BMW M5 spotted with manual transmission

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By Brett Davis | May 06th, 2011

The upcoming F10-series BMW M5 has been at the top of the headlines in the automotive press for the past year, and particularly over the past few weeks. The latest headline is an exciting one, with BMW potentially relaunching the option of a fully manual transmission with the new car.

We know the car will come with a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8, producing upwards of 400kW, although the specifics of the running gear are still a secret. It was reported that BMW was having trouble finding a suitably strong automatic-based transmission for the twin-turbo. Then reports were spread suggesting the next-generation model would be available with an all-wheel drive system. Now it seems a manual transmission could also be on the cards.

Take a look at this video and tell us what you think. It was taken in south California by a 5Post forum member and it showcases what appears to be a fully manual BMW M5. Now, the video obviously isn’t going to take the ‘Home Cameraman of the Year’ award, but you can see and hear the prototype taking off like a manual.

The M Division only ever offered a manual gearbox, right up until the outgoing E60 V10 model was introduced in 2005. This will counter the usual paddle-shift trends that have been going on for the past 10 years, if the option comes true.

Roadtard

Maybe the car isn’t dead!
Able

Could be just for the US Market though, like the last M5. The current 550i is offered as a manual in the US currently too (only market in the world and for A$70k too!) which I’d love to drive. Bring it here BMW Aus!
Bobo

Finally some common sense from a carmaker. Acnowledging that there are people that actually enjoy driving manual. This is ever apparent in the second hand market as well where manual versions of a model keep their value a lot more and are more desirable that the dsg/auto type cars. Examples are Audi S4 b6 vs auto only b7, BMW M3 any older HSV or FPV.

bangel

After many manuals , subaru talked me into the liberty 3.0R B with 5 speed sportmatic , never again , rest of the car was good , gone and forgotten .

A good manual is so much more fun , more ultimate control .

http://caradvice OSU811

Did you not drive the 6sp manual version??
it had the same 6sp as in the STI, it truly was one car
where the manual version was not only so much better but made it a totally different car to drive as well as turning it from a boring lux sedan into a really sporty drive!. Just check out the difference in gearing auto to manual to see why!!!

bangel

This was 2003 late , manual had just been released in japan and the word from subaru was 12 months away , mr impulsive believed their hype ” ITS A FANTASTIC TIPTONIC STYLE SPORTS AUTO ” , big error on my part should have waited .

Later i did drive a manual , as you said totally different car , that was the best liberty ever .

bangel

Part that really sucked was it came in manual by mid 04 , which tells you never trust head office .

http://caradvice OSU811

Please please please BMW make it a proper manual!!
Having driven the last of the V8 manuals, it is one of the best cars if not the best car I have ever driven!!
the proper manual certainly added to the enjoyment!
I WISH

yeah i wish it was true

but what the hell? a forum member’s dodgy video tape where you can “see” and “hear” the car taking off like a manual? that’s some un-deniable evidence right there…

nothing would make me happier than to be proven wrong though
Bill Murray

Didn’t we just hear that it’ll be a DCT, despite earlier hearing that it couldn’t have a DCT as it produced ‘too much’ torque for one?

In my experiences with DCT, they do sort of sound like a manual while taking off. To be fair I haven’t watched the video, work net security is too rigid…
filippo

VW take note!

bangel

I agree test drove several GTI with DSG , great out on back roads , so hard to pick the changes by ear .

Around town i found it all over the place , cant make its mind up ,worried me again , went manual , very good gearbox .

http://autosleek.net Tom Harte

A manual M5?
Christmas has come early.
Denzo

DSG is pretty good for what it does though. Awesome in Sydney’s city, gret for the 20% when your actually giving it some.
Phil

This article is incorrect, the entire 5 series range (including M division has always been avaliable in manual in overseas markets.

It’s only certain markets like Australia where demand for manuals is so low, manufactuers often don’t bother offering them.

John of Perth

My understanding is the E60 M5 was only offered as a manual in the US and it is not produced in RHD.

Love my E39 M5 – quite possibly the best car ever built; every drive is an almost subliminal experience.

Kids need to learn to drive manuals as it gives them a far better appreciation of car balance, dynamics & above all anticipation.

UMWHAT

even though the market is low there is still a market right? why not make both available? otherwise wouldn’t customers looking for a manual version of the car just go to another rival brand who offers a manual?

i dont know how the car business works so im sure theres a reason though

Phil

The numbers are so low it’s just not worth them bothering and most of BMWs rivals don’t offer manuals in Australia either.

Of course if you are buying one of their cars brand new here and a manual transmission does exist for the car in RHD, they will special order one for you if you strongly insist on it.
Most new car buyers who do want a manual however, will simply accept it when the dealer says “its auto only”, and just buy the auto.

BMW offer the last generation X5 and 6 series in manual and I would be surprised if they sold more than one. The latest versions are no longer offered in manual in Australia.

Blame the Australian culture of laziness and obesity for this.

bangel

So true PHIL , lazy fat buggers who have lost the art of driving , go manuel .

Jeef Beef

Having driven a DCT, they sound and feel like manuals on take-off, I can’t believe this video was used as ‘proof’ =/

This is because there is still a clutch that needs to be slipped to move from a standstill.
SteveSV

YES YES YES A MANUAL!!!!! BMW you legends!!!! Finally a car where you feel you actually DRIVE the car!!!!