Im actually very interested to know if our manual trans is similar or identical to other models. I plan to drive my 5-sp forever so I often wonder if I will ever be able to find a replacement when or if I ever need one. I currently have 180+K miles and everything still works beautifully in the whole vehicle including the drivetrain.

If you keep the fluid changed I don't see why the MT would fail. A lot of the internals I'm sure or shared with others. I've never seen an MT fail unless it was abused.

Did any of you guys who went the SSK route go with this schmiedmann unit? Looks sweet, and at 1/2 the price of the UUC kit, might be a winner!

If i remember it well, there's a member here( green dragon?) who has the schmiedmann ssk...might wanna PM him regarding this specific one.

Four8, you're right (and good to see you in this thread!), Green Dragon (Ryan) has one. Not sure if it's installed yet, he's been dormant lately. Shoot him a pm! Obviously I won't swap out now since I already have the UUC unit. I can almost assure you the Schmiedmann isn't a bolt on no modification install though

I'll reach out to GreenDragon and try emailing schmiedmann and see what they say as far as plug n play.. Thanks guys.

I thought my ears were burning!
 

Yes, the Schmiedmann SSK is installed! I have been running it for several months now. Love it. I only modified an extension to make it fit. I also added a few degrees of sweep to have the factory angle. I did break the schmiedmann piece while bending...oops, but welded it back together. I have adjusted the throw once to dial in/ customize the feel. I wil upload pics tonight.

I spoke with a fellow that installed one without modification and it worked. I'll pull the info and report.

Sorry to have disappeared. Life has been crazy in a good way. I will have some fun mods to share in the future.;)

"It shouldn't ever fail" isn't the answer to my question. I was asking if the MT in the X5 (2001 3.0L 5-sp) matches up to any other BMW transmission in any other vehicle, or is it special in some way such as special case to work with the transfer case or special gearing etc.

I agree that they are robust but everything mechanical wears out.
I didn't buy mine new and I don't know it's maintenance history.
When it is very cold out my X5 grinds just a little when downshifting into 3rd until the fluid warms up. This tells me that the 3rd gear synchro is already a bit worn and probably won't last forever.
The X5 has about 182K on it, so it's been around.

I'm not trying to be a troll or a flamer, I would sincerely just like to know if anyone has the info at hand on the compatibility.

The actual MT to my knowledge is not cross compatible with other bimmers. It's not like "oh just get an E39 Mt it will bolt right up"

If you have grinding and/or worn synchros at your mileage I would drop the trans and have the internals rebuilt so you can get another 182k miles of shifting out of it. Take to a reputable place and would be 1/3 the cost of rebuilding an AT

I am a shop.