Wanna row my Own!

So, a couple of weeks ago I test drove a 530XiT auto. Not bad. I drove it entirely in manu-matic mode. But, if I were to get this model, I'd get a manual trans.

So today, I go to the other BMW dealer near me and ask if I can test drive a 530xi manual. They hadn't arrived yet but the manager said that "even when they do, he doesn't plan to get any manual trans 5 series for inventory because 99% of what he sells are automatics."

I knew that touring models are usually automatics and that a manual is rare in 3 Series or 5 Series. But I thought at least I could get a feel for the car (530xi) with a manual.

So, is this going to be pretty much true everywhere? Anybody have any success test driving xi models with manual?

I live in northern NJ and would like to test drive an xi manual somewhere near me.

thanks.

Yeah, except for the enthusiasts, you aren't going to find many manuls just laying around dealer's lots and it'll be espeically tough in a touring sedan. You may just have to order one to drive one!

Or, sit down, get comfortable, have the WWW opened up in front of you and start cold calling all the dealers near you and see what they have for you. Someone somwhere is bound to have one....

I took delivery of my 530xiT with a manual transmission about two weeks ago and driven it around for 4 days in Europe (it's on the boat right now) and it drives fantastic!!! My previous car was a 325xiT with a manual transmission and i loved it... well, the 530xiT tops that!! With a 6-speed and 258HP, it's just awesome!!

mbforme,

Have you heard of a CDV? http://www.zeckhausen.com/cdv.htm

Read up on it and tell me if you've experienced the "clunky" 1-2 shifts. If you are interested, let me know.

I'm looking for a manual tranny E60 to do my first CDV-ectomy on (I've done many E39s, a couple E46s, a Z8, etc.) so I'm well-experienced. I'll give you a screaming deal since you'll be a guinea pig for me.

Of course, I'd do my own E60 but I have an SMG tranny an no CDV....

Lemme know...no hurry....

Originally Posted by njbimmerman

So, is this going to be pretty much true everywhere? Anybody have any success test driving xi models with manual?

I had the same experience recently in Northern California. Wife and I test drove a 530xiT step coupla weeks ago. Asked when the dealer would receive a 530i 6-spd manual for a test drive, even if in RWD sedan format, just to get a feel for the tranny. Salesguy told me they had none on order and did an inventory search of MT 530s in the western US. Closest he could get me was a 530i in SoCal that was due to hit the dealer in a couple of months, and the closest wagons he could get me were two in Colorado, also in a couple of months.

I was a bit surprised by the lack of MT 530i E60s. Back in 2000, we were shopping for a BMW sedan, choosing between the E39 and E46. Was living in Austin, TX at the time and even then and there, a state where almost everyone drives an AT, the local BMW dealer had both a 5-spd MT 528i and a 6-spd MT 540i in stock. Go figure...

And actually never did. This was at a high volume BMW dealer in Northern California. I finally decided to take a risk and just order it. I picked it up in germany early june and was happy with the 6 speed. Reverse is a bit tough to get into, but the rest was very smooth. I'm very very surprised that more people don't get manuals.

Originally Posted by bitrider

I picked it up in germany early june and was happy with the 6 speed. Reverse is a bit tough to get into, but the rest was very smooth. I'm very very surprised that more people don't get manuals.

It doesn't surprise me. People need their right hand free to use their phone!! You just don't see many manuals anymore...they seem to be for the enthusiasts only.

Check out the CDV comments I addressed to mbforme...tell me what you think.

Originally Posted by Ågent99

People need their right hand free to use their phone!!.

So do you think we see increase in manual transmissions since bluetooth is a standard option?

Originally Posted by mbforme

So do you think we see increase in manual transmissions since bluetooth is a standard option?

Nope...traffic increase due to population growth is what will keep many folks away from manuals....

Personally, I don't buy it as I can drive just fine in 5 mph traffic with my manual but some folks don't like it and that's that.

1600 miles in Germany, Switzerland, N. Italy and Austria...very varied driving mostly with air conditioning on because of the heat and humidity & with 2 adults/2 kids and the kind of resultant stuffed Bangle butt that you might expect....and 27.8 mpg (calculated by hand)....that's a pretty impressive endorsement of the new 530 with a manual. I am very pleased with the manual...exept I am consistently hitting the accelerator when breaking...I need to find the proper right foot orientation.