Newbee learning my way around. I like to add my 2006 X5 6 speed bolt action to the list of 3 pedal X5s, it is spring susp, no nav, Sterling Grey with 74k. I guess I'm old school with the need to do something other than just sit there. Maybe when or if I hit 80 I will go automatic, just way to many hills and twisties not to enjoy the control. I will add pics soon. Nice to read all the good posts and listen to all the nice folks here. Thankyou

What's the typical final drive ratio used on the manual trans X5s, and how does it compare to those equipped with autos? The super-low first gear is a bit annoying at times, and I'm thinking of possibly swapping the diffs out with a set from an automatic, if that would give it slightly longer legs. Of course, doing that will only happen if I come across a front & rear diff that are decently priced.

theres a post from a couple months ago (maybe 2) about a guy who got done with redoing the diffs and gears and made the final drive very nice, lengthened the 1st gear, and actually improved mpg.

Decent amount of machining and custom work but looked impressive. I'll have to find the thread.

Both manual & auto trans used a 4.10 rear diff ratio, for those MY E53s.

Agree on the 1st gear stump puller; I use 2nd gear for any slight downhill start or short shift 1-2. I suspect all of us wish we had the rare 6 spd manual that was avail from '04-'06.

That major mod/re-do that RickyBobby ref'd was serious work. I have lived with the 5 spd for 11+ yrs; I can live with it, longer. ;)
GL, mD

Found it! The manual cars have 4.10 gearing; like sedc wrote, that's way too low. After a quick read-through of that thread, it sounds like the machining he had done was to fit a limited-slip diff from an e36 inside the front case. If my goal was just to change the gearing I could just use open diffs with a 3:64 ratio; that would pretty much be a direct swap. More drivable at low speeds and better mileage at high speeds.

Now to find an affordable set of diffs.

:iagree: Yeah a 3.64 diff swap is on my list for sure, and easier that I anticipated to swap. I have the 6-speed, but first gear is still just as tall.
Hell, I should hook up the plow and let the X5 become a farm tractor for Pete's sake!

There have been some cheap ones on ebay that I've seen. Lot of times you can make a deal for both diffs from whomever is the source, and come out smell'n like roses.

My wife's manual X3 has the 3.64 diffs and it a way better combo. You may lose some towing grunt, but honestly, unless your pulling stumps, uphill over a volcano or something crazy , I think you'll be fine for most mid to light towing applications.

Good Luck and let us know how it goes.:thumbup:

Yew!!! My first post.
I live in Newcastle Australia and I have a 2001 Manual X5.
I love it!
The only grumble I have with it, is why the final ratio is so short?
Your eyeballs bounce off the back of your skull when you plant it in first.
At 120 ks or approx 65 - 70 mph its diong 3500rpm!
I dont care, I only bought it because its a manual and I am going to turbocharge it within the next year.

I've found that to be a common gripe with these vehicles; the previous owner of mine said he just starts in second most of the time, and that's worked ok for me as well. See my post a couple of notches up about differential swaps; most of the automatic e53 X5s had gearing that makes first gear a bit more usable, and the diffs are a direct swap to the manual cars. I'm patiently waiting for a reasonably priced set to show up...

What mileage have people replaced their clutches? I'm looking at one right now that has around 150k on it and wouldn't hope to have to deal with that for a few years if at all possible.

Just got off the phone from ASV europarts in sydney and he was very helpful.
As stated the manual ratio is 4.1 and the auto 3.64. However, both manual and auto run 4.1 for the front diff. So the ratio in the transfer case must be different in the autos.
Therefore the only way to utilise the 3.64 diff in the manual would be to disconnect the front wheels and have it as RWD.