2011 BMW 135i

2011 BMW 135i

The Dual Clutch transmission (DSG) seems to be taking the automotive industry by storm, especially in performance oriented cars. Cars like the 2009 Mitsubishi Lance Ralliart that we reported on back last year are perfectly suited for this type transmission that shifts with light speed and laser precision. That is probably why BMW has introduced a DSG transmission on the 2011 BMW 1-Series 135i. The official name from BMW is the 2011 BMW 1-Series 135i DCT. I suppose it is shorter than the Ralliart’s Twin-Clutch SST.

2011 BMW 135i

2011 BMW 135i

2011 BMW 135i

2011 BMW 135i

The 2011 BMW 1-Series 135i DCT still comes with the 300-horsepower turbocharged inline-6 that BMW is known for. One major change is a switch from a twin turbo setup to the N55 single-turbo, twin-scroll arrangement that you can also find in many of the other models in the new BMW line-up. According to the first drive done by our partner site, TheCarConnection.com, the boost from the turbo comes on smoothly and digs well from low rpms.” They also claim that the majority of drivers won’t notice the difference from the N54 twin turbo and the new N55 single turbo.

The nagging question is: Does the DCT make the 135i more fun to drive? The answer is it depends. Honestly, for the majority of drivers here in the states the DCT will give them the ease of driving that they want while commuting everyday in bumper to bumper traffic. It will also help the majority of drivers turn spirited lap times out at the local BMW club track day. However, for the purest the DCT just won’t cut it. It would be like taking a classic Ferrari and dropping Chevy V-8 into it. For those customers, BMW 1-Series still comes standard with the fluid 6-speed manual transmission.

Bottom line—BMW is bringing another option to their customers; this particular option reinforces why BMWs are “The Driving Machine.”