Manual Trans in a 5 series, good or bad idea?

I am considering a 530, or 550 with manual trans and sport package. I am looking to get some opinions on the 5 series and the manual trans. My current car is a 03 540i M-sport with steptronic, but I miss the feeling and connection to the car with you get with the stick.

Any thoughts or opinions on this?

It is very simple... If you like/prefer/whatever a stick, get a stick.

Agreed, get what you want, so long as you are aware that when it comes to resale, a stick can be an issue. Not that folks don't like them, it's just a smaller subset of buyers. Makes trade-ins tougher

Originally Posted by mattldm

I am considering a 530, or 550 with manual trans and sport package. I am looking to get some opinions on the 5 series and the manual trans. My current car is a 03 540i M-sport with steptronic, but I miss the feeling and connection to the car with you get with the stick.

Any thoughts or opinions on this?

Really just personal preference. Prior to my current steptronic 530i I had a manual in all my previous BMWs including my '98 528i. I love the involvement of a manual but living in Southern CA I'd had enough. Don't forget about SMG either. I test drove the SMG several times before getting my M3s but I just didn't connect with it the way I did a traditional manual. It can be a fun transmission though. Good luck.

It sounds like you want the stick and are trying to justify it.

I think the stick is a great idea.

Why not SMG? you can get the feel of stick, and if you want something like a auto (in case you get stuck in traffic) then you can get that similar feel??

While getting the 1-year service on my car at the dealer, I saw a mystic blue/black wood?/premium/cold weather 545i 6speed. It was obviously a rare bird, especially in the tristate area, no one goes for manual trannies Correlates with the bad driving around here.

Anyway, it was pretty obvious that a MT 5-series without a sports package was not selling. 60-62k msrp and they had a 599 lease deal on it (with 2-3k down). A sad rare bird... Someone like me is really tempted. If you got a mt 5-series in this area, it would take a huge hit in trade-in. It might do ok on a private party resale because there are so few available. I'd be interested in one.

I think trade in on a manual 5 series depends on where you are. I had a 545 6 speed and when I did a trade in eval on it the manual was the same amount if not more than step. It may be rare and fewer people want them on the resale lot but when someone comes along and finds one there is little stopping them. Mine was gone off the lot in less than a week.

Originally Posted by equ

While getting the 1-year service on my car at the dealer, I saw a mystic blue/black wood?/premium/cold weather 545i 6speed. It was obviously a rare bird, especially in the tristate area, no one goes for manual trannies Correlates with the bad driving around here.

Anyway, it was pretty obvious that a MT 5-series without a sports package was not selling. 60-62k msrp and they had a 599 lease deal on it (with 2-3k down). A sad rare bird... Someone like me is really tempted. If you got a mt 5-series in this area, it would take a huge hit in trade-in. It might do ok on a private party resale because there are so few available. I'd be interested in one.

Hmm!! I opted out of a sports package because I was not looking for that kind of a ride. But I did take a MT though since I would not have it any other way.( Though next time I will try the SMG). Since I purchased mine, it will be interesting to see what I can get when I trade it in or try and sell independently in 3 to 4 years.

Then you don't have to worry about trade-in, and you get what you want.

Originally Posted by SantaBimmer

Then you don't have to worry about trade-in, and you get what you want.

Too late for that. Anyway, I am going to enjoy it as long as I have it and worry about selling it later.

Manual.....Do it...Do it....Do it.

Had a 99 528 steptronic followed by an 01 540 6spd that was destroyed by a drunk. Followed that with an 02 530 steptronic that I traded out of after 1 year due to missing the stick. Currently have an 03 540 6spd M-sport that is off of lease in 3 months. After market is strong for resale but I am debating keeping it since I am not an I drive fan.

If I do lease an e60, it will absolutely be a 6spd.

Keep in mind that you can do things with a manual that you can never do with Steptronic such as induce controlled yaw in a turn, etc. If you like control, 6spd is you.

