BMW Officially Axes Manual Transmission in Next M5

It's a sad day in Mudville for those of us that like to row our own gears. I can't help but think that even the 3's aren't too far behind (<10 years) with this sort of announcement, which would all but kill off the market of a rear-drive manual-transmission performance sedan.

BMW has gone "official", saying that the next generation M5 will not be engineered with a manual transmission. BMW goes a little further with M division head, Albert Biermann, saying it's not cost-effective given the manual's low take rate. The upside is the more enthusiast focused M3 will continue to offer a manual transmission.

"Last year, maybe 15-20 percent of our M5s in the U.S. were manuals and maybe this year it will be 15 percent. It's declining," Biermann warned. "The trouble is that nobody wants it in Europe or anywhere else, so this will be the last time we do it, even for the hard-core U.S. buyers."

http://www.dailytech.com/BMW+Officia...ticle24988.htm

Oh well, I guess we had a good run.

Well, I guess I won't be buying one in the future. manual is one of the reason why I love driving BMW's.

I was just building one online and it gave me the option for the manual transmission 0$ dollars in the f10 m5 ??

Originally Posted by 6spdg37s

I was just building one online and it gave me the option for the manual transmission 0$ dollars in the f10 m5 ??

The article is referring to the M5 that will replace the F10. BMW decided to offer the F10 with a 6MT. So, if you want a 6MT M5 make sure you get the F10 before it goes out of production.

Originally Posted by Alpine300ZHP

The article is referring to the M5 that will replace the F10. BMW decided to offer the F10 with a 6MT. So, if you want a 6MT M5 make sure you get the F10 before it goes out of production.

gotcha... how long is the f10 anticipated to be in production before the next model

Originally Posted by 6spdg37s

gotcha... how long is the f10 anticipated to be in production before the next model

F10 is usually a 6-7 year run with the M version being a 5-6 year run. I anticipate the M5 will be around until 2017.

How long until Porsche does the same with the 911? I think those manual sales are dwindling, too.

The funny thing is that as auto trannies in high end sport sedans and sports cars have increased, I think they are the rational option for most drivers. Honestly, I prefer to have most people who drive around in 500+ hp cars to keep both hands on the wheel. If I bought a third car for fun, I think a 911S with a manual is just about all you need for rowing and driving pleasure, or an M3. Beyond that, probably two hands on the wheel is best.

^ Ferrari doesn't even offer a MT anymore. Not surprised if Porsche does in the future though, but they did spend all of the expense on developing the 7MT for the 991, so it seems they are committed committed

However, one could argue that they cater to two diff't arguments. Ferraris are more flashy and a status symbol, while a Porsche is owned by an enthusiast who appreciates the driving experience.

I remember reading somewhere on Ferrarichat that a lot of people who track their Ferraris trailer it up to the track, drive it, and then trailer it home, while a good amount of Porsche owners can drive it there, thrash the **** of the car, and then drive it home without skipping a beat.

^ agree. I've driven examples of each and if I was writing the check I would make it out to Porsche for the Turbo S in that price range. Some day.

Truly sad news but to be expected