I've always told myself I'd pay more for a car from a private party. I like being able to talk to the person who owned and, hopefully, maintained it. That goes a long way in my book. Many dealers get their cars from auctions and I don't want a car that's gone to auction. Chances are it didn't go there because the previous owner was super happy with it.

 

I spent literally 3 years looking for a manual 535xi touring. For me its not worth owning unless its a manual. That's what makes the driving experience special.

 

this^

 

yes, the manuals are rare because nobody ordered these cars with them, nobody wanted a manual

but rare does mean its will cost more. and now there is even less people looking for manual cars.

So you have enthusiasts who wants a manual 5 series, and it will take a while to find one because there aren't that many.

but there aren't that many people looking for a manual 5er. so if you want to sell a manual 5 series you will have to WAIT for that one guy looking for it.

yes if you have a manual Porsche or a Ferrari you can ask a premium but not a 5 series.

edit: Back in 2008 i was looking around for a car and i was in my early 20s and wanted a 6 speed one. Looking at a 535i, i asked the dealer if he had one in a manual. He said No we dont, nobody wants them. I asked how can i buy one if i can't test drive it. He said, ONLY if you put a deposit down i will order you a manual 535i so i know you are serious, because we would not be able to sell the car if you don't want it. I walked away. but even back then the manuals were dying out.

 

I also wanted to test drive a MT before I bought it. At the time I was able to find a 3 series in manual. That was close enough for me to experience the drive train.

 

Manuals are awesome!!! Took me a full year to find the right one, 2010 535i xdrive. It's my wifes daily driver and she loves its.

From the tone of seven11's post, sounds like s/he is missing the manual tranny and is justifying his/her dislike for manuals by saying it is a daily driver car.

 

ahahaha i dont have a dislike for manual cars. not at all. i love manuals but i wanted a 5 series only with the sport auto option.

i am just saying the manual transmissions are not that popular on a luxury sedan and sit on the lot for quite a while before selling. we are the minority who like manual transmissions,

and my auto transmission is broken at the moment.

i bought another trans and it should be here tomorrow.

and i think i saw you on n54tech and i will be honest, every time i see a 535i with 6 speed manual, even in a person's signature on a forum, i always think how awesome it would be to have one.

 

For one thing, you can just be a "spectator" on https://5series.net/forums/diy-do-yo...thread-137584/

 

MT all day, everyday!! For true enthusiasts only!!!

 

I was looking for a 6MT, but couldn't find one when I needed a car. Sad to say, I had to settle for an Auto. I'm still in the mindset of doing a 6MT mod to my wagon.