C63 MCT comparison with M3 DCT
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 133
Likes: 1
2012 C63 AMG, 2012 C300 4matic, 2008 E92 M3
Anyway, when I started this thread, I was on the fench to get the 2012 C63 AMG. I was over it and enjoying my new ride so far. The MCT vs DCT is not a deal breaker for me as I know the main purpose of getting the C AMG. The whole package is the main thing for me.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,669
Likes: 63
From: Montana/Alberta
C63 BS, GLA45
So as I learn more about the MCT being inferior to Dual clutch designs in theory. But Why? why would Mercedes put it's design effort on a system that would be referred by enthusiast as less than a Dual clutch design?
Also is the MCT More similar to the IS-F transmission design? I heared that it is a great transmission but still a torque converter.
Also is the MCT More similar to the IS-F transmission design? I heared that it is a great transmission but still a torque converter.
The MCT is a stopgap solution for Mercedes until their in-house dual clutch transmission is ready for production.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 1,294
Likes: 1
2012 C63 coupe
Also, most other companies outsource their DCT trannys. For example, the same company produces the DCT for Ferrari and BMW. All BMW does adapt it to the car and manage the software programming from what I understand.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 133
Likes: 1
2012 C63 AMG, 2012 C300 4matic, 2008 E92 M3
They already have a dual clutch in the SLS. All they need to do is adapt it for other cars in the lineup. I am not an engineer and have no idea how difficult this might be but they do have one.
Also, most other companies outsource their DCT trannys. For example, the same company produces the DCT for Ferrari and BMW. All BMW does adapt it to the car and manage the software programming from what I understand.
Also, most other companies outsource their DCT trannys. For example, the same company produces the DCT for Ferrari and BMW. All BMW does adapt it to the car and manage the software programming from what I understand.
I remember that the first year of the E90's M3 DCT had some few problems. Most of it were minors but one major problem (stalling). A software fix were introduced (for several times) to fix those problems.
Is SLS DCT outsourced or in-house?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,669
Likes: 63
From: Montana/Alberta
C63 BS, GLA45
SLS DCT is outsourced. It's a Getrag unit. It wouldn't make financial sense for Mercedes to use that gearbox in their mass produced lines, seeing as they have a full on transmission production facilities in house that would go to waste.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 1,294
Likes: 1
2012 C63 coupe
Good point... however, BMW also outsources its DCT to Getrag. Bottomline, is Mercedes is behind the competition on this in a meaningful way. Maybe that doesn't matter but they really need to catch up IMO.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 133
Likes: 1
2012 C63 AMG, 2012 C300 4matic, 2008 E92 M3
They really need to catch up big time. The DCT has been in the BMW M3 since 2008, E90's series. Maybe MBZ don't do this change during series model. So probably, the new C AMG will have DCT.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,669
Likes: 63
From: Montana/Alberta
C63 BS, GLA45
One of the main reasons that MB was so slow to introduce a dual clutch gearbox was because of fighting with unions, who should get the contract to build the gearboxes. At one point, MB was so fed up they were ready to close the transmission facilities and just use Getrag boxes.
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 1,294
Likes: 1
2012 C63 coupe
So Choy... after living with the MCT for a while, what are your longer term thoughts vs the M-DCT? From all reports it isn't quite as good but is very capable nonetheless. Thoughts?
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 254
Likes: 0
From: Des Plaines, IL
12 M156 C204
incomparable... dct is dct, mct feels very similar to the current trans on 08-11 c63.
if you love the 7g tronic, you will love the mct. if you prefer manual, dct surely wins.
if you love the 7g tronic, you will love the mct. if you prefer manual, dct surely wins.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 133
Likes: 1
2012 C63 AMG, 2012 C300 4matic, 2008 E92 M3
For now, I am satisfied with the performance of the MCT considering that I am still in break-in period. The trans is still in C mode until 1K miles and I only managed to clocked up 250 miles. I am sure that I will be even more satisfied the moment I pass the 1K break-in period.
Maybe it is not as good as the M-DCT but it is very capable, or shall I say, way way capable to its task at hand. Definitely, it is better than those normal auto.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 133
Likes: 1
2012 C63 AMG, 2012 C300 4matic, 2008 E92 M3
Maybe that is why I like the M-DCT. The M3 with M-DCT is my first auto (it is blasphemy in the M3 world to say auto, they prefer to call it automated manual) that I bought. I been driving an MT for a long long time.
