Hello

I took the bold move of purchasing a 530i on the other side of the country with out driving it. It is 2006 530i sport, 6sp manual. I pick it up in 4 weeks.

I have driven BMW manuals for years, and didn't have a concern about, but I just read a CNET review that said the shifter feel was notchy, and the clutch feel was uncomfortable. I can not find a manual e60 in these areas (Alberta) to test drive.

Any feedback on the clutch in the 530i would be appreciated.

Bill

 

I've driven plenty of manual BMW's going all the way back to a 1977 530i 4 speed. I like the ZF manual transmission in the E60 better than the Getrag of the E39. There is also more aural feedback than my 540i/6 E39. The only issue with the clutch is with the CDV. But again, I find it better than the E39 as well.

 

Notchy and uncomfortable, never heard it described that way. I am no big fan of the manual tranny in my E60, I usually describe it as clunky

 

i describe it as rubbery and like rowing a boat...
the shift travel is very long, so is the pedal travel
i still like my old accord shifting better, but that's just me
i also did the CDV removal and honestly don't notice a huge difference

 

You guys aren't giving me allot of confidence in this.

I'm coming from an e46, which I loved; however I also drove a Taurus SHO 5sp for years which I thought was good (before I was enlightened)

It's too late to turn back now! I guess I'll get used to it.

 

Bill,
If you're coming from an E46 (as I did) then you will be in Seventh Heaven!
IMHO, the E46 gearbox was more suited to a tractor (OK it was a Diesel!), but in the E60 the 'box is a hundred times better to use. The clutch is a little lighter than the E46, and the E60 is OK in stop-start traffic.
I think you will find that once you get used to the size of the E60 (it does feel a lot wider than the E46), got used to the 2mpg worse fuel consumption and realised that the E46 was just a little tauter handling when at the limit, you will absolutely love the car.

 

Honestly I don't feel a major difference between my previous E46 and my current E60.

 

I've had an E60 and E61, both with the MT. The E60/61 has a much nicer clutch feel than my E39, even after I removed the cdv.

Enjoy your new ride. You should have no regrets.

 

I have an '07 530i with a 6-speed. As others have mentioned, it's definitely not a short-throw shifter but the car shifts smoothly and I like it a lot. The car isn't a torque monster, but with a redline at 7,000 RPM, it's a lot of fun. Enjoy your new purchase.

 

Never said it wasn't fun, you'll have a blast.