[whateva411]

Hi
Im going to look at a 335i with a DCT box tomorrow does anyone have any advice on what to look for regarding the box?

Or in general what else to look for when having a look at the 335i?

Thanks

[RagingKileak]

DCT should be pretty quick and generally smooth when it comes to shifting.

Mine doesn't clunk or bang, so I would have thought any of that would be a bad sign. Try it in the following modes:

Drive - auto
Drive - using paddles
Drive - using paddles with sport button
Sport - then all of the above again.

That should give you a decent idea about how the box performs. I wouldn't bother testing launch control as (personally) I wouldn't allow someone testing a car to do so in my car. Might be worth having a chat to see if they know what LC is - gauge how often its been used etc. Its fair to say you don't want a car which has an abused gearbox!

Matt

[djgandy]

The only real issue with the DCT is if it has been launch controlled a lot. The box really isn't designed to do it.

Apart from that the shifts are near instant if going through gears sequentially and you get a great sound out the back. They feel quite odd to drive, I'm considering buying one, but I've not convinced myself to ditch the manual yet

[scaryprowler]

I've used LC twice, maybe 3 times, in mine, I have too much mechanical sympathy... last time I did it, I apologised to her.

The only issues I've heard of is oil leaks from the tranny housing (although I believe this to be a sealed unit). I'm guessing it's all tucked away under the plastic shield/cover, so would be hard to spot.

[whateva411]

Thanks for the advice. The car didn't drive how I was expecting it to drive!

[anielsen71]

can you tell us some more?
How did it not drive as you expected it to?

[lolololol]

I have a DCT box and they leak from two places. The sump pan and gasket fails often which is an easy replace and can be done whilst box is in situ, the other is a side gasket whcih will need the box to come out.

Check for leaks under ther car - any sign of residue and it will certianly be one of the items I have mentioned above.

[whateva411]

Originally Posted by anielsen71

can you tell us some more?
How did it not drive as you expected it to?

Not sure if it was the gearbox or something else in the car but gear changes going from 1st to 2nd were quite jumpy regardless of speed. Also there was a bit of hesitancy whilst accelerating hard in 1st and 2nd gear.

There were a few other issues I noticed but it just put me off this particular car!