x5 3.0i Manual or Tiptronic?

[DIAZ]

In terms of preference I would definitely get the manual. I just purchased a manual, and my friends all have automatic and its so much faster. If you are purchasing new I would go with auto because of the resale values, it much harder to sell a manual x5 to a soccer mom, or to any women in general. So if you buy preowned and let someone else take the hit then its worth it, but otherwise consir the resale value. Just to get an idea, I just bought a 2003 3.0 5speed manual with 24k miles, certified until 09/2009 100k miles from BMW Certified Preqoned at BMW dealer, in mint condition, the car looks like its new, its even hard to convince someone that its preowned and its got leather, and no sunroof and I got in for $28,500 after negotiating. The cheapest X5 I could find in automatic with the same miles, but an 02 and it had sunroof and premium package, BMW CErtified was $31,000 after negotiating it down from their 39500 sticker. But they did not want to go under 31k because it was easier for them to sell an automatic transmission.

[Matsoutback]

Sure, resale has to be an important part of any choice, but dont forget (Australia anyway) the manuals are nearly 3gs cheaper to start with.....In our used car prices guide(s), the manuals have similar depreciation rates to the autos. This may be because there are so few, so if you want a second hand manual, you have much less to choose from. You might have to wait longer, as a seller, but maybe you have a captive group of buyers.

I'll let you know how I go in 2-3 years....

Mat

[JCL]

I saw that you were speaking about the diesel, and with outback in your name it had to be Oz. The OP is in BC (I am in Vancouver). LOL, we may even be talking about the same dealer. Here in Canada the manual is a 'no charge option'.

Good luck on yours, wish we could get the diesel here.

[Matsoutback]

You are right. Australia and a thankfull diesel owner to BMW. The reason they don't sell diesel X5's to the States and Canada has to do with your diesel quality, sorry... 500nm touque.....mmmmm nice!

Mat

[JCL]

June 2006, both US and Canada go to refinery limits of 15 ppm on-highway diesel (plus some months of phasing in time for retail outlets). So, not too long now, and maybe BMW will consider bringing them in here. The press are talking about two different diesels for the new X5. Dare we hope for the 3.5 litre?

[toptoy]

I have a 3.0 manual, and have driven both.

If you live in a large city I would go the auto, as first is quite low and you would be changing gears alot in stop/star driving. I live in a city that got 90 000 so it's OK for me. If you are a 'driver' then definately go for the manual as I feel it is a far more rewarding drive.

If you go the manual definately get the clutch damper removed (easy) job.

I'm getting 26 mpg on the highway in my manual, with an average of 20mpg


Cheers Matt

[Matsoutback]

Toptoy, thats pretty good for a petrol (economy). mine is getting around 7.5l/100km highway and 10ish/100 around town.(diesel though, and manual)

mat