*The Official E53 Manual Transmission Registry Thread*
 

I know we are a rare breed, and figuring since this is probably the biggest place for X enthusiasts to gather, I'd like to start up a list of E53's with 3 pedals so we can get an idea of how many are on the boards!

If you'd like, post up a picture of your car, and any fun stories about how long it took you to find an X in a stick, etc. I would also like to start a list for registering 2001-2003 5 speeds versus 2004-2006 6 speeds!


2000-2003 5 Speed Manual:

http://www.xoutpost.com/attachments/...knobs-knob.png

5-speed transmission, registered owners:
1: Ricky Bobby (NJ, 2003)
2: SarTech (WA, 2002)
3: johns (FL, 2002)
4: sedc (??, 2003)
5: motordavid (NC, 2001)
6: Phr3d (Midwest, 2001)
7: kaptain (WA, 2003)
8: cdowd (MI, 2003)
9: SkiTahoe (CA, 2003)
10: swindrum (BC-Canada, 2002)
11: pbe gummi bear (MA, 2002)
12: x5toker (??, 2002)
13: (NON XOUTPOST MEMBER) Rick McCain (MD, 2001)
14: (NON XOUTPOST MEMBER) Karl Namvary (MD, 2001)
15: Wired.Right (CA, 2001)
16: LDiggs910 (NY, 2001)
17: WkboardATX (TX, 2001)
18: jparrette (NY, 2002)
19: Coldswede (MI, 2001)
20: Critical Drew (WA, 2001)
21: DSAviate (FL, 2001)
22: jtatem (MA, 2001)
23: Benvette (AUSTRALIA, 2001)
24: Gregory891 (SWITZERLAND, 2002 3.0d)
25: smi2710 (NJ, 2001)
26: Happy (CA, 2002)
27: ruskie34e36 (ID, 2001)
28: SammyD (MA, 2003)
29: DillonInCO (CO, 2001)
30: DrRick (OR, 2003)
31: latenightflyby (IA, 2001)
32: Mpughjr (PA, 2001)
33: campy82 (CT, 2002)
34: tiicoupe (MA, 2003)
35: Bianca98 (WI, 2001)
36: degen (Sweden, 2001)
37: ccrider (MI, 2002)
38: Ojai5 (??, 2003)
39: ny x5 guy (NY, 2003)
40: Joshdub (WA, 2003)
41: franccesco30 (VA, 2001)
42: EH6TunerDaniel (TX, 2002)
43: Andrey1985 (Moldova, 2003)
44: Hawaii E53 (HI, 202)
45: squidzilla (UT, 2003)
46: bmwman528e (MI, 2003)
47: TECN1K (NY, 2002)
48: dabenthusiast (CA, 2001)
49: Emory39 (CO, 2001)
50: Razor0368 (Croatia, 2001)
51: NJBiddle (TN, 2003)
52: j_thiel (WI, 2002)
53: mpjensen87 (IA, 2001)
54: Pueseso (Europe, 2000)
55: Hcbeck2689 (NC, 2002)
56: BMWGal76 (CT, 2003)

10/2003 (2004-2006) 6 Speed Manual:

http://euroactiveparts.com/images/X3...ual%20Knob.jpghttp://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...SR160,160_.jpg

6-speed transmission registered owners:
1: rwilson (RI, 2006)
2: ThomHart (NJ, 2005)
3: GreenDragon (UT, 2004)
4: Technomage (NY, 2004)
5: XVII (NY, 2004)
6: 95M3Gretchen_&_06X5Rolf (MD, 2006)
7: GABRIEL (SC/Germany, 2006)
8: NJ04e53 (NJ, 2004)
9: BMW Full Garage (IL, 2006)
10: adair914 (OH, 2004)
11: Bayerische E53 (FL, 2005)
12: rotorhead (CO, 2006)
13: E30Jason (GA, 2004)
14: racebmwm3 (NJ, 2005)
15: f_asiimwe (UK, 2006)
16: Northernlight (UK, 2006 3.0d)
17: Gavski (VA, 2004)
18: Skip Maclean (????, CA)
19: skialex (CA, 2004)
20: Riggodeaux (GA, 2006)
21: Mcurcio1989 (OH, 2004)
22: GRBE53 (WI, 2005)
23: Rohin13 (CO, 2004)
24: Brads2002 (NH, 2005)
25: cn90 (WA, 2006)
26: Moments (United Kingdom, 2005)
27: petebmwm (NJ, 2006)
28: javamon (WV, 2006)
29: cragglemiester (United Kingdom, 2007)
30: tecboy99 (MN, 2004)
31: tonycajjo (CT, 2006)
32: bluejeansonfire (FL, 2004)
33: BSundownerC23 (MA, 2004)
34: Astroboy (NY, 2004)
35: ///Mikey (IL, 2006)

Hope this thread can be beneficial to the community!

I will add our X to the three pedal list.
2002 3.0i
5 speed

We purchased it in December, looked long and hard for a manual. So far we are very happy with it. Rediscovering the joy of driving.
When I purchased it I knew the rear suspension bushings were worn out. I think that is why the owner traded it in. Replaced them last week, the car is even better.
I would think that the manuals are harder on the rear bushing due to a more aggressive shifting.

2006 6sp with 79,000 miles
purchased Feb. 2010 after 6 month search in Boston Area

pictured with Winter wheel setup, running with staggered 214's in the summer

I would love a manual transmission X5, or X3 for that matter. It seems out out of character for a SUV to have a stick and makes it so much more unique. Driving a manual is so much fun too! Too bad you can't autocross an X5 otherwise I probably would be out of this Impreza and back into another X5 or X3.

Add Mine to the List.....
 

2005 X5 6 speed with lots of options but no nav. Has sport package, drives like a sports car. 115,000 miles and going strong. Bought it at 10,000 and had CPO warranty until 100,000. Like new, willl keep it forever.

Add me..... Currently in a 2004 Kalahari Beige Metallic Manual 6-speed. Picked it up a month ago after sadly sending my 2001 Boston Green Metallic Manual 5-speed to BMW hell after a collision. :( It took 6 months to find my '01. It was loaded with sport, prem, nav, DSP,and privacy with the only exception of not having the cold climate package. 145k.

However, after searching for a month I found a perfect replacement with the right amount of compromise which I never thought would happen. Turns out the previous owner is a member of this board, and made a few fine upgrades. AFE Intake, Conforti Shark Injector Chip, free flow mufflers with some nice exhaust tips to round it out. He also added a tow package with a brake controller. Full Credit to FullTilt. :thumbup: 112k with Cold Climate, Nav, and Premium packages. Very clean.
I will post some pics soon. Stainless steel headers are next.

If you want to know my initial impressions from going from the 5-speed to the 6-speed with x-drive I can share. Just be careful with your manual-X. They are a rare breed and among the best in my book.

2002 188k miles. Ordered it fall 2001, took delivery 11/2001. Only options were cruise control, 18 wheels, premium sound. It's been worked pretty hard but still looks great.

8/03 production with 153k. All options but dsp and nav, xenons, rear heated seats and sport pack. Just installed the factory tow kit and about to pull a dual axle 5000 pound trailer 1400 miles this weekend, hope my clutch survives http://www.xoutpost.com/images/smilies/dunno.gif

/clutch survived

Was your car on ebay a few months ago? I remember seeing a beige one out west but passed on it because of location, but i remember it was owned by an enthusiast, had mufflers and intake!


I hope the mods can sticky this thread someday so we can have a one stop source of info for manual transmission owners!

2001 topaz & tan, 123456 miles, lovin' it.
4.8 Exhaust, DEPO AE's & clears all, under-plate, OZ wheels.

short shift/flywheel/clutch pkg on order, searching for 3.64 diffs.

Pics here:
or, sort of, here:

Add me
03 X5 5speed 85000 ish miles.

I love it, I think half the fun comes from selecting the gear.

It definitely is! In my opinion, the only way to drive haha.


Updated, maybe the mods will sticky this someday if I can get more info in the original post, maybe about the technical details of the 5-speed trans and the 6-speed trans.

Sweet more people with this awesome car!

I have a '04 E53 Silver six-speed with a little over 101k. I'll post pic's later :)

2004 6 speed w/ 69k..

http://img856.imageshack.us/img856/2...1108071133.jpg

I wasn't able to find a manual X with the sports package so I added a set of sport seats from a wrecked E46, steering wheel is next!

http://img684.imageshack.us/img684/7...1062600021.jpg

You have an X5 without a sunroof? Awesome! Do you happen to have automatic climate control or is it manual too?

<3 those comfort seats!

were they straight plug and play with the seat heaters? I want a set of comfort seats so bad!

Yeah no sunroof or auto climate control, which I'm perfectly fine with after reading about all the problems with sunroofs and dead climate controls on here.

As far as the seats go, they're the sport seats and not the comfort seats. I can't comment on the seat heaters but they are 100% plug and play.

