I have had my manual-equipped 545 for just over a year, and there was a definite learning curve in learning to shift smootly given the characteristics already mentioned. Now through the learning curve, I must say I totally love the MT; wouldn't trade it for Step or SMG. I love being totally in control of the drivetrain.

It is not a daily driver, and I don't commute in heavy traffic, so I don't have those issues to deal with. Most of the time, I drive very conservatively, shifting between 1500-2500 RPM with a leisurely throw of the lever. Shifts at these low RPMs are very smooth, needless to say. When accelerating more enthusiastically, I find that easing off the accelerator just prior to depressing the clutch gives the smoothest disengagement. And you still have to be quite deliberate in switching the gears and releasing the clutch again. This is not a car you can "just toss around" but it certainly inspires confidence at high-speed and in corners with its balance and stability.

 

Which dealer?

 

Listen to Biff....you MUST get the SSk and CDV removal a your first mods when you get your car, it does make a huge difference and you will never regret it!

 

+++

Inexpensive mods that change the shifting characteristics tremendously.

 

For about $70, buy the M-sport knob used the 550 ZSP, and replace your stock knob. It will shorten the shifter a bit. (The shifter itself is the same on the 535 and the 550. Only the knob changes.)

 

This is pretty much the same knob found on the 550. The 550 lacks the ///M logo. (My last car was a ZHP.)

BTW, I *love* the manual trans on my car.

 

+1 i have always driven a manual/... and i always had to pull teeth when time came to sell them. I always choose to sell privately as it brings a lot more value than trading it in.

I would agree if you are buying the car instead of leaseing it the standard would be hard to sell... it is atleast where i am.

At the same time i bought the auto.. and the non involvement makes me regret this purchase BIG time. Its auto it will sell quicker but i would swipe it for a manual in a heartbeat. Not a day goes by when i wish i had a manual...

 

Ironically, when I returned my e46 330 ZHP, the dealer ended up buying the car for their lot. When I enquired about whether they though the manual was a liability, they indicated that the 6-speed manual was an asset. While most buyers shun them, there are quite a number of used buyers that insist on manuals, and they grab them when they are available. The fact that the transmission was wrapped around the somewhat rare e46 ZHP was a bonus, as it also appeals to the enthusiast.

Apparently, demand is small, but the supply is smaller still.