M2 Competition - Manual or M-DCT - Which is Best?

In this video I test a manual M2 Competition back-to-back against my M2 Comp with the M-DCT gearbox.

Which is best? Let's find out!

[jamessmith-hbej]

I think Deep inside you prefer manual 😉✌️

[paulcs]

A superb video! Love the drone footage. I’m gonna watch the whole video again!
I’m about to place an order for an M2C (coming out of an auto M140i) and I’m trying to work out which gearbox. Perfect timing. I also love your videos having recently passed my advanced (with a First!). So which gear box for me? I think it has to be manual. Why? Because what I have found with the paddles is I find it is too easy to go too fast and flick away the gears. I think the manual will slow me down and use more of the engine towards better flow. But yes, there is no right and wrong. Thanks again. Your are a great teacher and expert driver! Keep it up.

[maxtorque]

For me, the time i miss a manual strangely is actually when i'm stuck in traffic, or just pottlering around, because it gives me something to do! When trying a bit harder, i really miss a DCT and being able to gain other advantages like Left foot braking, and going back to a 3 pedal car, sometimes it makes you realise just how long one of your hands is off the wheel (and hence your arms and the wheel are imbalanced) at some potentially critical times. But when none of that matters, i miss shifting gear, simply as a task in itself, because wow, being stuck in traffic is BORING!!! :-)

[matthewmcmillan]

Thanks think you've convinced me to go DCT!!!

[maximt]

I thoroughly enjoyed this. Insightful explainers, lovely roads, and cool aerial footage, .
Thank you Sir

[JonathanTyas]

Had this decision myself. Mine will be a long term car so thought manual for reliability. However the DCT being stronger, faster and having a higher top gear sold the DCT to me. I would have felt like I had second best if I’d gone manual. The manual I believe is a little short legged on the motorway.

[meathook]

Those roads look like they’re a blast to drive on (when there’s not a ton of cars on the side of the road)!

[olicarwardine]

Fantastic drone shots. Another great video Reg!

[supertouring]

I've always preferred a manual but I think that was because the auto technology was never as good. Now I think it is there and is a viable alternative. If I ever get the choice in the future I will certainly give it a try.

[Potts]

It took me a year to get happy with a VW DSG gearbox but I'm happy with it now. Do I miss a manual? Maybe sometimes. I drove 30 years with manuals, but I don't regret the DSG choice and I'd have one again. (and probably will, although I do slightly miss the skills of heel and toe and double de-clutching rev matching)

[JonathanTyas]

Just watched the full video, that’s the verdict I expected. Both good the manual has extra involvement, the DCT is close to the top of its game so great as well, toss a coin!

[markburton]

I have an M2 c with a manual box. I have other cars in the garage with paddle shifts and I I often take the manuals because driving them gives me much more satisfaction on any sorts of road. Modern paddle shift gearboxes are superb whether they are automatics or dual clutches but driving manuals gives more satisfaction. For me. I would like to be able to turn off auto rev matching without having to turn the traction control fully off. I am surprised that as such a keen and skilled driver reg likes auto rev matching because for me it removes part of the satisfaction of using a manual. I left foot brake in automatics but don't miss it in manuals.

[mcomp]

I've got the DCT but, the overriding factor is driving in traffic. Driving in a city and using it as a daily, the last thing I want is a third pedal and I'm old school too!

[DontPanicDear]

Great video thanks Reg 😀

DTC is fun for a while, but for me manual wins due to interaction.
I’ve not got a BMW anymore though 😐

I am lucky and have two cars at home now....
My Manual Cayman 718 GTS
Girlfriend’s PDK 991.2 Carrera S

I find the PDK is best for either flat out, or totally relaxed.
Long road trips are great, zooming across Germany and into the Czech Republic a few times a year 😀

The manual box is better for everything else in between, which is 90% of my driving in the Cayman GTS.
It’s more varied and interesting and I am the ‘Drive Mode’ selector!
Very little of my time in the car is traffic-jam slow, or Lewis Hamilton fast.

With the Man-box, I can vary the style and speed of any change at any point and the car is an extension of me.
Driving is more tactile, direct and delicate, which means it’s engaging over a wider repertoire.

Off topic....
Strangely, in Germany at big speeds, the Cayman is WAY more planted and stable. Feels sucked to the tarmac.
The 911 is more busy at the helm and fidgets slightly, needing micro corrections.

All electric cars will be two pedal anyway, so for now I’ll get as much fun out of manual cars as I can.

Two pedals are my preference for pushbikes 🤪

[johncoughlan]

Another brilliant video, please keep them coming.

[johncoppock]

Glad you enjoy the auto and look forward to the left foot braking. I would really miss left foot braking if I had to switch back from a 2 pedal auto to a manual. Funny though I really wish I'd done my advanced test years ago when I still had a manual. Don't have my own car at the mo, but when I'm lucky enough to get one, wonder if I should get another manual, even if the legs would vote for the auto.

[donpepito]

Now this is what I call a good and clear review! Thank you.. I still dont know either what I want now :D:D:D

[DavidJohnston]

I had to go automatic some years ago with spinal problems my back tires in traffic using clutch. Funnily enough took last two RoSPA tests in auto and was queried as to why I didn't come in a manual.

Currently have Seat Ateca FR Sport with DSG which is pleasant enough, paddles are there and i use them from time to time. Performance more than enough for me.

[MauriceLeane]

Reg, great video keep up the great content. Can I ask a question regarding the M2? What mpg do you get in normal mixed driving? Also at 70mph what are the revs in the DCT and your friend’s manual M2. Thank you.

[michaelggriffiths]

Great video!
What are your thoughts on motorcycles with DCT?
I have one for touring on and it's very capable.
I'm considering the Africa Twin next.