New X5 and Manual Transmission

[AzNMpower32]

Originally Posted by RamVA

I'm as irritated as anyone, as I simply won't buy a vehicle with an automatic. That said, I don't think this is a case of "catering to the mass market", unless by that you mean "not making cars that people won't buy." There's a reason there's only two premium SUVs left with manual boxes (Cayenne and X3) and I think the stick-shift Porsche's days are numbered.

Well, I've been really into cars since about 1999, and in the past few years I've really seem BMW change a lot, and unfortunately most of those changes didnt make the new BMWs any more involving or entertaining. (I'm sure many disagree)

Gone is the amazing and prominent exhaust note that made itself know the minute you started the car and when you idled at the stoplight. Now its a muted note that only sings when you push it past 4500rpm.

How about the steering? Active Steering was an answer to a question nobody asked. The E90 steering feels a bit too dull compared to an E46 steering (tho both are still top in class), and I bet this isn't a case isolated to the 3-series makeover.

BMW also seems to be more concerned about the latest automatic transmissions. Of course you can only do so much to improve a manual transmission, but how about promoting it a bit more?

I could go on for ages but what really stuck out as an example of "mass-market appeal" is the introduction of the Lane Departure Warning thingy on the facelifted 5. This is pretty darn similar to what you find on some Infiniti's and IMO if you can't stay in lane and/or are too tired to do so, get off the road!!!!

[nupe10123]

BMW not making an manual X5 make sense to me. As other folks have said, not a big market for them.

I'm not sure why, but I don't like the idea of driving any SUV/SAV stick. All my 3 and 5 series have been sticks. On the 5 it is a strong preference but I would have gotten one even if it were not avial as a manual. However, I don't ever see me buying an auto 3 series.

Maybe I just think that sporty 'little' cars are meant for sticks but once you get so big auto seems better suited. I don't think I would by a manual 7 eithe

[cimbro]

I hope that the new autoshift bmw will be better than the older.
I hate the e53 auto trans. You can't drive the car. The car drive you.
You can't have a sport drive and it's too slipper the cluch It seems to be in a autobus!
The car is fantastic but I think I will change it for the bad autotranny!

[X5HogTown]

While E53 stick owners are not many in number, they are probably amongst the most loyal of BMW owners. BMW needs to consider this if they start dropping sticks on other models. Going just-auto will surely erode their fan base.

I wonder how many E53 stick owners will be trading up to an E70 auto? I certainly won't be. The new 535it 6 speed with xdrive is where I'm heading.