Good to know my crazy search was not unique! I had Autotrader and BMWCCA alerts set for almost 2 years, searching for what seemed impossible (I wanted a 2006 (so that it would be as 'new' as possible), low miles (I targeted less than 70K), stock or nearly so (my M3 is the modded BMW, this one just needs to haul the family and remain reliable/comfortable/classy, etc) and had to have been taken good care of. I started with 100 miles within my zipcode, then 200, then 500, then nationwide.

Whenever Autotrader would bark an alert, I'd hope for pictures first - that let me weed out those advertising 'manual' when most were really steptronic - so in almost two years I only found 4 - one out West (too many miles on it), one down South (possible flood victim), one outside Chicago (sold before I could blink) and one outside Philly (pimped out, too many miles and looked heavily used)...then a few weeks ago I got an alert that seemed impossible; a 2006, stock, looked/smelled/drove like brand new (so said the dealer who took it in on a trade), only 28K miles!!!!! (WTF?). It was in Minneapolis but that didn't matter - I like to fly and drive! So I called the dealer that day, left a message, heard back the next morning, got the details, took our then current SUV to CarMax to get a quote and satisfy the wife, called the dealer back, put down a deposit and booked a flight. The next Saturday morning I flew from BWI (Baltimore) to Minneapolis, test drove a perfect X5 (seriously, it is as though this X5 was never driven, never eaten in, never smoked in, etc), bought it and drove 19 hours home (1200.2 miles) :) I remember the day I drove my M3 home from New Jersey and couldn't believe how perfect and stable it was at 140 - this X5 was just as perfect at 120 (ok, so I may have driven fast once or twice in those 1200 miles - but purely for research sake ;) )

Now for the details (it gets even better); It was built in December 2005 as a BMW Executive Corporate car, was immediately exported to Germany (I assume it was assigned to an exec for two years) and only had 3500 miles put on it in those two years. Was serviced twice in that time at the BMW HQ in Munich and then was imported back to the US and sold as a new BMW. The new owner only put 9K miles on it in the next two years and then sold it to it's second owner, who only put 16000 miles on it in the next two years. He traded it for a new 135i at the dealer I bought it from. I checked with BMW of Minnetonka, where it was serviced - and it was given a green light at every service. Even better - the previous owner heard I was flying in and actually came to the dealer that day to meet me and answer any questions I might have - he appeared to be a very meticulous guy, probably recently retired and very nice to boot.

2006 X5 3.0i
silver / black
28K miles (has 29,400 now)
6 spd. stick
Premium pkg
Rear climate pkg
Bluetooth / BMW assist / mobile connect
front & rear obstacle detection
panoramic moon-roof
premium sound
full leather & comfort seats
auto day/night rear view and outside mirrors
(the previous owner even put in Weathertech mats and provided the originals as well - this car is SPOTLESS)

Scott / Baltimore

Agreed, that is quite a find, well worth the effort (we searched a while for ours, as well). Welcome!

Thanks! I'm glad to have found this site - although Rolf shouldn't need anything for quite awhile, it appears that you guys have the lowdown on all things X. Over 12 years with Gretchen I've grown to love BMW inline 6's and hate BMW cooling systems. I asked Mike Miller (BMWCCA techtalk guy) about the X5 and although he warned that the only drawback of 3 series cars seems to have been carried over to the X5 and X3 (the cooling system), he admitted that the master techs he talks with have been surprised by few cooling system failures in Xs. I'm hoping that means I won't have to do the same preventative replacements that I do for Gretchen (new water pump & thermo every 60K, new hoses & belts every 90K and a one-time upgraded, all aluminum radiator).

Thanks again and thrilled to be here. I'll take a few pics when Rolf is clean again ;)

So good to hear your story about your X, congrats on the rear climate package too!


I believe I remember those 2 X's you found outside Chicago (it was in Ohio I believe and was black with gray interior and navi right? I called the guy and they said 2 days after it listed it had a deposit for 23,200!

The one at Philly was a black one with pimped out 20" wheels right? Selden motors or something? I steered away from that too!


Would love to see pics of your car, I will be posting up some of mine as soon as I can get it cleaned up, just got my ipod interface installed today!

Jay

Hi Jay,

All that time my wife thought I was crazy, but I kept telling her, "look, there are probably a dozen people looking for these X5's with a stick and they're only popping up every 3 or 4 months - I've gotta act fast when the right one pops up!"

The kids like the rear climate package, but the wife is bummed that it didn't have the Cold Weather package (she loves heated seats).

Good memory, yes the one in Ohio was black, the one in Chicago was a blue one and the one in Philly is exactly as you described! The one down South was white and the one out West was beige. None had anywhere near as few miles as this one so I think I chose well. I still have the alert active for curiosity's sake (and I also added one for an 850CSi too, just in case!)

I didn't think I'd find one this good, so even without the Cold Weather and Sport Packages, it's perfect for what we needed. I'm surprised that it handles like it does for not having the Sport Package - I'm very pleased with it.

I'll get pics up as soon as the warm weather pops back around and I can get him clean.

ps - we named him Rolf to thank the previous owner for taking such amazing care of him!

Ah I thought when you said rear climate package you had the rear heated seats! I was gonna say, that is SO rare!

The X's handle great regardless, I just like the sport package I have for the steering wheel and shadowline exterior trim.


But then again, I didn't have much to choose from, like most of us manual trans owners, so when I found one in my price range in good enough shape, I just bought it and worried about the options later!

I have 2 axle air suspension and have yet to get the ride height control working, so there are some options I can live without!

I think this one must have not only been ordered for Munich, but must have been spec'd by someone there too. It has a very no-frills European feel to it...normally I like that but I wish they'd have checked the 'Cold Weather package' tick box for only $750. I am wondering, though, if the seats might have the heating elements in them and are just not connected due to the non-seat-heat switch panel in the dash. I saw one of the panels that has all the buttons of mine + heated seats on eBay and am tempted to plug and play to see if it might work. I'm guessing that would be too easy so I might try to find a seat part #.

I, too, like the Sport package options - wood trim isn't 'me' but I will ferry clients in it from time to time so this set up will make me look like I know something!!! lol I did the same thing as you...put down the deposit and THEN looked into its options!

The air suspension looks cool - I didn't realize they had that until I read the spec's PDF linked in a thread on this site.

Hi, I own a 2006 with a manual transmission, and 88,890 miles, I order mine will station on Heidelberg, Germany and have all the options with the exception of the cold weather package.

Has any one on this thread have change the clutch, if yes what was the millage?

Thank you

2003 X5
 

I bought mine in florida in late 2010. it needed a clutch right off the bat but has been great sine then. Mine is a total base model (leatherette and all). But I have to say that stuff wears like iron.

Chris

Our 5 speed manual...'01 Sport, Prem, sunroof, Cold, etc. Have had it since new; ~80,000 miles. Basically problem free for all of its 10 1/2 yrs.

Back story: when I/we wanted to toss my CEO's '95 Jeep Grand Cherokee in 2001, I had read about the newish BMW X5, and never having had a BMW, it was intriguing.

I hit an NY area dlr, and looked at them. I thought a 5 speed manual was a cool idea. The dlr didn't have one of course, but he located one at an NC dlr, (coincidentally we were building a new/retirement home in western NC, and we were days from moving from NY to NC), we negotiated, traded in the Jeep Grand Cherokee, and he had it shipped from NC to NY. Only took a few days to get to the NY dlr...

That was right after 9-11-2001, and we have had it since. ~80k miles, runs better than my Rolex, fun, handles well, and less than a handful of items have broken or, have had to be repaired, other than maintenance stuff, in the past 10 1/2 years.

I learned to live with the stump puller 1st gear, doing 2nd gear starts often, and my only wish on this car is that it had the newer 6 speed for that slightly OD final gear on road trips.

There are not many manual trans cars out there, and the older ones are fading into the sunset...I suspect we will keep ours until it really pokes me in the fanny, or goes kaboom, as we don't toss cars frequently, and buying a new car on a RetiredBum's fixed/fading income, is a real decision.

Great car: maybe the 2nd or 3rd best car I have had, in 48+ years of cars.
Some repeat pics, but worth a look, imo.
GL, mD

Sorry, still can 'edit'/add additional photos via any method I know...glitchy.

http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6069/6...d117b277_b.jpg
X5 SWA 8-30-'11 by motordavid, on Flickr

well at least the one pic that got thru is gorgeous.
EDIT: oops, still working I see, (popcorn avatar here)

Add me...
 

2003 X5 3.0 Manual
Build 10/2002
all options except DSP and Nav
TiSilver/Grey leather/black sport accents inside (headliner and carpets)
Bought used in Dec 2005, 39k miles on it
Current 110k miles
Usual repairs from what I've read on this board over the years: alternator at 80k, brakes/rotors front and rear (various times replaced), tore down cooling system at 100k (new belts, pusher fan, hoses, thermostat, water pump, expansion tank, idler pulley, flushed cooling fluid).
About to install new plugs, valve cover gasket.
X5 has been fun to drive all these years. Love this car. It's been driven to SoCal (from NorCal) 5 times, including a trip through Vegas. To Tahoe multiple times (summer/winter). To SF and Silicon Valley countless times.
Plan to keep this car till it dies.

updated so far! looking good guys!


motordavid your car has to be the cleanest 2001 i've seen, how do you get your headlights to polish out so nice that they look new? I need to hit mine with an orbital, some compound, and some PlastX i think...

