if there's enough interest in doing this type of conversion I really don't mind making a post about it. Sourcing the parts is about the most difficult part of it

Looks bitchin man!!

Found this while looking into a pedal box. These guys are pretty damn cool. Save The Manuals! STORE

In!
2003 3.0i 5 speed currently 72,000miles.
My car I believe have very low options or none?
I have to do CDV delete ASAP. So annoying. Also a short shifter with a weighted knob will make shifting so much better.
It feels like there should be another gear. 6 speeds are great I bet.

Id definitely be interested! Ive been looking for a good source to retrofit a manual trans into my x5 (3.0 also) Thanks!

Sarek,

I have a 5 speed manual X5 E53 (3.0 diesel, I live in Europe). Reasonable access to 6 speeds (with transfer case & drive shafts) from dead donor cars elsewhere in Europe. I know that it's mostly bolt up and plug in play aside from a few issues:

1) reverse light switch in a different location between 5 & 6 speeds, so extending the wires is needed.
2) how to integrate the later X drive transfer case (signal) to an earlier non-X drive car.
3) differential ratios to be sorted, again the easiest is to take from the donor (6 speed) vehicle.

Could you enlighten us / me on #2 please?

Proud owner of a 2002 BMW X5 3.0i 5 speed
 

2002 X5 5 speed 3.0i, 18" rims, Sport, From Michigan! I feel like we have an edge on the auto X croud.

Let's talk pedals
 

Since I upgraded to Titan Silver trims, I think a new set of manual pedals to show off the footwell area a bit are in order, question is which ones? The ACS replicas are nice, but come with crappy hardware and the dead pedal is about 2" short up top, not too bothersome, and the price is nice, about $55 plus a few bucks for better stainless steel hardware:

http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/NDAwWDYwMA...7E%7E60_12.JPG

Then there is the OEM option, which I like very much, the price is ok at $110, there is no drilling required, only thing is no dead pedal available to match:

http://i9.ebayimg.com/03/i/000/eb/42/936c_1.JPG

Lastly I was looking at Ultimate Pedals, but they are the priciest of the bunch at nearly $190 for a full set of 4, in their "anti-slip" finish $186 shipped, I'm not a fan of the look with the grip inserts they provide, a really nice set machined in the US, stainless flush mount hardware and lock nuts, just not sure if I'm wanting to drop the coin yet, and these do require drilling just like the ACS:

http://www.ultimatepedals.com/ebay/i...bmw/pict_1.jpg

Would look like those with a matching dead pedal (pic is of E46 for reference with M dead pedal)


Thoughts?

Clutch fixed
 

Just a heads up for manual owners FWIW - had to replace the clutch slave cylinder in our '04 6-spd at 139K miles this weekend (wife does a lot of around town driving). Also did the clutch master cylinder at the same time. Not a hard job it turns out. I was headed out of town when it failed in the neighborhood (clutch pedal on floor; no real resistance when pumping by hand; gears still could be engaged) and just ordered both parts and the clutch slave bleeding tool from bavauto. Took about 3 hrs in the driveway and most was prep time - removing interior trim and trying to prevent spilled fluid on the carpet (which never happened). If your clutch pedal stays floored, try replacing clutch slave cylinder first though (its all exterior and easily accessed). My clutch master appeared ok, while the slave cylinder rod was pretty much detached and leaking fluid pressure. Oh and I also replaced the clutch pedal bushings while in there for an additional $4 or so.

Fixed and nicer shifting! Even the wife noticed and thats saying something...

Nice job Gavski! Will keep this in mind for the future, which clutch bushings did you use?