Topless & Clutchless: 2008 BMW M3 Convertible With M DCT

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE NEW BMW M3:
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/FullTests/articleId=129086

We're on final approach into a tight corner, and our left index finger stretches for the minus paddle behind the 2008 BMW M3 Convertible's small, fat-rimmed steering wheel. All we want is a quick, rev-matched, 3-2 downshift from the car's seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

Our downshift arrives in a violent, noisy spasm, a come-on to every sport biker in the canyon. Yet it still feels like one of the most precise gearchanges we've ever been able to take credit for. It also makes the BMW M3's 4.0-liter V8 very happy. Back down in 2nd gear, the free-revving engine howls to the bikers, and even through gusts of wind and gnats, we hear it tell us how much it hates neutral throttle. If you're not working this V8, you're killing it softly.

Messy emotions are inevitable when you're driving a hardtop-convertible version of a legendary performance car, as the thrill of a sunburn on a summer day has a way of obscuring unfortunate realities like excess curb weight and reduced structural rigidity.

But there's nothing messy or emotional about BMW's new dual-clutch gearbox (abbreviated as M DCT, or M DKG if you're German), which is all business in all of its 11 shift modes. It's also such an effective replacement for the 2008 BMW M3's conventional manual transmission that we wonder if it's not a greater threat to M-division purists than a bulky retractable hardtop.

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• 2008
• BMW
• M3
• Convertible
• With
• DCT
• car
• auto
• motor
• Edmunds
• Inside
• Line

[christiaanck]

No need for your foot on the brake! How can you review a car that you did not even did the proper effort to learn the launch control feature. Sorry m8 but you arent doing the car justice.

[VellMudo]

Yeah, that same test driver will complain that he can't put down the top on the coupe.

[abbiamoquesto]

It does not weigh 2 tons (or 2 tonnes) and it's not a 4.4.

[8MunchenBayern8]

WHO HIRES THESE CLOWNS???????

[ultimaterotary]

Clutchless? The DCT has TWO clutches! "Clutchpedaless" is more like it.

[PL3690]

NOOOOOOOB driver do some research before reviewing smartass

[omarlondon]

Americans shouldn't do car reviews unless its driving in a straight line!

[LoveTheCity123]

I wonder if anyone has ever died in luxury? 

[shoty1982]

bull shit av gt an m3 fully loaded.convertible.n iget 0.60 n 4.1 all the time.c63.wipe out n rs4 wudnt waste my time,

[helenaustinfan]

Because America can make a good car nowadays can't they?