Manual transmission, 5 or 6 speed?

[AV8R4AA]

Getting interested in a 3 pedal E53.
Which transmission is the preferred unit?

[cdowd]

I have an 03 5-speed. I have never driven a 6-speed, but would think the extra gear would be great for the highway. I put bigger tires on mine to lower the rpm at highway speed.

[motordavid]

We have our orig '01 5 Speed..never a problem with the trans/clutch in ~ 17 yrs/ ~ 115k miles.

But, if one has a choice between the 5 or 6 spd, the 6 spd would be my pref, just for the reduced engine RPMs at usual highway speeds, if both cars available were similar.
GL, mD

[Qsilver7]

Happy hunting for a 2004-2006 e53 X5 3.0/6...I don't think there was that many of them in the market...and owners tend to hold on to them. Can't blame 'me.

[ChiefRider]

I'm pretty happy with the 6 speed in my '04. 177k with the original clutch, and shifting and clutch engagement are very smooth, no issues. 1st gear is quite short, 6th is pretty much highway only, as you would expect.

You'll have to cast a wide net. They do come up for sale, but with so few around, they probably won't be nearby.

[vtvette]

My wife has owned both a 5 speed and a 6 speed X5's.

The 5 speed was a '01 that was totaled when a lady pulled directly into my wife's lane in a snowstorm.

The 6 speed was the it's replacement and has since been sold to ChiefRider here on the forum.

We owned the 2001 for about two or three years, the 2004 we had for 8 years.

The 2001 gave us a bit more trouble than the 2004. The 2004 was a great truck very dependable and reliable.

The 6 speed lowers the RPM's on the highway a few hundred RPM but it's not nearly as much as one might expect. Both have short 1st gears.

We never had any issues drive train wise with either vehicle. Both are sound transmissions. I do believe the haldshafts and transfer case was changed/up-rated in '04 with the change to the 6 speed.

I would shop by quality of vehicle and would not hesitate to buy a 5 speed with a good service history. The 6 speed is nice and you get a few years newer vehicle but, they are harder to find than the 5 speed.

[X53Jay4.8is]

Originally Posted by AV8R4AA

Getting interested in a 3 pedal E53.
Which transmission is the preferred unit?

Greg are you really going to get a third one? After having V8s are 6 cylinder manuals going to be enough power for you? Your a brave man!!!!

[williamx5]

Good day!!

I would go 6-speed, but I'm of mixed thoughts... I have the V8 version 6-speed... Currently a 2001, but looking to upgrade to a 2003 sport model with all the bells and whistles... Blue is preferred... Not having much luck with that goal... Might just end up converting the 4.6is if it keeps throwing up a trans failsafe code...

If I had to pick between the factory 3.0L 5 or 6 speeds, I would probably go with the 2004-up 6 speed... I might just be spoiled... I haven't driven an actual 5-speed of mine in some time... The 540i has the 6speed... and the recent conversion is a 6 speed (from the 540i vehicles)... all other vehicles in the fleet are autos...

Good luck!!

Cheers!!!

[AV8R4AA]

I test drive a 2002 stick X5. I was on a layover in El Paso.
Car was fair, it drove nice, but the paint and interior was worn out.

I did hear a LOT of gear whine. Clutch was fine but noticeable gear noise.
Not sure if that's normal for a manual transmission.

For someone who wants a blue/grey 2002 it's not terrible.
I would rate it as a great car for first time driver.
Seller asking 3800. Clean Texas title, but not updated since 2011.

Current owner didn't get it in his name.

[motordavid]

No gear whine in our '01, 5 spd, 115k miles...fwiw.
GL, mD