BMW M DCT Drivelogic: a transmission option that is worthy of the
M3’s breathtaking driving dynamics.
This 7-speed M Double Clutch Transmission (M DCT) with Drivelogic
uses two transmission structures in one large housing. First, third,
fi fth and seventh gears are grouped in one structure; second, fourth
and sixth gears are grouped in the other. When upshifting or down-
shifting, the system switches between the two structures, so that
while one gear is being disengaged, the next is already in position.
And M DCT Drivelogic can even tailor gear use to your own driving
needs. Choose from 11 different programs: six in Sequential mode,
and fi ve in Automated mode. In either mode, you can access the
whole spectrum of the M3’s track-inspired shifting dynamics.
Even racing fans are impressed with the results: M DCT Drivelogic
delivers lightning-fast shifts that rocket you to top gear in the blink of
an eye. In manual mode, change gears by using either the shift lever,
or steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters. It shifts like a racecar –
only faster. In Sequential mode, the shift times vary, but in the sportiest
programs, seamless shifts take only milliseconds to complete. You
even get a prompt to indicate the ideal moment to change gears.
In Auto mated mode, the system performs shifts auto matically, with
action so smooth you’ll barely feel them at all.
In addition to its superior performance on the road, the M DCT
Drivelogic transmission offers a range of functions for even more
convenience. The LowSpeed Assistant makes parking easier, while
the Auto-P function activates the handbrake once the engine is
turned off, and selects the gear with the highest traction when you
restart your vehicle.
For details on the availability of standard and optional features, please refer to the
Standard equipment | Optional equipment charts at the back of this brochure.
46 | 47 M DCT Drivelogic | M3 on the Nürburgring
With optional M DCT – 7-speed
M Double Clutch Transmission –
the M3 Convertible shifts like a
racecar, only faster.
M DCT DRIVELOGIC. A TRANSMISSION THAT’S
ON A COMPLETELY DIFFERENT WAVELENGTH.
“GREEN HELL” ON THE NÜRBURGRING,
PARADISE FOR OUR ENGINEERS.
Hatzenbach
Quiddelbacher-Höhe
Flugplatz
Aremberg
Aden auer- Fors t
Antoniusbuche
Highest point: 2,034 feet
Start / Finish
12.4 mi0 mi
4.4 mi1.9 mi
Ex-Mühle
Kesselchen
Caracciola-Karussell
Wippermann
Pflanzgarten
10.6 mi 9.9 mi
8.7 mi
6.2 mi
A BMW engineer’s log while testing the
M3 on the Nürburgring’s Nordschleife:
Tuesday morning, 9:13 am, air temperature
58° Fahrenheit. Dry asphalt, a cloudy sky.
Press the Start/Stop button briefly, and the
high-speed V-8 induction engine springs
to life. A glance at the instrument panel. A
glance at the route. Concentrate and: go!
The BMW M3 powers away with a turbine-
like power delivery. Then: Hatzenbach.
The first bend on the Nordschleife is
unsparing as it lays bare the vehicle’s
suspension characteristics. Steer sharply
to the right and then to the left. It’ll need a
lot more than that to bring this aluminum
chassis off track. The BMW M3 takes the
bend neutrally and accurately.
Onward, up the Quiddelbacher-Höhe. The
road is narrow and undulating. The BMW M3
speeds up to 124 mph, the engine powers
on ceaselessly. Upsurge: minimal. The aero-
dynamics molds itself around the vehicle
like the M seat around the driver. After Flug-
platz and Schwedenkreuz, the first tough
braking area by Aremberg – and after that,
top speed down the Fuchsröhre. The build:
extremely torsion-stiff and bend-resistant.
Fourth mile. Adenauer-Forst. Precise, rapid
load change at the limit. Road section Breid-
scheid: the cloud cover cracks open, the
high-performance compound brakes glow –
but stay steady.
Now to the right, up the Ex-Mühle. The V-8
powerplant revs up, the cooling system shows
no sign of strain. The BMW M3 effortlessly
climbs the steep incline up to Bergwerk, on
over Kesselchen towards the legendary
steep section: formidable driving stability
– the Variable M Differential Lock performs
brilliantly. Then into the Caracciola-Karussell’s
180-degree banked turn: straining right to the
limit – particularly the wheel suspension.
On over Wippermann. The handling is almost
playful. To Pflanzgarten. Taut, but not tough
– the spring and damper tuning. Finally
Antoniusbuche, a long stretch, top speed
155 mph, the road studded with bumps.
Superb longitudinal dynamics. Then the
finish line is in sight. Hands tremble. The
new BMW M3 falls silent. The V-8 engine
crackles softly.