RickyBobby, Thanks for the props...it hasn't been babied, as it saw 5 serious azz winters at our NC Mtn house. It gets driven nearly every day, during spring, summer and fall these days. It has only been handwashed, and it gets a another layer of Zaino once a year. The headlight covers are orig., and I have never done a thing to them.

It's our goat, and hauler from the garden joints, et al...I just drive the damn thing. ;>)
GL, mD

Here are a few more pics, (repeats for those keeping notes), as the pic posting deal is working again:

http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/g...r/169_0201.jpg

http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/g...ash_edited.jpg

http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/g...UCEadjc4up.jpg

http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/g...EDUCE4up-1.jpg

http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/g...s/169_0214.jpg

Nice shots, MD. That looks great for a new vehicle, let alone one that is 11 years old.

Do manual tranny x5's go for a premium? Is there a high demand for them?

Hey Gmoney,

It's a mixed bag I think. There are a few of us who would sever a limb for one (ok, maybe an exaggeration but you get my point) but not many of us, so the few manual X5's that pop up for sale get snapped up very quickly. On the other hand, once a dealer has one that is a stick, it better be in darn good shape, because we want the good ones so that they'll last.

The one I flew 1200 miles for last month was out of the ordinary due to it's condition and miles, so it was a must have...but there's one 50 miles from me that's been for sale for months and won't end up in the hands of a true enthusiast...some kid will get it - because it's been molested and has high miles.

Kind of like my yellow M3...not many people would want it but the few that do would sever one of MY limbs to get it!! :)

I wouldn't say that our cars go for a "premium" because let's be honest, 95% of Americans wouldn't think twice to go for a manual transmission car, let alone a luxury SUV.

For us 5% or so in the rarity who desire a purist driving experience, there is the manual option. Problem is, so few were made and most of them don't change hands too often because of the rarity of the manual trans.


Correct me if I'm wrong.


Question of the day: How much "loose play" do you all have in your shifters? Maybe I'm just used to my Volkswagen GLI's short throw and solid shifter bushing equipped car, but I feel as if the free play is very sloppy, and sometimes makes for a notchy shifting experience.

I know some will say to switch the fluid, which should take away the occasional notchiness, and that is going to happen soon! I'm just not sure if anyone ever took apart the linkage, and replaced the bushings or anything like that to regain a bit tighter feel as if the shifter was new again.

Hey Ricky Bobby (thanks for keeping that top post updated with the owners that are chiming in, it's neat to see who and where we are),

I agree that the shifter has a long throw, but I expected that...years ago I installed a short-shift kit (by Ron Stygar) in my M3 and loved the difference...I have it on my mental to-do list to check with Ron over the next year (yeah, that's how long my list is!!) to see if he's put together a kit for these E53s.

I was asking because I see them in the auctions from time to time. X5 and X3 manual trannys. Condition and mileage varies obviously but if u guys tell me what to look out for I will grab them. I've seen mostly 3.0 so far.

I actually don't mind the long throw action, just wish the shifter itself didn't feel so loose (must be those plastic bushings wearing down on the linkage), just was wondering if anyone ever replaced their bushings to try and make it feel "factory tight" again.


and GmoneyLI, X5 and X3 only came in stick in the 3.0 engine just FYI. the X3's were 6-speed only!

I didn't know that. Thanks.
I obviously know tht condition and mileage is everything, but how high mileage do u guys still consider a good find? 80k, 100k, 120k?

GMoney - I had targeted only 2006's (to make it as new as possible), less than 75K miles and well taken care of. If you see one that is fully optioned, that would be appealing as well. The biggest auction problem I see for BMW's these days is that you get no vehicle history and since BMW took a terrible turn for the worse when they started to cover maintenance (they almost entirely eliminated meaningful fluid changes and component maintenance in return for offering 'full maintenance' as a buying tactic) it is tough to know what you've got in front of you. 75K with no brake fluid flushes, only 3 oil changes and no cooling flushes and you'll inherit a big problem, etc.

At least now you have your audience! Tell us when you get one and one of us will probably buy it! And if you can beat what I found last month, I'll buy it! :)

Add me to the list! I have just bought a 2002 with a 5-Speed that has been babied. 74,000 miles, steel grey, black interior.

In Victoria, BC, Canada

I will see what I come across and let u guys know. Sometimes I can see them in the auction a week in advance. Otherwise it's a couple of days before.

I have one! its an '03 premium in Sienna red metallic with 82k.

I bought it last year while I was still living in boston. I had a forester that was more trouble than it was worth, so I wanted to find an AWD car, that had room in the back for my dog, and stick. I was looking for a car for about 2 weeks. I had no idea that a stick X5 even existed but somehow I got onto autotrader, saw a stick X3, and then searched with the parameters "BMW" "SUV body style" "manual trans" and this x5 popped up 5 miles from my house. I paid 14k for it with 67k on the clock. It was VERY clean inside, pretty good condition on the outside with some scratches here and there. It was listed for $16k but sat for 5 weeks until I bought it.

How much did you guys all pay for yours? I kinda want to get rid of mine now that I live in CA, but I don't want to lose money either. I really, really want an e39 touring with the 6spd v8, or an E46 M3.

I can't post my pic for some reason. Here's a hotlink to it:
http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._3014271_n.jpg

looks like a clean car and the first red one i've seen with a manual!


and nice job finding it so close to your house, looks like it was meant to be!

I paid 15k for mine in December, from a guy in Yonkers, NY (about an hour from my house). It has premium, sport, cold weather packages, everything but navigation basically, and had 59k on the clock.


the e53 manual is rare, so keep it if you love it, but an m3 or e39 would be wondrous as well. I need the AWD for these Jersey winters (or lack thereof this year!)

Hi guys - For the question of how much we've all paid for these awesome X5's; I paid 23.5 for Rolf (the 2006 w/ 28K miles) two weeks ago. I'm sitting here @ my local BMW dealer while he gets his Maryland State Inspection (which is extensive & expensive!) - required before I can get him registered here. As promised, I will get pics up later today (the weather finally improved so he got a bath this morning). In the meantime, this is his 'sister', Gretchen. :)

Sounds like an awesome car, Scott. I hope it was worth every penny!

Lawrence

Attached are the pics as promised, this is the 2006 X5 I flew 1200 miles for, and then happily drove the 1200 miles back home!

The service manager at the dealer this AM told me the X5 passed the State Inspection with flying colors because, as he put it, "that X5 is the best kept 6 year old vehicle we've ever seen and there isn't a single thing wrong with it nor even worn on it. My master tech and I stood under it and couldn't believe how like-new it is. He told me to tell you it is immaculate, please come back and let us service this vehicle for you." That validated my purchase decision ;)

Also, Ricky-Bobby...I spoke with my trusted local indy, Rick McCain @ Cromwell Valley Automotive (in Towson, MD) and he told me that he just bought an X5 with a stick, black on black. I'll get the year and mileage for you the next time I speak with him.

Have a great weekend guys.

My 3.0
 

Hi Everyone:

I actually ended up here because I purchased a 2002 x5 3.0 5-speed with 92k miles about a year ago, and I've been having nothing but problems. I bought the x5 because someone stole my trusty 1999 Acura Integra and basically tore it to hell.

Seems like the only good thing about my ownership so far is that the initial cost was $9,200.

A failing water pump, cracked radiator housing, broken tensioners, and two destroyed window regulators later, i'm out about $1,300 and not very happy.

I'm glad I found this board though. Ya'll article coupled with a youtube video helped put in the last window regulator and saved $320 over the dealer quote.

Now I'm looking to change my tranny fluid as gear shifts are starting to make an ever increasing 'whining' noise...

Overall opinion of my x5 ownership = a combination of sighs and "what the f$$k now".

here's a pic.


http://i.imgur.com/P4iza.jpg

Hi X5toker - In my experience with my M3 and Mike Miller's advice regarding the X5, the cooling system is the biggest weak point. Mike recommends preventative replacement of the water pump, thermostat + housing, hoses and radiator every 60K, so you might have been on borrowed time. When your water pump went, it would have caused the radiator cracks or vice versa. My M3 needed hydraulic belt tensioners at 100K, so you were in that range and the M3 needed 1 window regulator at 88K. All in all, you might have covered all the bad stuff and it might be smoother sailing for awhile!

PS - yours is my favorite color ;)

I like how many less active users are coming out of the woodwork to post on this thread. It sucks that you went through all that trouble x5toker. I feel for you. The thing that sucks about moving from Honda to BMW is that maintenance is more involved, like having to replace the plastic in the cooling cooling system before it fails at f's you.

nice blue one though.

ahhh.. our twin brother.. yep the front end expense is harsh, stealer is harsher, but when the repairs that the last owner put off/ignored (usually, obviously we've seen one dream-date here) are finally done, I'm pretty sure you will be happier with your decision. We did the Hondy-thing for the 'kid-years' and it was ok, but we're happier with Dancer..

updated list!