Member
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 75
Likes: 5
That said, the M4's M-DCT is definitely jerky but it also does exactly what you tell it to do when you tell it to do it and doesn't mind being driven manually 100% of the time.
My question is, will this upgraded MCT with the "AMG drive unit" computer be the DCT's equal finally? I hope someone who has a C63S Coupe can tell us (not sure if the sedan has the same tranny/software).
Anybody?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 8,074
Likes: 2,867
From: Los Angeles
2012 P31 C63 Coupe Trackrat, 2019 GLE63S Coupe Beast
So dusting off this thread, 4+ years later it would appear that the MCT is NOT a stopgap, but rather Benz's plan for its daily driver cars. They're arguing it's for comfort and efficiency, but then in the GT they use a DCT.
That said, the M4's M-DCT is definitely jerky but it also does exactly what you tell it to do when you tell it to do it and doesn't mind being driven manually 100% of the time.
My question is, will this upgraded MCT with the "AMG drive unit" computer be the DCT's equal finally? I hope someone who has a C63S Coupe can tell us (not sure if the sedan has the same tranny/software).
Anybody?
That said, the M4's M-DCT is definitely jerky but it also does exactly what you tell it to do when you tell it to do it and doesn't mind being driven manually 100% of the time.
My question is, will this upgraded MCT with the "AMG drive unit" computer be the DCT's equal finally? I hope someone who has a C63S Coupe can tell us (not sure if the sedan has the same tranny/software).
Anybody?
Maybe try asking your question in the W205 C63S forum.
Super Member
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 900
Likes: 113
From: Toronto
2012 C63, 2014 E550
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 8,074
Likes: 2,867
From: Los Angeles
2012 P31 C63 Coupe Trackrat, 2019 GLE63S Coupe Beast
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 369
Likes: 61
CLS63, S55
There can always be an update available for any module in the car one would just have to check and the only way to do that is with a star diag and a daimler account or a friendly dealer/indy that has those 2 things. Its like checking for updates on your computer, in my opinion updates exist to improve but in the dealers mind, if its isnt broken dont update. You would be surprised at what modules have updates available for them.
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2025
Posts: 27
Likes: 1
From: Perth, Australia.
I think it also comes down to the factory tuning of the transmissions. I'm fortunate enough to have a W204 C63, a C205 C63S and an Audi RS5 (V8 with DCT transmission). All three cars have tuned transmissions. The W204 feels slower on the shifts (but only marginally) than the Audi and the C205. The Audi and the C205 feel on par for up shift speed, though the C205 bangs them in harder, but it's in the downshifts where the difference is most noticeable, but not in the speed of the downshift shift itself. With the DCT, if I pull the downshift paddle three consecutive times quickly, it will drop three gears almost as fast as I can click the paddles. If I do the same in the C205 it will only drop one gear and I will have to wait until that process is complete before I can drop to the next gear down. However, I have not noticed this to be a disadvantaged on the track because I select the gears down as I'm braking, and it's not so slow that it prevents me from being in the right gear when I get to the braking zones and corners. I have owned an R35 GTR, also with a tuned transmission, and the Audi and C205 transmissions when tuned feel on par with the GTR's for upshift speed. The Audi's transmission when stock was probably even better than the stock GTR transmission. When the cars were stock, the DLC/DSG gearboxes were definitely a bit faster through the gears than the MCT. Once tuned, the margin was not so noticeable and the driving experience as a whole was greatly improved. Don't overlook tuning the transmission, especially if you've tuned the engine.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,259
Likes: 363
'06 MB S55 AMG; '04 Audi Allroad 4.2; '05 BMW M3 Conv.; '92 MB 500E
That MB "safety lag" when double or triple shifting down is hard to get rid of, even when tuned. But like you said, you can "drive around it" pretty easily.
maw
maw
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2025
Posts: 27
Likes: 1
From: Perth, Australia.
Yes, the tuning definitely doesn't fix the safety lag. There is also the hold the downshift paddle feature that will put you in the lowest gear for the speed you are going, but I haven't used it on a track, and it seems to take some time to figure out what you're asking of it.
