Manual Trans retrofit into an E70 X5 ?

[Maximillian]

Has anyone heard of anyone doing this ? Our 08 E70 4.8 X5 just begs for a manual to be driven properly. The automatic in it now holds it back. Perhaps a retrofit of a later 8 speed automatic would be even better ?

I know it sounds crazy but what the heck, its worth asking.

[Wolfgang Gullich]

I've wondered about this as well. I know that all versions were available with a manual in Europe...would make the E70 Diesel a hell of a lot more fun that it already is

[neliconcept]

I would bet their are too many electronic gremlins that you have to worry about..

Anything is possible.

[lanbrown]

Probably not an easy task as you will also need to code the X5 so it knows it has a manual. Then the wiring may not be correct as well.

[bawareca]

if a given model exists with a manual transmission that means that there are programs for all modules when a car is equipped with a manual.These software versions and codings could be found from different sources,or there is way to fool the BMW diagnostic that the car is "another" car and it will be programmed completely as a manual car.
Finding the mechanical parts could be a challenge.

[JCL]

Originally Posted by Wolfgang Gullich

I've wondered about this as well. I know that all versions were available with a manual in Europe...

I don't believe that is correct. BMW training materials and parts books (worldwide) don't mention manual transmission E70s.

[95wildtt]

This won't be popular with many of this forum, but install a one of these:
http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...t-booster.html

Will make your 4.8 X5 a whole new beast, more like it should have been from BMW!

[ard]

Originally Posted by neliconcept

Anything is possible.

Agree.

Whats that punchline? "...We're just arguing about the price..."

[Price]

Originally Posted by Wolfgang Gullich

I've wondered about this as well. I know that all versions were available with a manual in Europe...

I think you're confusing with E53, previous X5 generation.

However, if manual E60 5 series xdrive exist, I imagine it's possible to transplant the necessary mechanical parts relatively easy/cheap. Dealing with the electronic side is whole another story, though...

[motordavid]

Here is an interesting thread on a 6 Spd manual inserted into a 4.6 E53:
http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...ed-manual.html

Even in Europa, the only a manuals were on the 3.0, in 5 spd and then 6 spd versions.
GL, mD