified ZF 8 speed is anywhere close to the original ZF version, then, yes, it's a pretty good transmission. It'll hold revs in paddle shift mode, and I haven't noticed it change gears on it's own, but using paddle shifters in a Grand Cherokee that doesn't have a SRT-8 badge kind of seems pointless.

The Sport Mode is actually quite good too, but I could see the biggest changes in the Chrysler version being the programming. So Y(BMW)MMV.

Pre-2013 cars had regular old 6 speed ZF automatics with a torque converter - some came with paddle shifters (it was an option - I believe standard if you ordered an automatic M-sport). The 2013-2014 cars had 6-speed DCT's, which are nice in that they give you launch control and a lot less drivetrain loss and really snappy shifts, but they're oddballs and they can overheat after heavy use. In 2015 they went back to regular automatics, this time with an 8-speed.

At least older dct trans like in e45 m3s were manual transmissions with auto actuators as opposed to an auto trans in manual mode.

I have a 2013 BMW X1 with the ZF 8 speed and the 2.0l turbo engine its the first auto I've owned that I feel performs really well. It always seems to be doing what I want even in regular mode with more aggressive downshifting in sport mode for when I need to merge into crazy I-4 traffic. The manual mode is very nice it is reasonably quick up and downshifting with good rev matching. It will hold a gear as long as I tell it to. According to the X1 forums it is possible to add paddle shifters relatively easily if I wanted to.

I really like my X1 its basically using the new generation drivetrain with the 2 liter turbo and the 8 speed auto but its installed into what is basically the previous generation 3 series wagon chassis. It gets 30+ mpg on highway I average 25+ overall. It has plenty of power and in Europe is rated to tow 4,000lbs with the proper tow hitch.

oldtin wrote: At least older dct trans like in e45 m3s were manual transmissions with auto actuators as opposed to an auto trans in manual mode.

e46 M3 is not a DCT (dual clutch transmission), like you mention its a manual with a hydraulic system that does the clutch work. The e60 M5 is an SMG as well.

I am not sure about the rest non M cars, if its an M car and its newer it will probably be a DCT.

oldtin wrote: At least older dct trans like in e45 m3s were manual transmissions with auto actuators as opposed to an auto trans in manual mode.

The SMGs weren't DCTs, they were automated manual transmissions. Kind of like what is in a Smart.

(and here ends the similarities beween an M3 and a Smart)

If you must have paddle shifters they can be retrofitted to the e90 cars without too much trouble. There were two flavours as well with larger ones on the M cars vs the non-M. The paddles do not speed up shifting they simply allow you to shift without moving your hand down to the console.

If you get an automatic you'll probably never use the paddle shifters. I know I never do on my wife's 2011 335i, so I wouldn't bother looking for one that has them. The 8 speed auto gets good reviews for performance and economy. We only have the six speed auto, but my foot is in the turbo too much to get good gas mileage in the 335i, but it will get high 20s if you take it easy. I will say that I don't think the E90 sedans will be all that good a stock autocrosser, it really feels heavy and the steering is vague even with the sport package. Maybe the E92 sedans are better, but I doubt it.

You really need an ST build to make the E90 sedan fun to autocross. For the 335 that unfortunately means STU, but the 328 can run in STX, where it isn't totally outclassed.

I'm not too worried about class because I run for fun with one local club only. I just want to be able to go out and have some fun on Sunday. Nothing from BMW will feel like the FiST, so I know I am giving up.

The more I research, the more I think I need to invest in a luxury crossover and a 4th Gen Civic.

Not sure of other years but my '09 335xi w/ Sport Package has the paddle shifters. Great for straight line shifting but I'd imagine you would lose acclimation w/ paddles turning the wheel over on a auto-x course or w/ tight corners. The console shift in sport mode isn't bad at all, steering is heavy for one hand driving corners but just a slap up/ down shouldn't be a problem.