Why No Dual Clutch in 3 Series?!?!?

[rsumma729]

Seriously?!

I just had my 335i in for service recently, and was given a 135i loaner with the dual-clutch Getrag box. It knocked my socks off!

That transmission is 20 times better than the ZF-Auto box they offer on the 3 Series, and would have me seriously considering ditching my manual.

For some inane reason though, BMW don't offer it as an option on the 3 Series, except for the 335is and the M3. In Europe, the dual-clutch transmission is a build-to-order option on almost every vehicle - but I can't get it on a 335 or any other non M 3 Series that isn't the "is".

What gives?! Who else would like the dual-clutch option on a 3 series if given the chance?

I don't need or want the "is" and I can't afford an M3, but I'd pay for that transmission on a regular 335...if there was a choice!

[floydr]

It costs over a million $ to certify a car for sale in the US.
They've *got* to certify an auto-transmission version.
They've *got* to certify a manual - for the 10% of the market that wants a traditional manual.

That doesn't leave them any left over to pay for another transmission, especially since it would vampire the 10% manual market.

[AussieBob]

Is that over a million $ in Govt. charges or normal product development type of tests?


I was thinking the transmission is not available because it costs too much to fit into the price points the US marketers want

[floydr]

Each iteration of body, engine, and transmission has to be individually certified. That means that the 335i Coupe and 335i Sedan, equipped with the manual transmission, has to be run through the same EPA and NHTSA tests, with separate documentation.

A drivetrain is not certified separate from the vehicle it's in. Adding the DCT to those two models costs 2x, not 1x.

[Intelligient Hourse]

$400 per car.

[Tom K.]

It replaces the Steptronic option on both coupe and convertible.

[///My5UV]

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