Nice pics of Rolf btw, looks clean as you described it! and glad to hear it has gotten a clean bill of health too!


x5toker, looking good in Topaz Blue (my color as well!), I say change the driveline fluids, and hopefully you should be good for a while!


my X is going in for driveline fluids, belts and tensioners this week, at 62k miles (but 9 years on original everything)......i just need to replace my air compressor and i should be good for a while :)


....maybe that damn speedo fix to do too (i have some missing pixels)

Getting all driveline fluids, belts, tensioners replaced as we speak!

If anyone needs their X serviced I have a great indie mechanic in Madison, NJ to recommend.


UPDATE: Mech called this morning and said my fan clutch was making a terrible startup sound, and was wobbling around (which I thought was a tensioner) and so that is getting replaced as well today! Better safe than sorry!

Finally emembered to call Rob at UUC (see my earlier post) to check up on the short-shifter.

Rob says the site for the machining is still 45 days out, so no solid ETA, though he promises a heads-up when they are confident on the date.

SOoo, 45 days to order up your shorty, if you are so inclined (wish I hadn'ta bought the replacement Zeckhausen valve so early.. it looks so lonely and small, and gettin' dusty, heheh).

Hey Ricky Bobby, what transmission fluid are you going with on your X? I'm trying to decide on which to use.

My "Lifetime" tranny fluid at 115K feels pretty worn. Its getting notchy, feels like it sticks a bit, and I really have to baby it when its cold. If your not doing a soft 2nd start when cold, you really have to jump from 1st to 2nd gear(as you all know), and the ol girl doesn't like it one bit. I'm in a pretty cold region in northern Utah. Park City on weekends during ski season.

For everyone, I'm interested on opinions/experiences from using an aftermarket fluid vs oem fluid. On my e36 I used mobile one synthetic mixed with lucas synthetic additive and loved it, but on a more modern manual tranny that I think calls for something closer to ATF fluid and not typical MT fluid, I'm a little in the woods.

Not to hijack the thread, I'm just interested on what other people are running in their manual X. Glad to be part of this crew.

I took my X5 to the Golden Gate Chapter BMWCCA's Car Control Clinic last weekend. Doing slalom, emergency braking, and skidpad exercises in the X5 is.... interesting. But it still performed like a champ.

http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-...39556925_n.jpg

http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-...37256325_n.jpg

http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-...58700693_n.jpg

Very nice! I've done an Audi Club NJ and Tire Rack Street Survival teen driving school in the X5. Must be much more fun with a manual transmission!

The X5 still surprises people but still drives like a boat.

What I used:


Manual Trans - Redline MTL (70w-80 weight, OEM is 75w-80 BMW MTF-LT2)

Front/Rear Diff - Redline 75w-90 gear oil

Transfer Case - Redline D4 ATF


Picked her up today and it wasn't a HUGE difference shifting, but definitely shifted nice, I think it helped. I'm a big fan of keeping up on fluids!


Glad you're part of the 3-pedal crew and glad this thread is beneficial!

They tech that changed it for me just resurfaced it. It had only started to slip in 4th and 5th gear. cost was around $850.

Chris

So you are the guy who stole this car from me. I already have a 6 speed X5, 2006 black on Tabacco leather, but when the silver one with 28k came up i wanted to buy it as a second 6 speed X5, but when i called the dealer he told me that its already under deposit, i was even offering $500 over your price but he said that you were first!
Enjoy it, it is a great find.

Funny, you'll enjoy this: when my flight landed and I got to the dealer that Saturday morning, the salesman and I talked for a bit and he mentioned that the X5 had gotten a lot of attention the past week while it waited for me. Then as we were walking over to it, he said, "You're lucky we're a dealership with morals, I had some guy in here trying to steal this X5 out from under you - he even offered to pay MORE than you're paying to get it!".

I'm glad you already have one, or I might feel a tad bit guilty. After a month or so of driving it, I like to think of Rolf as a tall family M3, since he drives very much like his 'sister' Gretchen.

Thanks for sharing.

I am glad the car is in good hands, at a place weher people will love it ant take care of it.
Do you plan any mods?
Mine has a full 4.8is conversion, front and rear bumpers, 20' style 168 OEM wheels, and exhaust tips other than that all stock. Everywhere i go, even BMW owners tell me: i never knew they made a 4.8is in stick :) Mission accomplished.
Will wash and post pics tomorrow!

Great story guys! This is exactly the reason why I created this thread, so we can share our stories and realize how small the world is when you own an X with 3 pedals!

6sp 04 here...:)

Who is buying the short shifter when it comes out?

Anyone know what the pricing will look like for the SSK?

$355 for the EVO3. this probably doesnt include the DSSR too.

Sterling Gray 2004 6spd.

I don't intend to mod Rolf at all, his job is to provide classy family and client shuttling and everyday errand fun. He'll get low miles, except for the occasional family trip (if I'm sure everywhere we stop will offer ding-free (ie, big empty parking lots) parking. The only things I'm going to buy for him at the moment include the rear bumper 'mat' that adheres to the top surface of the bumper behind the tailgate (just to keep it protected) and I plan to have the local BMW dealer install the BMW Aux Audio Input so I can connect our phones for music/Pandora, etc. Gretchen (the 95 M3) is the mod queen and will continue to get her new toys as needed (or wanted)!!

If anyone out there recommends a great aux audio input better than the BMW kit, please let me know. I don't like that the stock kit places the audio jack in the glove box, I'd rather it was on the narrow panel with DSC, etc buttons.

If you don't want it there, put it somewhere else. Here are two threads with alternate mounting locations for the standard AUX input:

http://www.xoutpost.com/articles/x5/...vd-stereo.html

http://www.xoutpost.com/articles/x5/...le-x5-nav.html

I used an Icelink myself, and ran it under the console to the cup holder, then mounted the iPod to the lobster claw tray.

If you don't want any integration to your steering wheel controls (for other than volume) then the BMW aux is fine. If you want to control the device, the Icelink, later called the DICE, worked well.

The links are helpful, thanks. I used to do plenty of car audio work but money to spare + no time to spare = have someone else do it, so I liked the idea of having the local dealer install the stock kit since I'm weary of creating creaks and rattles (It's nice to let someone else fix them if THEY cause them!!)...BUT, in the first link you provided, the picture where he shows his chosen location is perfect (reattached here) and the second link is a perfect guide to do it myself;

http://www.xoutpost.com/articles/x5/...le-x5-nav.html

I think I'll get the stock BMW part and then wire the jack to the inside of the console ashtray, it's a perfect spot for my Droid3 Global and will be hidden when the ashtray is closed. Also, I'm not an iOS fan so no iphone port is needed, hence the DICE isn't a great option for me.

Thanks again.

TBH if you are looking for strict ipod hookup I just bought a USA Spec ipod adapter for DSP from Crutchfield, it works awesome, and charges my ipod and i have it tucked in the armrest :)

BMW : X5 BMW : X5 | eBay

ain't that the way? can't know what issues the ol' X'er had, but the few wait long-time.. seller comes up at wrong time..

<sigh>

guess the feedback woulda' had me skeered too..

I guess even the manual trans X5's are not immune to door carrier issues. I'm replacing mine in the next few days. Getting sick of my fiance not being able to open her own door lol

Installation of the Aux is a breeze! the radio comes out with one screw (non nav), and from there there is plenty of access to route the cable. It took me about 15 min to do it.

Hi guys,

Yes, the AUX input cable was easy - because Rolf has the Business CD and changer, the plug that would have otherwise been empty when adding the AUX required instructions that were a little more complicated - nonetheless, after taking the connector apart and adding in the three wires that would have just plugged in, it was easy from there. The instructions were surprisingly complete.

The only other thing I've added is the rear bumper protector to keep the top of the bumper from getting scratched up.

As soon as I have the M3 put back together (complete cooling, brake and suspension R&R) I'm thinking of pursuing the short shift kit some of you were asking Rob (at UUC) to put together - has that all been finished and is it now available?

04 38380 miles as of today.

ummmm you have an amazing looking truck, but the 4.8is never had a manual transmission option (unfortunately!)

Thx...

pickncrew (CT, 2004)

bought new, it was sitting on the lot the day I went to look at an Acura MDX

list updated, wow that's awesome that you are only owner, I know motordavid is too and his is a 2001, I wonder how many of us bought brand new?

The miles are high on this one, but it's Alpine White, facelifted, and a 6-speed, with sport package! Good price too, looks like its clean and well loved. I would have killed for a 6-speed Alpine White when I found my X.

I'd definitely pay around asking price if it's been maintained.


BMW : X5 BMW : X5 | eBay

nah, That's not hi-miles..

but da-aamn, look at the condition..

BMW : X5 3.0 BMW : X5 3.0 | eBay

I'm not a fan of silver, but the exterior looks pretty sharp! Interior too, leather seats showing some wear, but overall nice for the mileage. I wish I could email that dealer and swap steering wheel trim, I'm missing the light wood trim on mine!

The white one I posted yesterday has ended auction on ebay, wonder if anyone on the boards bought it?

2 more for your list, Ricky Bobby
 

Ricky Bobby...I finally found time to chat with my mechanic (Rick McCain, Cromwell Valley Automotive in Towson, MD - I HIGHLY recommend him) and got the info on his manual X5;

Rick McCain, 2001 X5 3.0 5 spd stick - 123K miles, Maryland

and I mentioned earlier that my wife's uncle here in Maryland has one as well;

Karl Namvary, 2001 X5 3.0 5 spd stick, 61K miles, Maryland

I will add them to the registry, thanks so much!

updated the list, and now added a section for non Xoutpost members!

After you told me about this thread last night I decided to finally come in to introduce myself - but I see you've already added me to the list. Thanks!

Here is an 01 5 speed for sale... I almost bought this truck when it was up for sale a few months ago. It looks like the new owner is ready to move on.

2001 BMW X5 - Rare 5 Speed Manual

Nice find!

I keep an eye on ebay and the like just for giggles, right now there is 2 that the dealers are probably dying to give away:

1) Silver 2001 sport and premium package in NJ, 156k miles, looks clean as hell though with fresh tires - 8995!

2) Silver 2002 in NJ, looks beat up with over 110k miles, i think 9k asking

3) White 2001 Base model in Florida, I think hes down to 8k, its got 150k on it too


I usually type in "bmw x5 manual" and just filter for cars/trucks only

3) White 2001 Base mode

X5 doing work like it was suppose to.<br />
With my 3.0 , 5 speed manual, and 254,000 miles<br />
<br />
http://img.tapatalk.com/c6e4d8a0-f286-cb90.jpghttp://img.tapatalk.com/c6e4d8a0-f2fc-b82c.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/45b5f35e-490f-d090.jpghttp://img.tapatalk.com/45b5f35e-491f-4579.jpghttp://img.tapatalk.com/45b5f35e-492d-2297.jpghttp://img.tapatalk.com/45b5f35e-493a-f2cd.jpghttp://img.tapatalk.com/45b5f35e-4962-ca87.jpghttp://img.tapatalk.com/45b5f35e-4970-0eeb.jpghttp://img.tapatalk.com/45b5f35e-497d-22a3.jpg

Gorgeous, nice job with the hauling! And you are topaz like me! Love the 214 (?) wheels on your car too!

How has maintenance been over the quarter million miles? The transmission I'm sure hasn't needed much attention!

Do you have wood trim on your steering wheel (are you sport package?) If so i am envious, I have sport wheel with no wood trim!

Yes I have wood :). And a 4 point steering wheel. I have the summer package.

X5 2001 BMW maintenance

190,000 water pump & hoses

201500. Oil change, tire rotation

205,000 AC temp control module used replacement

216500. 5-11-2010 New tires and rims.

5-12-2010 aliginment and rebalance tires

218800. 6-29-10 Oil changed smog, radiator overflow tank

221330. 9-08-10 tires cross rotated and shim for rims put on. LTR to RTF LTF to RTR

225251. 12-14-2010 oil change

03-22-2011 oil change

237183. 06-27-2011
oil change and filter
Spark Plugs
Tires cross rotated RTF to RTR and RTR to LTR and LTR to LTF and LTF to RTF


243546 12-23-2011
Oil change and filter
Tires cross rotated LTF to RTR and RTR to LTF and LTR to RTF and LTF to RTR

248975 04-27-2012
Oil change and filter
Tire pressure. 43.5 summer towing.

Need-O2 sensor. Bank 2. Sensor 2
At this years smog 2012

Hey what's up everybody? I'm Diggs & I call my 2001 X5 Brawn. Sorry I didnt join earlier Ricky B, I had no recent pics.

When I was car shopping & found my X in 2008, I'd been cross shopping 5 series wagons, Audi Allroads, A4 & A6 Avants, and even Cadillac CTSs (all manual trannys). I'd just bought my first home the year b4 & I needed something that was less than $20k, sporty, and offered some utility as well. I found my X5 2 hours/100 miles away thru Cars.com in Allentown PA.

It actually needed ALOT of work but the combination of low mileage (68k on a 7 year old car), rare transmission, color, plus the body kit had me sold. I paid $15500, left my Prelude parked on the street for myself and a friend to retrieve after the weekend, and drove it back to NYC the very first day I saw it.

It has 121k miles currently & is currently in excellent condition. Come May Im hoping 2b shopping for an X6 so if anybody knows anyone who may be interested in it let me know. As I have yet to find a current vehicle on the market that offers the styling, pedigree, panache, utility, AND a manual transmission, I've finally conceded to getting an automatic (I don't care for the Cayenne S that comes with a manual & the Cayenne GTS that comes in a stick is currently out of my price range).

Anyway, thx4 the invite to the club Ricky B! Add me to the growing list!

http://i638.photobucket.com/albums/u.../IMG_13171.jpg
http://i638.photobucket.com/albums/u...0/6f1786b2.jpg
http://i638.photobucket.com/albums/u...0/40048ecb.jpg
http://i638.photobucket.com/albums/u.../IMG_12021.jpg
http://i638.photobucket.com/albums/u.../IMG_12031.jpg
http://i638.photobucket.com/albums/u...1333810926.jpg (ugh, drove thru paint!)

Wow diggs you have some heavy work done to the car, nice story and nice project! added to our list, this is getting fun!

Thanks Ricky B! I was wondering if any of u have the persistent trouble of replacing the handbrake mechanism? I've replaced mine twice already & I'm in need of another one now. What happens is the gear teeth strip rite at the place of engagement. So when I put the brake on either the truck will still roll when parked even on a slight incline or I have to use monster strength to pull the handbrake up far enough to make it lock. Has this happened to anyone else here? I'd imagine those who have slushboxes rarely experience this because who really uses the e-brake on an automatic car?

Here's my baby :)

We felt the same way and had ours adjusted twice before we gave up.. though we never broke it, word is that 4 clicks is all there is, more clicks is -bad-. Only thing I've heard is to adjust or replace the parts at the wheel, which seems to solve the problem. We did not and simply don't park on our driveway any more, as four clicks -might- keep him in place, but... lol.

edit, ours is Non-sport, if that makes a diff (17" & smaller brakes)

Fwiw, I have never had the p brake 'adjusted' in 84k miles...holds like a bear trap, though I admit I use it infrequently.
GL, mD

Hey Guys!
Wanted to introduce myself as the newest 5 Speed 3.0 member!
I picked up a 2001 Silver 3.0 with 5 Speed manual about 2 weeks ago. It is a base model with the manual ac controls.
I wasn't even planning on buying an X5 when I came across this one helping a friend find a car and realized it was a manual, and knew I had to have it as a BMW enthusiast.

I'm already having a few problems with it so I'd appreciate any help on this thread I started earlier today...

http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...tml#post894109

Mine takes about double the amount of clicks (8 or 9), I've read you need to adjust the star adjuster at the wheel to tighten it up though, I just havent gotten around to it.

Next time I take the wheels off I'll give the adjustment a whirl, I have to pull up a LOT to hold, which i've never done with other cars. I'm sure its loose and if not I can replace the hardware or shoes, which is around 100 bucks in parts if you include new parking brake shoes.

Hi Ricky -

Here you go...I brought it home today in the rain. Found it last week on Craigslist. 2002 5-speed, Topaz Blue/Sand Leather with 60,000 miles. Not many options besides the sunroof, but it's in absolutely beautiful condition in and out, and drives like new!

We're not terribly far apart. I'm in Cornwall, NY.

Shake and Bake - that just happened!

John Parrette
2002 X5 3.0 5-Speed, Topaz Blue
1998 M Roadster, Imola Red

Added to the list John, thanks for posting and thanks for joining Xoutpost, its really a great forum, I'm glad more people are finding and posting in this thread. It's really amazing when most people see my X for the first time and then I show them the stick in the middle of the console, they freak out because they never knew it came with one. I'm sure you'll know the feeling too.

Your X looks in great shape for ten years old, great job on finding low miles as well, I hope you got a nice deal on her! Post some pics of the interior if you can! Some people knock Craigslist, but personally, I've had great luck with it. Sold my old style 69 wheels to a guy who picked up at my house and paid cash, I bought my first motorcycle off Craigslist, and bought my 52" Scag commercial mower off Craigslist for use at my home.

I'm hoping to finish my fall detail this coming weekend, then I can take some proper pics to post in this thread too (I'm probably the worst culprit as I started the thread and have yet to post a pic, but I have been doing a lot of preventative maintenance since I bought my X)

How cool; a registry for three-pedal X5's! I've already done the intro thing (here) but I might as well add mine to the list also. It's a 2001 3.0/5-speed with the sport package.

