I've owned both the 5-speed and 6-speed. That extra gear does make a huge difference. Call the dealer up and make a firm offer and see if they bite. It's worth it, in my opinion, to go for the 6 speed as well as the updated x-drive. I live in Northern Utah, so I understand your winter needs. I've bought all my manuals (X3 and two X5s) out of state. Pa, Sc, and Tx. It is a PITA I know. Good luck with which ever route you go with and unofficially welcome to the three pedal club. You'll love your manual X5! Best decision I've made, times 3! Keep us posted.

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2005 X5 3.0, 6MT, Alpine White on Truffle Brown, Sport, Preim, and Cold Weather, Alpina Stainless Headers, AFe Intake, UUC SSK, OEM 87's, 3.64 Differential Swap,Performance Modified Euro 2 Tune, UUC LTW Flywheel and HD clutch, Bilstein B12 Suspension kit
Future mods ZHP/Schrick Cam Shaft upgrade, Operation code name:Doppelschrauben-Kompressor

Wife's Ride: 2011 e70 X5 351 M///Sport.

Also in the fold: 2004 X3 3.0, 6MT, Black Sapphire on Terracotta, port, Premium, Cold Weather.