E60 M5 manual -

[graan13]

Guys - does anyone know a reason as to why we in SA never got the E60 M5 with a manual option gearbox? Apparently this was a option that came as a request from all places the USA and was offered there? Anybody care to comment or add some insight? Would of been a great option to have here and also I believe way more fun with that motor. Also would of been far more simple to repair than the SMG box in that guise that apparently (say under correction) has some gremlins once the km's have climbed past the MP period??
If available, has anyone ever looked into doing a conversion here?

 

[CocoPops]

I think the US market is or was the biggest market for BMW and as such they got this due to demand. also their cars are LHD, so might not have made financial sense to make it.

the F10 M5 is also available in 6 speed manual for the U.S.

 

[jeff_denning]

Quite an interesting debate on E46Fanatics http://www.e46fanatics.com/forum/showthread.php?t=418121

In my opinion - the car was designed around having the SMG gearbox. On top of this, isn't the SMG a 7 speed gearbox and the manual E60 M5 only a 6 speed?

Probably the cowboys in the US wanted stick shift. If they have enough voices, BMW will probably bend and make it an option. I've also heard pretty miff things over on the M5 Board that the E60 M5 manual isn't the greatest invention ever.

Same with the F10 M5 though. USA get's a stick shift 6 speed, rest of the world gets an SMG box.

 

[Diablo Jnr]

Yep, US market was BMW's biggest and they wanted a manual. not sure if the manual is any better, remember hearing that the traction control was rather restricting and would cut power to prevent damage to the box

 

[abmi0000]

There's enough settings to keep one happy. Manual just opens invitation for breaking suspension components, clutch, gearbox, etc.

 

[Legacy]

The USA manual version came with a lowered rev limiter and turning the DSC off completely is not possible so its not really that great... :thumbdo: