Manual

[xRide]

How does a X5 manual drive vs lets say a 5 series manual?

is it weird driving a manual SAV?

[JCL]

Originally Posted by xRide

How does a X5 manual drive vs lets say a 5 series manual?

is it weird driving a manual SAV?

The shifter is longer (more travel), first gear is lower (not as close-spaced), and the clutch travel is a little different since you are sitting up higher, not as close to the floor. Try one and decide.

[motordavid]

...with JCL's post above, as we have an '01 3.0 5 speed manual.

I'd look for a '04, '05 or, 2006 model year, as they have the 6 speed
manual, which offered a slightly overdriven top gear and thus reduced
RPMs at highway speed and slightly better mpg on trips.

The 6 speeds still have the stump pulling, very low ratio first gear,
however.

Not hard to drive, though I suspect it is for the few, based on
the number of manual trans cars sold since '01...if you find one,
a Stlr may really offer a deal as the demand is nil.

Not the most fun in serious azz NY area, stop & go traffic, on a daily
basis, imo.
GL,mD

[AzNMpower32]

I read the 1st gear in X5s was so short, it is practically useless and can make for some awkward starts. But it is nice to have an SAV with 3 pedals and a clutch. on looking for a 6-speed in the facelift models. The 5th gear is practically a 1:1 ratio (mD correct me if I'm wrong) and offers high revs at freeway speeds.

There are probably more examples of X3 with the 6MT new or used, if that's what's desired. They do continue to be offered that way as well.

[motordavid]

Originally Posted by AzNMpower32

I read the 1st gear in X5s was so short, it is practically useless and can make for some awkward starts. But it is nice to have an SAV with 3 pedals and a clutch. on looking for a 6-speed in the facelift models. The 5th gear is practically a 1:1 ratio (mD correct me if I'm wrong) and offers high revs at freeway speeds.

There are probably more examples of X3 with the 6MT new or used, if that's what's desired. They do continue to be offered that way as well.

Correctomundo, M...the 6 speed manual offers a ~.83 ratio 6th gear,
vs the 1.00 5th gear ratio for my ol' 5 speed; thus, my rpms at highway
speeds are considerable.

However, the 6 speed manual trans found in both the X5 & X3 have
identical ratios throughout those 6 gears and, the stump puller first
gear is also the same in both cars, and is unchanged from the 1st
gear ratio in my old 5 speed...the Teutonic geniuses did not put
much thought or engineering effort into gear ratios for the manual
trans gang/few of us.

But, that's why I rec'd to the OP, that he hunt down a slightly used
6 speed manual X5 or, an X3...
BR,mD

[NJ04e53]

i love mine. it took a while getting use to it specially with the infamous bimmer clutch delay. it's definitely longer throw compared to a car and clutch travel is deep. i dunno if they are priced lower than automatics, but i got my 04 with 52k at 21,500. as one said, get one and enjoy.

[AzNMpower32]

Originally Posted by motordavid

However, the 6 speed manual trans found in both the X5 & X3 have
identical ratios throughout those 6 gears and, the stump puller first
gear is also the same in both cars, and is unchanged from the 1st
gear ratio in my old 5 speed...the Teutonic geniuses did not put
much thought or engineering effort into gear ratios for the manual
trans gang/few of us.

But, that's why I rec'd to the OP, that he hunt down a slightly used
6 speed manual X5 or, an X3...
BR,mD

The brochure lists different gear ratios and final drive ratios for the X3 and E53 X5.

2006 X5 3.0i:
I: 5.13 (stump-puller)
II: 2.83
III: 1.78
IV: 1.26
V: 1.00
VI: 0.83
Final Drive: 4.10

2006 X3 3.0i:
I: 4.35
II: 2.50
III: 1.66
IV: 1.23
V: 1.00
VI: 0.85
Final Drive: 3.64

Stupidly, the facelift X3 models (2007+) have a shorter 3.73 final drive for the MT.

[Bimmer Ese]

Originally Posted by NJ04e53

i love mine. it took a while getting use to it specially with the infamous bimmer clutch delay. it's definitely longer throw compared to a car and clutch travel is deep. i dunno if they are priced lower than automatics, but i got my 04 with 52k at 21,500. as one said, get one and enjoy.

Looks like you got a great deal. I picked up my 04 with 50k (non sport) for $22.9k.

To the OP, I cannot compare my X to a 5 series, but the shifter feels like a semi truck compared to my 330. If only they offered a short shift kit for the X5.

Dan

[motordavid]

AznMPower...good dig; I'm bookmarking it.
I searched and gave up, and pulled up
incorrect info on the ratios, from my
rapidly fading memory...

I do see that the first gear & final drive ratio
on the X5, remains the same to the old 5 spd.
Thanks!
BR,mD

[JCL]

Originally Posted by NJ04e53

i love mine. it took a while getting use to it specially with the infamous bimmer clutch delay.

You should take out the clutch delay valve if it bothers you. I used the Zeckhausen replacement valve (machined out so no restriction) on both a 325xi, and our new X3. I would do it again, it is an improvement.