tiptronic

currently in a '06 530i (w/ all the options)... it's a step., i really miss having a manual transmission. i'm thinking of trading my new car (got it in sept, new.. it now has about 9k mi) for a m3 or a new 5er, both being 6spd stick. i really like my 5, not sure which to proceed if i were to make the move.. which do you all think?

(plus im wondering what my trade in value will be back at the dealers). :'(

anything else in this price range appealing (must be manual)? can't think of any at the moment .

anyone w/ a 6spd 5 series care to share their experiences w/ the car? hows the ride? any pics of the interior?


thanks.

Evenflow545

Sounds like you'll soon be taking a $5,000.00 to $10,000.00 hit. Do you really need/want a manual that badly?

markt540i

I like my stick 5 but have never driven an M3. I have owned a 1999 328i, a 2001 540 and now the 2006 550. The M3 is surely lighter and quicker. The V8 5 is quick and more comfortable. Active steering makes the 5 feel like a 3, but you may, just may, give up some hardcore BMW feel with it. The active steering is still great for its comfort and convenience.

Your decision should probably center on whether or not you plan to haul people in the back seat and for how long you expect them to be comfortable back there. You should also wait for the new M3 if that is what you choose.

tiptronic

i agree.. the 5 is very comfortable (im 6 ft 1), fairly quick (my 530) and has excellent handling and ride quality. also, sedans are a + for me. not really feeling the upcoming m3 tho (at least at the moment, tho it is waaaaay quick), i'd be considering the e46 m3.

toooo many decisions!!!!

znod

Personally, the next time around I might be interested in the V-8 M3--but only with a manual. On the other hand, on a 550i, for example, I would want only a Steptronic.

ipse dixit

I have a 6spd in my 545i. I originally opted for the Steptronic but backed out at the last minute.

I have a love/hate relationship with the gearbox. There are days when I think it is rather sloppy, and the throws too long. But then I realize this is a luxury-sports sedan and given its bloodlines, the gearbox is actually quite sporty -- not the snickety-snick feel you'll get with, for example, an S2000, but fine nontheless.

As far as the M3. I previously owned an E46 M3 but with SMG. When I was test driving the car, the dealers only had 6spd available and I also had the opportunity to try out the 6spd M3 on the track (albeit with a SSK and a lightweight flywheel).

The feeling between the M3 and 5er is different, but not dramatic. The M3 6spd (both modded and OEM) felt alot more solid and precise compared to the more sloppy feel of the 5er.

The only other car that comes to mind in this class with a 6spd is probably the Caddy CTS-V (a 5er competitor) or maybe the SLK or RS4 (M3 competitors). Oh yeah, there's also that buggy-wagon from Chevy, I think they call it a 'Vette or something ...

BangleBox_530d

Never driven a M3, but I do have the 6 speed manual 5er. It's one of the best manuals I have driven, and I have driven many. Including the usual sporty European cars, including Porsche, Audi, etc.

I don't get problems with the syncro when you do a quick change, like you do on some manuals. There's nothing about the box that I have complaint with. Except maybe the "I'm feeling lazy today and wish it were an auto".

I'd trade it for the VW/Audi DSG box any day, but not anything else that I've ever driven.

pharding

Slightly off topic, but I post anyway on e90 vs. e60. My son just got an e90. I did Euro Delivery for him so I had a chance to drive his 330 with sport package. The 330, being the lighter car, is extremely agile. I was amazed at how agile the 330 felt. It feels more sporty than my 545. Obviously my 545 is more powerful than the 330. The e90 cabin is adequate but tight. The e60 cabin is spacious in comparison. They are both great cars. It just depends on what one is looking for and one's budget.

twh

I suspect e90 is more agile not so much due to weight, but its size. In fact, 330i with automatic weighs 3450 lbs and the 530i auto is only 3494 lbs. The e60 uses a lot more aluminum.

Peter530i

I've tested an E60 with manual.... oh boy the shift stick has the longest gear switching path I've driven on a manual gearbox.... as much as I love E60 that is a true dissappoitment