What's up with the I-Drive, Biff?

mattldm,

Have a 2001 540 auto, first BMW and automatic in six years.....missing the 6 speed. Had a 6 speed in a 2001 Z06 corvette and 6 speed in a 2003 350Z (v6) No power I've discovered the following .....can't live without a V8 6 speed.

On a side note, if you have kids I've notice my son and daughter are much more atttentive to driving when they're driving a stick vs automatic....we also have ban cell phones in the car when they drive.

My neighbor gave me heck when I bought my 540 auto last month...he said owning an automatic is like "kissing your sister, you like and everything, but what do you get from it".......famous last words from a Porsche and Ferrari owner.

Agent99,

Haven't warmed up to it. This is spite of spending significant time in e60's from my dealer specifically to learn the ins and outs of I-Drive. I know that A/C has analog controls but other things like radio, nav, etc. require too much attention to utilize with the result being less attention for the road. (I-Ain't-Drivin?)

I like the buttons in my e39 (although I do not have nav).

With regard to nav, my wife has an 05 Acura MDX that has nav with a touch screen and it is much more intuitive to use than I-Drive IMHO.

BTW, I am normally an early adopter techie at heart. We will see.

SMG,SMG,SMG,SMG,SMG,SMG,SMG
For me, better than all others!!!

I own a manual 545i and I have mixed feelings about it. The shifts are OK but the clutch is heavy and long. I have owned many manual cars and I think the car may be too large for a manual. Even Autocar magazine in the UK recommends getting the automatic for this car. I would do extensive test driving in different conditions before deciding.

All,

Forgot to mention that I installed a Rogue SSK (incl. weighted rod) and a modified Clutch Delay Valve as offered by Zeckhausen racing http://www.zeckhausen.com/CDV.htm.

These mods (which are the only mods made to my 540) tremendously improve drivability and control.

Originally Posted by Foxm150

I own a manual 545i and I have mixed feelings about it. The shifts are OK but the clutch is heavy and long. I have owned many manual cars and I think the car may be too large for a manual. Even Autocar magazine in the UK recommends getting the automatic for this car. I would do extensive test driving in different conditions before deciding.

I agree. I prefer the shorter throw on the new E90 compared to my 540i. Also think the car may be too big for a manual.

Originally Posted by Biff Trout

All,

Forgot to mention that I installed a Rogue SSK (incl. weighted rod) and a modified Clutch Delay Valve as offered by Zeckhausen racing http://www.zeckhausen.com/CDV.htm.

These mods (which are the only mods made to my 540) tremendously improve drivability and control.

My zhp already has quite a short stick, and I've also done the cdv thing. However the biggest improvement for me came from a rogue clutch stop.

Originally Posted by hawk123

Hmm!! I opted out of a sports package because I was not looking for that kind of a ride. But I did take a MT though since I would not have it any other way.( Though next time I will try the SMG). Since I purchased mine, it will be interesting to see what I can get when I trade it in or try and sell independently in 3 to 4 years.

Kudos to you... Very euro/RoW choice. Where I'm from people like their big cushy cars in manuals. You don't have to be a corner bandit to enjoy rowing your gears. Unfortunately with MT's dissappearing, we are being marginalized as such.

BTW, all I read about the smg is bad. Even the new m5 (smg iii) owners talk of a learning curve/getting used to it/anticipating shift etc. Sounds annoying as all hell to me.

Originally Posted by Biff Trout

All,

Forgot to mention that I installed a Rogue SSK (incl. weighted rod) and a modified Clutch Delay Valve as offered by Zeckhausen racing http://www.zeckhausen.com/CDV.htm.

These mods (which are the only mods made to my 540) tremendously improve drivability and control.

If you dont mind me asking, whats the residual on your 540?

Clutch throttle.
Throttle steer.

If you're looking for total control, stick is the only way (and remove the CDV!!). But its a personal choice.

YMMV.

Originally Posted by Krochelli

I agree. I prefer the shorter throw on the new E90 compared to my 540i. Also think the car may be too big for a manual.

Too big for a manual?? Hogwash.

I don't think a manual is a good idea...I think it's a fabulous idea!!