Is getting the manual recommended?
 

I was wondering for a first time X5, buyer, looking at a pre-owned model 07-08
..

1) was there ever a manual for North American markets version available?

2) Is its performance worth it or its better to get the automatic?




Any gains in mpgs from the manual btw not that I think it will make a difference

No manual transmission exists for the current (E70) platform.

(Assuming US-market) Both the 3.0si and the 4.8i engines are mated to a ZF 6 HP XX TU (where XX is either 19 or 26) electronically/electrically controlled automatic transmission. They are essentially the same except for the final drive. The 3.0si (ZF 6 HP 19 TU) has a final drive of 4.44:1 and the 4.8i (ZF 6 HP 26 TU) has a final drive of 3.91:1.

With regards to fuel economy, neither transmission will increase or reduce consumption. Engine size should be your focus.

Someone else can chime in on the 35d.

yes