Since bringing it home a couple weeks ago I've narrowed down a few issues with the rear end; subframe bushings are toast (will be replaced soon) and the rear wheels have out-of-spec camber & toe, so I'll be replacing the wear items back there and have it aligned. One thing that I'm still researching is the shifter; when in neutral, instead of finding "home" between 3rd & 4th it tends to swing over toward 5th. Not a huge issue but it sometimes results in inadvertent 2nd to 5th shifts. I'm thinking maybe some of the bushings in the shifter are worn, but...

More photos (stolen from the CL ad) are here.

I didn't read this whole thread, but was surprised to see that there were 6-speed X5s; were they six- or eight-cylinder cars?

davintosh,
Nice '01 and identical to mine, though I have gone to 19" 132 wheels...
Yes, there were the highly sought 6 speeds for a couple years: same ratios as our 5 spds, but with a slightly overdriven 6th gear ratio.

All of us 5 spd'ers are envious...
Only with 3.0, just like the rest of us.
GL, mD

jparrette, nice color on your '02!
Those style 57s in 17 inch, make for wonderful winter kicks, with dedicated snows too.
Lived in Warwick for 15+ years, so I know Cornwall/Hudson area gets some snow, if you feel like putting snow tires on; it is
Mtn Goat-like with that set-up, imo.
GL, mD

I just picked up a 2001 5-speed X5 3.0
 

I haven't been around on the forum much since I sold my 03' 4.4i, but I couldn't resist this 5-speed.
Has anyone done short-shift or linkage improvement yet?
D
BTW I'm in Washington

I haven't but I feel like I need2. My shifter is so loose in its gates

I am going to look into it. I'll post some info here after I get something.
Has anyone else looked into it if not done it?

My shifter is nowhere near as tight as my old VW GLI was, but its not popping out of the gates, nor is it so sloppy that I notice a reduction in driving quality, I think its just getting used to the fact that this is an SUV with longer throws than a performance car.

UUC was in talks to put their short shifter in production for the X5 (the EVO3 model) but at $355 and a 3 month lead time, I wasn't going to put up that kind of cash unless my shifter is completely broken and needing replacement.

I have lower miles than most at 65,000, which is probably why I haven't noticed high wear on the shifter yet.

My shifter is not sloppy or jumping out, but I would like a more positive feel. I made some simple mods on an old Subaru Legacy Rally car I have by replacing all of the pliable rubber joints in the shift mechanism with solid bronze bushings. It didn't shorten the throws at all, but it made the shifts crisp and precise.
I may attempt something similar here. The trade-off is that you get much more vibration transfered through the shift lever.

I was toying with going on REALOEM and just getting all new bushings for the entire linkage so it would be "factory fresh and tight" again, but to be honest it was looking like a lot more work than i would like to undertake

I rebuilt the linkage on my e28 a couple of years ago, and the job itself isn't too bad, but in order to get at the bits that need work it was necessary to lower (not remove) the exhaust and the front end of the driveshaft. Some guys on mye28.com say they can rebuild the linkage with the exhaust & DS in place, but they either have little tiny hands or can do the job without seeing what they're doing. I haven't been very far under the X5 to examine things, but I'm thinking it'll be a similar story there.

http://realoem.com/bmw/diagrams/v/e/92.png

On the e28, the bits that got replaced were
10
11
12 (includes 13 & 14)
15

There might be other wear items in there, like 2, 3, 4, 6 & 7, but given the fact that Autohaus AZ and Pelican Parts don't stock them (dealer-only?) I'm thinking they might not wear out as quickly as those directly involved with the selector rod.

The Official E53 Manual Transmission Registry Thread
 

Ricky - Add me to your list.

Pic of her pulling See Truth attached.

DSAviate (FL, 01)

Love to see the M54 pulling boats and towing capacity! Your car looks great, and silver is the color that definitely ages best!

Everyone wonders why our first gear is geared the way it is, it definitely comes in handy i'm sure when towing!

Yes it does . . . the 1st "stump puller" gear is perfect for dragging this 5987# load up and out of steep ramps.

But I wish there was a greater spread between 3rd, 4th, and 5th gears. No need to be at 3000 - 3500 rpm at normal highway speeds.

The X5 is a very stylish Bavarian Tractor!

Add me
 

2001 X5 5 speed, 157K.

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.

Really? Different drive ratios front & back? Why would they do that? That doesn't make much sense... You'd always have some slippage going on.

Nope. Differentials are consistant with ratios. 3.0's being front and rear 4.10. 4.4's have 3.64 front and rear. I think the 3.0d's have 3.7x, and 4.6is have 3.91 ratio front and rear. 4.8is has the 3.64 ratio on the front and rear if I remember right. All E53.

Yeah, that makes more sense. i cant imagine different ratios front to rear. However, auto 3.0 diffs are 3.64, and manual 3.0 are 4.11. I would like 3.64 and only RWD once its turbo'ed if possible.

The rear drivetrain is designed to deal wtih approximately 60% of the vehicle's power, on a continuous basis. The rest goes to the front drivetrain. So if you were RWD only, you would be beyond the design intent, and if you modify for more power, even further off. Expect to break things.

Yes JCL, your right. I was discussing this today at work with an experienced automotive fabricator and the rear certainly would be put under too much stress, so I will have to keep the front drivetrain and therefore the 4.11s unfortunatley.
I removed the clutch assist spring on the pedal today, and it made the clutch only slightly heavier if at all, but you can feel the clutch so much better and it makes it much better to drive.
The more I drive it, the more I love the manual.
I put some wheels on it yesterday. I will post a pic once I work out how.

Before :yawn:


http://i1272.photobucket.com/albums/...e69/IMG112.jpg
After :D

http://i1272.photobucket.com/albums/...e69/IMG123.jpg
And this is my Daughter. She rides on 20's! :thumbup:

http://i1272.photobucket.com/albums/...e69/IMG130.jpg

They are 20x10 on the front and 20x11 on the rear.
I would like to know what style they are, if any.

Nice wheels, cool transformation, beautiful daughter! :thumbup:

Those wheels, whether oe or reps, are Style 300/Style 333 depending on if they fit on an E70 or E71.
GL, mD

MD, I believe you stated the correct style but posted the wrong image.
http://i638.photobucket.com/albums/u...ps74163acd.jpg

Have you removed the Clutch Delay Valve (CDV)? I found it made a big difference in several of my manual transmission BMWs (except the 535i). I didn't have a manual X5, so not sure there.

I dont believe I have a CDV. Would it be at the gearbox end or the pedal end?
Also does anybody know the model number of the 5 speed in the e53?

Bentley manual says our 5 speed transmissions through 9/2003 are (S5D 280Z) made by manufacturer ID (ZF type C), page 230-1.

my CDV was replaced with a Zeckhausen unit before I bought the car, so I can't attest to how it drove without it. However, my clutch engagement is smooth as can be, which is not always what I hear about people who have still has the CDV.

For 40 bucks if the clutch engages smoother its worth it in my opinion. Located on the hard clutch line going into the slave cylinder if i'm not mistaken.

Does anyone know how much of the Special Lemans Edition X5 was modified, in particular the the drive train from the output shaft of the transmission to the rear diff? How much was stock?
My guess is that it was rear wheel drive, but I did see a vid that looked like all 4 were breaking loose! Maybe a front end push?

What are the hypothetical/engineering limit on the e53's for power/torque handling capacity, before it fails? Was it just the suspension capabilities paired with an engineering feat of stuffing an intoxicating V-12, they were showing off. If so, why did they neuter the AWD? Too complicated even for the German's with all kinds of parts laying around?
Ultimate Manual X5 ever! Or any X5 for that matter.

Nobody knows, unless they have seen the car. BMW didn't talk about it much. It was a publicity exercise, not a race car. This is all water cooler talk.

Four wheel drifts existed for years before awd came along. Doesn't depend on whether the vehicle is rwd or awd.

Obvious plan would be to upgrade the rear diff to one used in a higher hp model. Same with the transmission.

I believe the awd would have been left off because the V12 has an oil sump where the E53 has a front diff. It would have been difficult to put two components in the same space, unless they had a V12 sitting around that had been modified for awd use. And even then, you would need to find room for a transfer case. I don't believe the transfer case is rated for anywhere near the power they were developing, whereas they do have transmissions and differentials that are designed for higher power levels than the E53 had stock.

Thanks Mate.
Trying to find out if its a single rail, so I can fix the neutral locator. I t likes to go over to 5th when its cold, instead of sitting between 3rd and 4th.

I guess I can be added to that list.

E30Jason (GA, 2004)

This is the 2004 6-speed I bought for the wife. She rarely lets me drive it now. So I am stuck with my wagon. Poor me. :cool:

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g2...E53/null-4.jpg

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g2...3/DSC_3919.jpg

Hmmm... I suppose that's the problem with mine; it almost always likes to bump over to 5th, hot or cold. I was hoping it might just be something with the linkage, but didn't seem likely. Once in a while it'll come to rest between 3rd & 4th, but once you push it over to 5th, that's it until the next time it decides to play nice. I suppose that's an internal problem with the transmission?

Its not that hard to fix. The worst part is pulling the centre console apart to get to the top of the box.

Nice ride E30Jason!

