For a manual, per Mike Miller of the BMW CCA (aside M cars), Redline ATF is good but Redline MTL is better. I've tried both my 5 speed manual X5 (2002 3.0 diesel), I'd say the MTL is even better - and no negative issues in winter (coldest here is perhaps -10 C).

As for a short shifter, I spoke to UUC last week (I call every two months). They HAVE produced the first "restart" Evo 3 for the X5 E53 5 or 6 speed manual. Why "restart" you say? When UUC last produced this for the X5, it was many years ago, and it was the Evo 2 stage design. They naturally wanted to update to current design - which has taken quite some time.

First one recently went to a customer in Illinois and they had to make a change to accommodate something in the carrier (where the shifter ball goes) which is modestly different on the X5. I've been advised to check back mid September, and I'll keep people informed of this - as I am one of the people who have pre-ordered this.