PDK/DSG/SMG real world reliability

[ADias]

I wonder how servo-actuated clutch-driven manuals behave and wear under real-life tough driving conditions.

Say on a long steep hill (uphill that is), with constant stop-and-go traffic. We all know how that is with a conventional manual, but there an experienced driver can manage clutch slippage and wear is kept to a minimum. A conventional torque-converter auto deals with that perfectly, as that situation is seamlessly dealt with by the hydraulics of the torque converter. But what about a servo-actuated clutch? How does it endure that stress?

I'm starting to hear about early failures of BMW's SMG, but do not know the reasons.

I welcome comments from Audi DSG drivers and BMW SMG drivers.

Edited July 6, 2007 by ADias

[Dave07997S]

I wonder how servo-actuated clutch-driven manuals behave and wear under real-life tough driving conditions.

Say on a long steep hill (uphill that is), with constant stop-and-go traffic. We all know how that is with a conventional manual, but there an experienced driver can manage clutch slippage and wear is kept to a minimum. A conventional torque-converter auto deals with that perfectly, as that situation is seamlessly dealt with by the hydraulics of the torque converter. But what about a servo-actuated clutch? How does it endure that stress?

I'm starting to hear about early failures of BMW's SMG, but do not know the reasons.

I welcome comments from Audi DSG drivers and BMW SMG drivers.

I know people who have close to 100k miles with SMG with absolutely no issues. The failure rate isn't that much higher than cars without SMG. As far as DSG and such I don't know..

Dave

Edited July 6, 2007 by Dave07997S