The market will pay what the market will bear.

Typical X5 buyers when new bought the auto-tragics because that's what typically in the US.

It's sort of like people that think E39 540 6-Speeds M-Tech from 2003 are worth more than M5s because less were made. The reality is that back in 2003, those buyers opted for M5s instead of paying extra for a 540 to look like an M5. It all goes back to the original demand.

However, if the market today values it higher, then your friend could try to get more money.

ive come across several 6 speeds, most of them needed engines due to high revving and more strain.

Awesome, would you like to swap for an auto?

I've converted my 740iL to a 6spd..the clutch pedal holes were already in the firewall, so all I had to do was get a custom driveline made, order some euro-specific parts and code the computer to stop looking for the auto. I've yet to take a thorough look under my X and see if it's swappable in there as well. The LeMans X5 (search on YouTube) was converted to a V12 6spd, but I'm not sure if it's still AWD or just rear. Either way, its the same V8 in the 540 and M5's, so it bolts right up...getting it to run in RWD or AWD is the question.

That's interesting. The petrol six (and the diesel for that matter over here) worked really nice with either manual. With the petrol engine in particular it was always nice to run around in a gear lower than what you really needed just to hear and feel that sweet six rev.