E30Jason,
Ah, I am envious on your 6 speed! Nice car, color and those 87s are titz.
GL, mD

Seriously? The trans doesn't even have to come out to fix that? Seems like most other BMWs, there's zero access to the trans from the top. I had to rebuild the linkage on my e28 when I first got it, and had to pull the exhaust and driveshaft for that.

If you could provide a link for more info on that fix, I'd be forever grateful! :thumbup:

Dont get too excited, Im trying to find out myself.
Its looking like you have to do it from underneath and remove driveshafts etc. Sorry about that. Im not sure I could be bothered now.

E30Jason - What shift knob do you have for your 6 speed?

Thanks!

It is a UUC RK7 shift knob.

I did a little digging & found a lot of info on this problem with e36s, which I think use the same transmissions. Here are a couple of sites that show steps for the repair & tools to do it. Looks like the trans has to be out of the car for the job because some of it happens on the top of the case and some on the bottom.

How to: Service your transmission shift pins.
E36 Transmission shift detent bushing drift set - Bimmerforums - The Ultimate BMW Forum

Thanks davintosh, thats a big help.

2005 6 speed here.

Do any of the OE shifters work in the X5 (ala Z3/M3 shifter in E30) or is this shifter too far from a match for something that is OE and shorter throw?

Well, the saga continues. The wife has been complaining about it popping out of 2nd quite often. I have also noticed the syncros are worn on 2nd and 3rd, so it looks like the 'box will be out and a rebuild is on the way. I am now in search of an aftermarket rebuild kit, as to buy the parts genuine from BMW Australia is cost prohibitive. I have searched for a kit on the web and registered on bimmerfoums and I still come up empty handed. My brain hurts. I have all the tools and experience to do this, I just cant push the right buttons on the keyboard to find the parts.

BTW, nice to meet you racebmwm3, I wish I had a 6 speel. LOL.

Welcome and thanks for posting! Where in Jersey are you at? Jealous of your "bonus cog" with the 6 speed.


And as far as short shifters go, you're stuck. There was a thread about UUC making a custom run for the 5 speeds I believe, but its damn near close to 400 bucks and it's almost been a year and still no one has reported taking delivery of the shifter.


I'll stick to my normal 5 speed throws, I miss the old days when it cost 100 bucks for shorter throws in a VW.

I'm down south, near Medford.

I didn't hafta' pre-pay, fwiw. Given the time passed, I presume it's a no-joy - no idea how many Rob needed to go through with it. Last time I bothered to call they were 'moving' and planned to get after it when they had their new tooling & fab shop.

Too bad, my third shifts are getting suckage, woulda' been nice to kill two birds (three with the zuch) with one service bill <sigh>.

so, as far as I or anyone knows, UUC is out to pasture, though I've not bothered to call and get the "we're gonna get after it tomorrow" report lately.

For those who want an update on the UUC short shifter, I posted an update. I have a 2002 3.0 d with 5 speed manual. If you haven't changed the oil in your transmission - something that will improve shifting. BMW's lifetime oil is a good synthetic but it's not forever.

Whether you have a 5 or 6 speed manual, change it and put in Redline MTL, I did and it's much better. Technically the viscosity would call for an ATF but per Mike Miller of the BMW CCA, he's seen that MTL works even better with no adverse issues.

Removing the clutch delay valve (been there, done that) also will make you happy.

thanks for the update Gregory! i added you to our archives, still too rich for my blood though, need money for the house haha.


I changed the trans oil to MTL when I did my diffs and transfer case fluids a few months back, and the CDV with a zeckhausen unit. Shifts feel great now! MTL I highly recommend

So I have a question to ask everyone in the room... My truck is gonna be 12 years old and burns about 1.5 quarts of synthetic every 800 or so miles. It is really annoying and Im also bored with the truck. Im looking for something newer (like 2009 or better) and ideally want something with a manual tranny with the same panache AND utility as the X5.
I like the NEW body Cayenne but the GTS would be too expensive and I dont wanna get stuck with another underpowered, heavy suv.

I WOULD consider a slushbox but prob only the X6 5.0. My question to you guys is:

What other cars have you considered/cross-shopped and why when searching for your manual tranny X5? What car/truck might you recommend considering the mindset of someone who drives a manual tranny X5?

PS A manual E61 M5 wagon would be perrrrrfect actually...

It may not be a popular choice, but we went from a 3.0 X5 to a 3.0si X3 and are very happy with it. That choice dropped 500 lbs of curb weight and gave us more luggage space than the X5. We also got an additional 40 hp with the 3.0si. Six speed manual transmission in the X3 doesn't have the very low first gear, so the rest of the ratios are closer. The X3 is more of a driver's vehicle than the X5, IMO, as it is more agile and tossable. Mileage improved as well.

What it doesn't have is the luxury of the X5. That was fine for us, I wouldn't opt for many of the features of the X5 as they are more weight and complexity, just more things to break, but that is just my opinion. Some people want all those bells and whistles, and the X3 has fewer of them than the X5. An example is no two-zone climate control.

The X3 also doesn't have the same towing capacity. We went from 5000 lbs (with the steptronic, pre LCI) to 3500 lbs with the X3. That said, it tows well. If you are considering a 5 series, that has the same towing capacity, so that may not be an issue.

The X3 is narrower as well. I find it reasonable for shoulder room, and I am 6'4" and 225 lbs, but it is tighter than the X5 for three in the back seat.

We are thinking about what we will replace the X3 with, as it is over five years old now. The new X3 doesn't do much for us. The X5 is too big, and seems to be getting bigger. The X1 is a nice driver, but doesn't have a manual transmission available in North America.

I was cross shopping an E83 X5 when looking for my car, and would have considered that as well.

When the E53 gets replaced, I would replace it with a 2005 or 2006 6 speed version if possible, since I know the car in and out by now.

If that is not feasible and I am making some good money, a Porsche Cayenne would be my only other manual replacement. I would love a GTS, but would happily drive a Cayenne S with 6 speed manual. As far as I could tell the S was made until last year with manual trans. Porsche's 6 cylinders are peppy, I drove in a slushbox S some years ago and found it fun to drive in.


If I were to go into a automatic German SUV, I would only accept a diesel. E70 35d or VW Touareg TDI.

If you have a real truck (not an SUV) and need / want a real truck but want some of the X5 feel, put a VW Amarok. You can haul what you want, get many creature comforts and (at least in Europe) have the benefits of diesel power and fuel economy. For what I do, a 2002 diesel X5 with a manual 5 speed is quite fine. If I needed to haul things, I'd add a Westfalia hitch and buy a trailer.

Solid find here while just being bored on ebay today,

2010 X3 Black, sport package, 6 speed manual! Only 34k miles, I have never seen a manual trans X3 as new as this one, maybe someone on the boards is in the market?

BMW : X3 AWD 4dr 30i in BMW | eBay Motors

Hullo,

Own a 2006 6 speed manual transmission sport black on black.pics soon

Lovely forum.

Guessing you are from UK? Will update with your info, thanks!

Hello, I would like to be a part of the "Standard Club" LoL.. I get the truck back in a couple of days, RMS supercharged and dyno tuned. To all that share the manual X5 experience, enjoy..!

P.S. I have my AFE Cold Air Intake up for sale. Great addition if you're looking to get high flow cold air delivery the truck so deserves. The kit uses components from the stock air intake system, as well as the ram air vents located behind the grill.

Happy,
Welcome to the club. You gotta post some pics and a video of that bad boy in action! Share with us your impression of the m54 with the RMS. I'd love to supercharge mine, but that will have to wait till after med school.

Supercharged M54 paired to manual tranny would be great, still even supercharged M54 leaks huge 75 lb ft (100 NM) compared to 4.6&4.8 versions.

I'd love2 kno the cost & if u feel it was worth it when ur done

New RMS kit is about k6$ + labour and the car isn't faster than stock 4.6/4.8, but more fun to drive due to manual tranny.

Happy, welcome!

Gotta see pics and vids when you get her back! I'm going to update you on the registry, what year is your X and where are you from?

Clutch Upgrade?
 

Just a question for this crew.... Has anyone changed their clutch assembly out with something other than just the O.E setup? I'm going to be doing mine this spring and just started looking into this. I have seen non-dual mass conversion clutch assemblies out now with light weight cro-moly (14.5lbs)or even lighter aluminum (13-9.5 lbs)flywheels available. I've heard if you go too light you run into poor street performance. I've been told that our dual mass is about 24 lbs! That's a lot of rotating mass that could be conserved for greater efficiency as well as performance and throttle response.

I would think you don't want to go too aggressive with clutch disc engagement properties, as you don't want to shock load the drive-train. Some of the stage 2 kits look about right. The conversion kits have spring hub clutch discs to help with gear rattle.

Also, I'm not sure exactly what kits are compatible with our set up.
Mine is often shown to be not compatible with the 01-03's as mine is a six a 6-speed. But that is OEM stuff too though. :dunno:What do you think and does anyone have any experiences.

