If you drove a new M3 yesterday you drove a DCT not an SMG. However, your experience is still the same. The DCT seems to be much improved over the SMG. I currently have a 2007 M5 and love the SMG, although I never use auto mode which is not good.

 

A bit of the problem with taking a DCT M3 for a test drive is all the selectable controls. If you don't know how to set them it makes a big difference. You need to set the DCT to level "5" - that is the shift speed. Below 4 or 5 it doesn't blip the throttle for downshifts. At medium throttle, shifts are smooth as glass. Full throttle, the thing can hammer you back in your seats. At medium RPM, the V8 throttle blip is really cool. If you need an auto, it is at least equal to the PDK. Interestingly, with the PDK and the DCT, there have been very few issues. Initially the DCT suffered from some off the line shift lag that was corrected with software. The PDK has the stupid push pull paddles, which can be retrofit or are now available with "BMW style" + right and - left paddles. Good luck with the 1 M - the whole year's run has been presold. The wait list is a long one as well. Too bad, it will be a really fun car.

 

Every time I see a BMW with a Turbo engine it leaves me with questions of reliability . Maybe it was reading all those posts when the 335i came out in model year 07 as well as the decline of the 7 series . With the 7 , BMW finally de Bangled the styling a little only to face Turbo reliability issues .

I happen to love Turbo cars . I hope BMW does well with the 1M .
I still feel the Cayman R will blow it away and the 1 series is quite small inside .

 

Well fellas I drove a 2011 550i M package yesterday with the 8sp auto sport tranny and was very impressed. I think this car will give me best of all worlds, luxury (comfort) performance (sporty) and convenience (roomy and spacey). The M pakcage front and rear fascias and side skirts really make a big difference in the look of the car. Especially in white where you can see all the lines and details. And the oyster/black two-tone interior is a real looker. Might have a winner. Will test drive the Panamara 4S one more time before deciding. The lay out of the 4S i like much better but surprised at the color combos. No good two-tones like you can get in the 911. Except changing the dash color(think red and blue) all colors are pretty monotone..a little disappointing.