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I'm looking to replace my current car with a diesel BMW - either a 330 or 335d. Having read of potential problems with dual-mass flywheels, is it something inherent in the design (and hence affects all vehicles using them), or is it particular makes that are more prone to failing? Also, does the transmission type have any influence? My choice at the moment is an automatic, but that's basically because I'm getting tired of changing gear in the stop-start traffic we now have.

Asked on 14 March 2009 by

Answered by Honest John
Dual Mass Flywheels are used to reduce torque reaction in the
transmission, especially in the change up from 1st to 2nd. Since a torque converter in a torque converter auto does the same job,
proper automatics don't need them and therefore don't suffer the problem of DMF failure. That’s actually why you can’t buy a non automatic 335d. The torque is too great for a manual box.

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