I'm new to the club as of thursday. I do have some concerns on the 5 spd tho shifting is seeming to be getting tougher to sometimes to get in gear and down shifting is tough. Sometimes pulling it out of 1st is very tricky when shifting. Clutch does not not slip what so ever. I'm gonna take it to my friend who owns a trans shop but before i get there what are your suggestions truck has 101k and was a one owner vehicle

thanks
and I love the truck in every way

smi2710,
Welcome to the manual trans club.
Our '01, with ~76k miles, still shifts very well, and clutch action/feel remains good.
Other than a trans fluid change around 60k, I have done no other repair.

Hope your tranny guy can help...maybe just a linkage adjustment.
GL, md

Three words for you; clutch delay valve. It's a factory-installed restrictor that is supposed to improve clutch action, but in the opinion of many (me included) it does the opposite. There are two ways to eliminate it; buy a replacement adapter that installs in place of the CDV or take yours out and drill it out. The replacements aren't terribly expensive, and seem to be preferred to drilling the original out. I plan to do mine this spring.

Pulling the clutch delay valve really helped with my 2001 X5. I did not use an adapter. I found it was not necessary. I simply connected the line to the slave cylinder once the CDV was removed. It required very little "bending" to the steel line. Just an option if you want to save some dough for other maintenance items.

Thanks to all whom have welcomed me. Ricky Bobby, she is a (because I treat her like a lady) 2002, and I'm in California. For those who are interested in my before and after experience, I will give you a fair and honest opinion. The RMS kit is very high quality in my opinion, the blower will be a V-3 Si which is the latest technology, and will be tuned by the creator of the kit himself. I'm looking forward to performance we discussed during the presentation.

I think, as far as you don't participate on drag racing sessions or do heavy duty off-road trips with your X5 the stock clutch/flywheel combo remains the best.

I only tried out Sachs performance clutch and one mass flywheel on my M5 E39, but put the stock flywhell back shortly after, even it had to be modificated a little to run witch Sachs performance clutch, and after a year I also put the stock clutch plate back.

Single mass flywheels need more attention in daily driving (even if you don't mind the operation noises), having some other cars you'll never get used to the very hard clutch and single mass flywheel specialities.

Many owners of supercharged M5 E39 run stock clutches on their 550+hp cars with no issues, still after one very agressive start the power will demolish both - flywheel and clutch.

I also had some concerns about my current stock flywheel and clutch on X5, due the car will be supercharged, but I'll never do drag racing and I'll shift carefully from the 1st to 2nd - so I hope, the clutch will last the power and the weight.

Clutch delay valve replacement makes for an overall smoother shifting experience with the hydraulics, taking out the "delay" when letting out the clutch.

For you, if you are having notchy shifting, I would do a trans fluid change first off, and do a linkage adjustment second of all. Notchy shifting has always been linkage or fluid related IMO

where do i do the adjustment on this vehicle i have done older bmw's and many VW's but since it in the mid 30's:rofl: today id like to get out there and take a look around thanks

If you have an X5 with a manual transmission (I do, a 2002 3.0 diesel with 5 speed) you will likely have the factory transmission fill, as BMW puts in a high quality (but lifetime) synthetic oil.

Lifetime is not, you will want to change every 30.000 miles / 45.000 km. You will want to change to Redline MTL (I've researched this to death, use it), installing magnetic drain plug (Dimple or UUC) as BMW stopping installing them and then removing the clutch delay valve. I've done all three on mine, MUCH better.

There is no adjustment provision in the shifter linkage, if you have severe play - you'll need to replace worn parts. You will also (naturally) want to have your brakes and clutch fluid changed, normally every two years (annualy is better). This will also help your shifting and ensure long life of your clutch hydraulics.

On the subject of better than the factory LUK / Sachs "adjustable" clutches for manual cars, you can indeed find better. I had researched this for my car (using BMW ETK as your part number guide). From memory, the clutch for the 5 speed 3.0 diesel is the same as the E39 540i (specific years) which means you can use the UUC upgraded clutch. I wouldn't go for a race / paddle clutch, this is an X5 not an M3 track car.

If you have a 3.0 gasoline 5 or 6 speed or 3.0 diesel with 6 speed, look up your factory clutch and then give Rob a call at UUC. When I do this on my car, I won't change the flywheel. Once again, this is an X5 not an M3 track car.

I can concur about Redline MTL being a great replacement for the factory fill, no problems on mine since I changed it almost a year ago.

What you need to do is check out a diagram of the shifter linkage on RealOEM and honestly if there is no adjustment, just replace the bushings and linkage parts, last I checked it couldn't have been more than 100 in parts and if you are handy you can get to some of the linkage from under the car and some from under the shift boot.

Thanks guys ill get in there once this weather subsides :) i wilso have my tans guy take a look at it. Then i will change wall fluids Trans , diff, engine and ill flush the brake fluid as well. Does anyoone have the amouts each of these take really just the trans and diff. Thanks

Your car is a 2001 X5 3.0 (gasoline), so it's probably got an NV125 transfer case (like my 2002 X5 3.0 diesel). Your driveline would be essentially the same capacities as mine.

I wrote this in another post, so this is a repeat.

For your car, use BMW VIN Decoder - By Mitsuhiko Kanekatsu to determine your car's capacities.

Transmission on mine (diesel) may not the exactly same as the 3.0i gasoline (input torque and ratios are rather different) but capacity would be within a few 100 mL or so.

• Roughly 3 liters/quarts total for Front/rear diffs (Redline 75w-90 Gear Oil, GL-5). Officially 0.7 front & 1.0 L rear
• Officially 1.55 Lf Manual Trans fluid (Redline MTL).
• Officially 0.46 L for transfer case (Redline ATF or MTL)
• Engine capacity is 7 L, check your owner's manual
• Full brake/clutch fluid flush can take 1/2 to 1 liter / quart. Ate SL (ABS approved)
• P/S would take ATF (I had a minor leak so drained the system and filled with Redline ATF)
• Coolant. Use BMW factory coolant.

Plan for more, and as with all of these (except P/S and engine, where you have a dipstick), you fill until you have oil coming out of the fill hole.

You will want to order magnetic drain plugs (at minimum) for your transmission and transfer case (Dimple) and (ideally) also for your differentials and engine.

Confirmed from my change:

Trans takes 2 quarts (MTL)

Transfer Case takes less than a quart (Redline D4 ATF)

Diffs take 3 quarts between both (Redline 75w-90 gear oil

Engine oil for M54 between 7.5-8 quarts (mine takes 8)

This X has some higher mileage, but looks like it has premium package and 6 speed with price of $9998 and "make offer" on the listing:

BMW : X5 3.0i in BMW | eBay Motors

Good price for a 6 speed X which looks fairly clean to me, and you'd still have money for some preventative maintenance!

^^^ that's been sold awhile ago from the response I got when I made an offer :(

well i'm not surprised that was a pretty hot price for a facelifted 6 speed!

After about 500 mile on the new rig. The trans is still finicky ( No i haven't changed fluids yet or removed the valve probably wont get to it till next week) It shifts much nicer before its been driven a lil while and then i have to match revs most of the time to get a smooth shift. I'm not winning any drag races off the line thats for sure with it the way it is. I'm afraid the syncros are worn pretty good. Is this just how these are or should it be shifting like a real BMW nice and smooth etc...

I'm telling you man, go to Zeckhausen racing and replace your Clutch Delay Valve with his unit, and then bleed your brakes/clutch, will be MUCH SMOOTHER shifting, trust me

I will flush the system and remove the valve when i get back from my trip this weekend. I'm debating just removing the valve completely as i read somewhere it works the just the same and saves the 60.00 bucks. I hope to stop by zeckhausen tomorrow while im out working to talk to them

Just removed the CDV. Took about 6 mins. (not including the 10 mins to get the wife out to bleed the clutch). Does feel a lot better. Guess Ill need to drive it around for a bit to see the difference.
It looks like it just restricts the flow by having a very small hole in it. So my guess is the Zeckhausen racing ones just make the hole bigger. Save your $ I say.

The CDV has an springed orifice inside which slows the flow, hence delaying clutch action.

Drilling alone will not get it all, and will leave cuttings inside. You need a special drift, a vice and practice to get them out without damaging the inside, threads and the conical seats.

Be happy your car is transformed. Cry for those who don't know that "life can be better"

Hey thats good feedback, I didn't realize you could just remove the valve completely. Was always under the impression that if you wanted to remove the stock valve you had to "drill out" the restrictor, which I wanted to avoid doing so I just bought the Zeckhausen valve.

Bleed that clutch and you are good to go, I promise you the shifts will be smoother (especially since you say your linkage is working smoother)

I replaced the CDV a few times with the Zeckhausen one, because I didn't want the bother of reshaping the clutch line. It isn't hard to do, but I was ordering brake parts, and so it was easy to use the replacement. The way I did it I have never had to bleed the clutch.

When you say shifts will be smoother, we should qualify that clutch engagement will be smoother, or more predictable, but that doesn't relate to gearshift notchiness, which I think of when hearing the synchro comment that was originally mentioned.