I have just (1 month) got my manual 3.0d. Coming from larger cars (SUV's) I find the manual to be great for the X5. I think it makes the car "feel" smaller and more fun. I bought the manual blind, could not get a test drive, and the dealer also tried to talk me out of it. Mine is the first one they sold in this city.(100,000 people). The shift feel is very good and the clutch becomes better after the first 1000k's. Never driven the 3.0 petrol but it may be even better. The diesel have low (no) touque at low revs and takes a bit of a shuffle to get things moving. However, once underway, absoulutly fantasic. I have a miata as well and I gauge all manuals to its slick little 5 speed. Not quite a flick of the wrist like the mazda, but the best I've used in a larger vehicle.

Mat