M5 Official: 2013 BMW M5 to get six-speed manual as no-cost option

[Zafiro]

BMW Confirms 6-Speed Manual Transmission for the 2013 M5.

Detroit, MI –

On the occasion of the North American International Auto Show, BMW confirmed today that it will offer a 6-speed manual transmission on the North American version of the upcoming 2013 BMW M5. The 6-speed manual will be available from the start of production this summer and will be offered as a no-cost alternative to the standard 7-speed M-Double Clutch Transmission (M-DCT). The manual gearbox was a popular choice for U.S. customers of the previous generation M5 and continues to be a unique offer in the segment.

Though the 6-speed gearbox has one less gear than the M-DCT transmission, the ratios have been optimized for acceleration, flexibility and fuel economy. Final drive ratio and special M differential are maintained. The new transmission is mated to a short throw shift linkage topped with a black leather backlit shift knob.

The 2013 M5 will arrive at US BMW Centers in late summer 2012. Pricing, options and specifications will be released closer to the on-sale date.

2013 BMW M5 to get six-speed manual as no-cost option

 

[rollo]

Even if you are not a fan of manuals for cars in this class, kudos to BMW for offering one for this car!!

 

[SCOTT27]

The M5 is engineered with the M-DCT and therefore works at its most optimum in tandem with the M-DCT.
Which is the only choice if you go with an M5 - Changes are quicker and you feel the car being more adapt to the power being delivered , I understand the philosophy for smaller cars like the 1M and M3 retaining manuals but the M5 with it's transplant from the 550i is not a perfect adaptation to the M5. This is more appeasement rather than engineering showcase as you would expect from M.
But it does look like the last M5 being offered with a manual.

 

[Deckhook]

^ It's BMW once again compromising their products in pursuit of additional sales for those numb nuts that haven't moved into the twentieth century and got with the program.

 

[south]

^ It's BMW once again compromising their products in pursuit of additional sales for those numb nuts that haven't moved into the twentieth century and got with the program.

Congrats, you've just submitted your entry for the most ignorant comment in 2012. Don't even know where to start.


Best regards,
south

 

[Deckhook]

^ And that's without trying.

But in all seriousness a big luxury 2 ton monster doesn't need a manual gearbox, it's plain stupid.

 

[Zafiro]

^ And that's without trying.

But in all seriousness a big luxury 2 ton monster doesn't need a manual gearbox, it's plain stupid.

Not needed but some people want it and apparently those people come from US. Panamera and M5 are the only ones offering a manual gearbox.

 

[Deckhook]

^ But the top performance Panameras don't offer a manual only the lower models, there's the difference.

 

[martinbo]

So, Bob, do you believe that the Panamera S is justifiable in having a manual gearbox as an option?

 

[Deckhook]

You mean my opinion personally? No I don't, the whole point of this category of car is to provide the kind of luxury you don't get in either the smaller class like the 3 series in the case of BMW or sportscars as is the case for Porsche.

Now if you happen to disagree with that opinion I won't be upset or lose any sleep because we aren't dealing with facts here only opinions.

 

[330CIZHP]

Kudos to BMW!

 

[Mr Robert]

I know I would have my M3 with a manual gearbox and I think it is great that those who want their M5 with one now can. No one but you can say what is the best choice.

 

[Deckhook]

Whilst I don't see the point in it I do acknowledge everyone has the right to chose which they prefer but why don't they have the balls to stick to their guns because they already know which transmission suits the car best otherwise it would have been offered as a choice else where, the fact it hasn't shows that BMW are addressing the whims of a select few US customer and effectively sticking two fingers up to the rest of those outside US.

They obviously value this market above all others.

 

[klier]

But in all seriousness a big luxury 2 ton monster doesn't need a manual gearbox, it's plain stupid.

In all seriousness why don't you let the people who actually want one decide that for themselves?
The only thing stupid is people complaining about a free of charge manual gearbox as an option. REALLY stupid if I may add (and that is not just you Deckhook)

I would never take the M5 with the manual transmission, but it's great that it's available, and it's even more great that BMW appears the only German make that keeps making real manual ransmissions.
And of course there's a VAG fanboy here, and an MB fanboy there, who don't like that and start to downplay it....

 

[Deckhook]

Klier, when your resident BMW insider makes the statement that and to quote his words 'The M5 is engineered with the M-DCT and therefore works at its most optimum in tandem with the M-DCT. Which is the only choice if you go with an M5' and 'but the M5 with it's transplant from the 550i is not a perfect adaptation to the M5. This is more appeasement rather than engineering showcase as you would expect from M.'

Which are you suggesting he is, Audi or Merc fanboy? Or is it more the case that he is stating and I and some others are agreeing with is that BMW once again aren't looking at M cars as to showcase what they are capable of and are simply seeking sales at the expense of excellence because no matter how good the S63t is with regards to lag the manual gearbox will exaggrate this to the extreme which whilst acceptable in a smaller sportscar like the 1M isn't what you want from a luxury car like the M5 now is it?

 

[Zafiro]

^ But the top performance Panameras don't offer a manual only the lower models, there's the difference.

but its still a big and heavy car .....

 

[Deckhook]

but its still a big and heavy car .....

Porsche nor BMW need to equip these cars with manuals, at least the manual Pannys are N/A which isn't as bad but I still think it's defeating the purpose.

 

[Sunny]

at least the manual Pannys are N/A which isn't as bad .

WTF does that even mean? If anything it is the NA engines that need the extra cog of the DCT to make up for the lack of the torque.

no matter how good the S63t is with regards to lag the manual gearbox will exaggrate this to the extreme which whilst acceptable in a smaller sportscar like the 1M isn't what you want from a luxury car like the M5 now is it?

Also please entertain us with your explanation on how a "manual gearbox exaggerates lag to the extreme"? If any thing a manual gives more control to the driver to make sure the engine stays in the sweet spot. And the lag in DCTs probably only compound the turbo lag. And how the heck is lag more acceptable in a small sports car? Seriously man, pause for a second and think before posting. I assure you there is are no awards for racking up stupid posts.

While there is little doubt BMW is doing a manual M5 for US sales, there is way to make that argument in an intelligent way with out making ridiculously stupid claims. Also as an enthusiast, giving the option of a manual gearbox should be the least worrisome thing M has done in a while for racking up sales.

 

[Tarek]

So is that manual a carry over from E39 M5 just like E60 M5?

 

[Deckhook]

WTF does that even mean? If anything it is the NA engines that need the extra cog of the DCT to make up for the lack of the torque.

Extra cog would definitely benefit the N/A but I was more referring to the lag from the turbo which is masked by the DCT but will be there in all it's glory with the manual.

Maybe you should have read my previous posts.