uthatch

For you guys wondering if an ISF gets better mileage than a new M3, it sounds like it does. I have an E92 M3 and get about 17-18 mpg on the same exact routes as I used to get 23-24 with my IS350.

I drove the M3 cross country running 85-90 mph and averaged 21 mpg. This was with a couple spurts deep into triple digits. Sounds like an ISF would average better than that from what I've read here. I think the rear-end gear ratio is too low for really good mileage.

If I beat on the car at all, I'm quickly down to the 12-14 range. It will use a LOT of fuel if you want it to.

Don't flame me on the M3, I really wanted a coupe.

nuttybar08

No hate here...the M is a serious machine with an aggressive rear ratio and no really tall highway gear (even w/DCT) to help out the mpg's. It wouldn't stop me from buying one though.

Namir

no flame here, I got passed by a jerez e92 on the highway the other day and man that thing was sexy. Its a great car, especially on the track.

uthatch

Yeah I really love the car, but I know the ISF is great also. Lot of great choices out there right now.

Mileage is definitely not so hot on the M3 though. What's the city/hwy rating on the ISF? M3 is 20 hwy , but I can't quite recall the city...I'm thinking 14 or 16, but I'd have to check my window sticker to be positive.

primecut

iTrader: (1)

Don't quote me but I think the F is 16/22.

M3 is a great car as well, and I strongly considered it before deciding on the F. BTW this is not directed towards you, but as a new owner, I've noticed that Lexus guys are more laid back, while the BMW folks are more defensive and sensitive about their car. I even see a lot of internal bickering, such as 335i vs M3 vs.135i debates. Anyways, now back on topic..

uthatch

Haha, yeah you are right. The big one is MDCT vs 6M. Wow, was that a hot one for a while!

DRE1615

Yeah those forums can get so personal with all that fanboy crap. You really can't go wrong with the M3 or ISF. They are both animals. The ISF is quoted at 16/23, but with that 8th gear the sky is the limit. I'm averaging over 20 mpg and can get up to around 28 mpg highway if I keep my foot out of it. But like the M3, It can guzzle gas if you drive aggressively. I think we need some pics of the M3 BTW. I think I may have quoted the wrong person, sorry.

uthatch

There's no way to touch 28 with an M3. Cruise set at 75 and you're at 22-23 at best. I have the DCT too which has a little taller 7th gear compared to the 6M.

uthatch

More pics.

uthatch

Last one.

primecut

iTrader: (1)

Nice ride! Alpine white is definitely the way to go. If I got the M3 that is the color I'd want! Unfortunately it looks like that's the most common color out there as well. For DCT... are you encountering the slight shift delay?

How is the gas mileage with the DCT compared to the 6MT?

stash84

i get about 15-16mpg on sport mode in the city..it uses 7th and 8th gear alot, staying around 100rpms !! if its not on sport, i tend to speed less and i get around 18mpg. i havent gone on many long drives but i went to key west from miami and got 25 mpg with alot of stop and go. 7th and 8th gear really help alot. 40 mph on 8th gear !! lol. my is350 only does slightly better, mostly because of the 6 gears. In sport mode, it holds the gears longer than the isf, like its always ready to take off...

dkaplan435

I saw the new M3 yesterday. Very nice!

uthatch

The milage is rated the same and I don't know of anyone that has been able to pinpoint an exact route that they take all the time with both style transmissions to see what does better. In theory, the DCT should be better.


Yes there is a definite delay in some functions of the trans. I've found it quite easy to adapt to, but some people are really not enjoying the car due to this.

The biggest thing I noticed is that getting ready to pull out, you step on the gas and the car does not instantly move. This is because it has to let the clutch out. Whereas a torque converter auto is always ready to go, when you are stopped with DCT, the clutch is engaged. Just like sitting at a red light with your foot on the clutch in a 6M. EXCEPT, that with a 6M, you know exactly what the cars next move is because you're controlling every aspect. With DCT, the car is taking care of clutching.

Then there is a very minor delay from paddle/shifter selection to the car actually performing the shift. But once again, it's easy to get around as you learn the car.

IMHO, I LOVE the trans/engine combo. This car in full song banging off gears sounds SO good. I absolutely love it.

I'm also of the opinion that DCT is the wave of the future. There will be software upgrades and future versions that will iron all of the above out. Again, none of it bothers me, but I can see the room for improvement.

If anyone is in the Studio City area of LA and wants to see how it works, just let me know, I'll be glad to take you for a ride.

uthatch

From what I can gather here, the IFS and M are pretty close in city driving and heavy footed driving. It sounds like once on the highway though, the ISF pretty much creams the M in mileage.