01' 3.0i X5 Automatic to Manual Transmission Conversion

[bmwman528e]

Well the time has come to make a transmission decision. My torque converter has been on its way out for the last 2 months and now if Im on the freeway for longer than 10 miles my Transfailsafe light comes on and tells me the torque converter is excessively slipping. Luckily I live 1 mile from work so it rarely goes on the freeway but Im sick of planning my trips with my other vehicle. The X5 is too comfy and perfect for road trips to not be utilizing right now!!!!!!!

I have thought about just doing a torque converter and it will probably fine and good to go for quite some time but then it the whole transmission could fail any day at 223,000 miles. Which means doing about 10-15 hours of frustrating work could be a big waste soon after.

I have also thought about buying a low mileaged transmission putting a new torque converter in that and probably being good to go except I hate driving an automatic and would rather shift gears ( more fun to drive and nothing to worry about maintenance wise other than a clutch)

My questions to you the X5 gurus is

Are there any differences in transfer cases between the Manual and the Automatic?

Is the driveshaft a different length since its a completely different transmission?

I already realize I will have to recode the computer, install the pedal, master cylinder etc. Which will be a pain in the a$$ but worth it once its done to me.

Luckily I can do all the work myself so I wont have to pay the Indy or Dealer to do anything just the parts and my labor.

Can anyone think of any other forseen problems other than what is listed.

Thanks for your insight and help!