I got the 6 spd
no regrets, it was one of the requirements for the car, but after 8 months of ownership i have a few issues and I want to know if anyone else has these?

1-smoothness - the transmission is great but does not seem as good as some of the previous generation 5 series manuals I have driven - I even still get a little jerking between 1 and 2
and my brother just got a Jetta with a manual and his is smoother, shorter throws, and less jerky

2-I have now ground the gears a total of 8 times - about once a month, but it is embarassing
I have driven manuals for years and it has been years since I ground a gear, now it is becoming a habit

anyone have similar issues

BTW - I would still take the manual again in a heart beat

I agree. It's the hardest car to drive smoothly, and especially 1-2. I had not driven a manual before the purchase, and I guess I thought BMW ought to have the best manual in the business. It doesn't.

well, actually it does have the best manual among its competitors becasue the the lexus and infinity do not offer manuals

Ah do too... Lexus IS 250. Infinit G35 and G35c. Even merc offers manual now. In the C and I think SLK no? :P :P :P :P :P :P

Hmmmm.....Sometimes I feel like it is a tad jerky between 1 & 2 but only if I do not give it enough gas.

Removing the clutch delay valve or installing a modified CDV will help smooth out that 1st to 2nd shift http://www.zeckhausen.com/CDV.htm

I like the manual transmission well enough. It's smooth and though the throws are long, it is rather precise.

My E39 540i had issues between 1st and 2nd but I think that was a combo of the high torque and CDV. My '07 530i is a huge improvement. Very smooth between 1st and 2nd. And the ZF manual in the E60 has shorter throws than the Getrag in the E39. My only complaint is actually with the gear ratios. I think the gears in the 530i are a little long for the engine. Especially 4,5, and 6th gears. But that's a minor complaint and if it really bothers me down the road I might look into a new diff.

I just noticed today that if I rev over 6000 in 1st gear the gears grind. What's up with that??

my advise go to infinity now and try manual of a g35 and you'll change your mind. Bimmers tranny is among the best I've tried.

Have driven almost 60tkm and partly agree You. From 1st to 2nd sometimes is jerky. same when coming down to 2nd. But when pushed hard I have no problems. Only when I like to please Mrs. it hapens!

Skaffa