AutoWeek this week says, at the end of their feature on the new M5, that some BMW North America people have hinted that there is pressure for BMW to develop a manual transmission for the M5. Right now it's only SMG, with 7 gears.

Has anybody else heard this?

 

Nope, I've not heard it, but after reading quite a lot about the V10 engine, and the gearbox technical details, I highly doubt it. Gears are very strangely arranged in the gearbox... Also BMW is saying that they wanted to reduce transmission types so they can control the quality and costs.

 

The gear set in M5 transmission is purely designed for SMG. Remember it's 7-speed so the ratio between gears are very close and it's not good for manual. I read this in either Motor Trend or Road & Track magazine. No manual.

 

Can't they just use the 6 speed. It copes with 500Nm of torque from the 3.0 diesel, so it should be OK for the V10.

 

Obviously not, remember the 535d is Steptronic only, because the manaual gearbox can't handle the torque.

 

Doesn't the 535d have more torque than the M5. However it does sound like the manual is at it's limit with the 530d, and 535d or M5 is a step too far.

It's one reason why I won't get a tuning box. If I blew up the manual box with 600Nm of torque, it wouldn't be popular as a warranty claim.

 

First of all, Autoweek is about as reliable as the National Enquirer. They have gained a reputation for reporting absolutely absurd data regarding the E60 M5 in past articles.

The manager from the M division of BMW, Mr. Bruhnke, was interviewed and he says they have not even started a development program, they want to 'see how we like SMG'. Bottom line is, there is simply no chance BMW will develop a separate transmission for this car. It was designed for a 7 speed SMG, and that's what it will stick with. There is some good information in this thread:

http://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=47315

 

True Wolverine.. This car was designed 7 Speed Specific, just for SMG... And it is hell of a car, because its SMG....Guys who really like manual, need to get use to SMG. It is the future of manuals and street race/sport cars. I use to have an M3 SMG, and it was wonderful. My 545 is steptronic for my wife..But If I can do it again, I would have gotten SMG.

 

How true!

Reminds me of this classic post...

 

Good one Rudy! I didnt even see that post...HAHA Thats great... Hey your right though it is the future...