Matth5 471 Report post Posted June 15, 2015 (edited) Considering making an offer on a 335i with DCT. It has over 100 000km. Hard to find info on servicing and the issues they have. Seen some crazy prices thrown around but only a handful of issues reported. At that mileage should I ask for the fluid to be changed? I know BMW say it's lifetime but to them lifetime probably means the warranty period. With clutch replacements and other potential issues, what are the costs like in NZ? I guess the clutches don't really wear but who knows what could go wrong. Edited June 15, 2015 by Matth5 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ugan 41 Report post Posted June 17, 2015 I would be curious to know about this as well, seems like only a handful of 335i's out there with DCT. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Matth5 471 Report post Posted June 17, 2015 (edited) Managed to find out a bit more myself. Firstly, the dealer has agreed to have a DCT service performed for me before purchase, he tells me it costs over $1000. New fluid and filter done by a BMW specialist (think he's sending it to Team McMillan but haven't confirmed). Found a couple of second hand DCT transmissions online, there's one on Ebay for 3.5k. So having an Autosure warranty that covers up to 5k should keep me safe enough even if I do have total failure. Still would love to hear comments from some more knowledgeable people, especially any of the mechanics around here who might have actual experience. Allycat, you're right. I've been keeping an eye on Trademe for months and DCTs aren't too common. I've scored a 2010 MSport Coupe, pending inspection and test drive though. Edited June 17, 2015 by Matth5 2 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jordan23 16 Report post Posted June 20, 2015 They are very reliable. Spoke with transmission solutions recently and tech said the new product is superior to the vw group dsg. I've had the oil changed in mine recently at bmw and the dealer who told you it's over a grand is bull shitting you. They are a wet clutch system so can handle a lot. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Matth5 471 Report post Posted June 20, 2015 They are very reliable. Spoke with transmission solutions recently and tech said the new product is superior to the vw group dsg. I've had the oil changed in mine recently at bmw and the dealer who told you it's over a grand is bull shitting you. They are a wet clutch system so can handle a lot. Thanks for that, I'll tell him about them as well, just googled and found their website. Yea he was guessing with the price I think, that was before he got quotes, and he's paying for it anyway You had yours done at the dealer? Team McMillan? Would be interested to know the cost,can PM me if you don't want to say it in public. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
m325i 709 Report post Posted June 20, 2015 This might make you feel better. Know someone who's 335i auto transmission died ~$5k (warranty repair). So I be confident going DCT. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Matth5 471 Report post Posted June 25, 2015 Mechanic who did the PPI told me that the DCT fluid actually looks brand new as if it was replaced very recently, advised me to rather not replace it. Dealer also told me the final quote he ended up getting was less than $500 anyway so he'll discount the car price. So I'll save some money and skip it. PPI noticed a few minor issues only. Slight noise from AC Compressor. Probably needs a re-gas. Possible sign of leak? Not a big worry with the Autosure warranty. Chips on windscreen - not sure how bad they are, will look for myself. Also exhaust flap rattle when cold. Golf tee mod is an option I guess, but apparently it makes for a horrible sound on startup and a droning sound on the motorway. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Matth5 471 Report post Posted June 29, 2015 Tested it on Sat. Car was cold when I arrived so started it up and listened for the exhaust rattle. Couldn't hear any, sounded fine. Dealer let me take it for a good test, drove towards Whitford so I could try a bit of a country drive and they were happy for me to drive it hard. Tried sport and manual mode, floored it a few times. Sure is fast, and the DCT is amazing. Shifts seem instant. Kickdown is fast too. Throttle was clearly more responsive than the N54 (2008) one I tested too. Yea I'm buying it Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Stevie S 49 Report post Posted June 29, 2015 Are they sure it was exhaust flap rattle and not wastegate rattle? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
B.M.W Ltd 950 Report post Posted June 29, 2015 Slight noise from AC Compressor. Probably needs a re-gas. Possible sign of leak? Not a big worry with the Autosure warranty. Won't be covered if it's a fault prior to purchasing. It is only covered if it occurs after the purchase has been completed. Making a claim on Autosure after the purchase is fraud as it was a pre-existing fault- make the seller pay for it to be repaired as it was found in the PPI Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Matth5 471 Report post Posted June 29, 2015 (edited) Are they sure it was exhaust flap rattle and not wastegate rattle? I asked him, he said it was definitely the exhaust and offered to block off the valve for me if I wanted. Won't be covered if it's a fault prior to purchasing. It is only covered if it occurs after the purchase has been completed. Making a claim on Autosure after the purchase is fraud as it was a pre-existing fault- make the seller pay for it to be repaired as it was found in the PPI The mechanic who inspected didn't suspect it was faulty, he just said it might need a service. Dealer insisted they all make the same noise. To be honest I actually wanted to take it to either BM Workshop or your place but the dealer complained it was too far. Exact report below: Slight rattle from rear exhaust flap at idle when cold. Multiple small stone chips in windscreeen Aftermarket brakes fitted - unknown quality but perform OK. Very slight whine from AC compressor - suggest servicing? Road test to 100km/h briefly - traffic heavy After market suspension fitted - adjustment tool kit in boot. Vehicle appears to be in good condition for its age/mileage Check DCT fluid - OK. What do you think, should I hit him up about it again? Was going to pay this week and pick it up on the weekend. These guys inspected it: http://www.motorservice.co.nz/ Had no prior experience with them, they were good to deal with and were going to do the DCT service until they inspected the fluid and found out that it looked near-new. Edited June 29, 2015 by Matth5 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
B.M.W Ltd 950 Report post Posted June 29, 2015 Peter who owns Motor Service used to work for me and is known as a good & fair operator. I hope it was Cameron that checked it Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Matth5 471 Report post Posted July 4, 2015 (edited) So I took it home today. Here are my two toys in the driveway: E46 is of course now up for sale (Bad quality photo unfortunately) Edited July 4, 2015 by Matth5 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
