thoughts on a manual x5?

[motordavid]

Originally Posted by mcurcio1989

...I know they are rare but I found one with 97k with the exact color's and trim I would want for 10.9k at a dealership. Really looking tempting at the moment.
...Any downside about going with the manual. . .if In can get my hands on one?

You didn't say what MY it was; my fading memory suggests the '04-'06s have the more desirable 6 speed vs the 5 speed. The 6 spd has a slightly overdriven 6th gear of ~.86 vs the 1.00 of the 5 speed, though both use a 4.10 rear diff ratio.

The 1st gear in both 5&6 speed trans is a stump puller: good for getting going towing something, not so fun in stop and go. Many of us use 2nd on any kind of declining slope. And, the 5 spd puts up some serious rpms at sustained highway cruising speed.

Also, the shifting action is OK, but a bit rubbery on both 5&6 spds; not exactly like 3 & 5 series manual trans cars I have driven, or my Vette.

MPG may be slightly better than a 4.4, but you are looking at used with the accompanying maintenance costs, so a mpg or so shouldn't be a determining factor, imo.

Whether that specific car is good for you/good deal, none of us can know.

Several threads on 'Towing' using search. Here is one specific thread, and see post #13 for a fellow poster towing a big azz boat with his 3.0 5 speed.

Fwiw, our '01 3.0 5 Spd has been a wonderful, problem free car for 12+ years and ~91k miles.
GL, mD


http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...4-6-speed.html