BMW M5 with six-speed manual confirmed

2012 BMW M5 - 15.6.2011

U.S. launch scheduled for this summer

After months of speculation, BMW has confirmed plans to offer a six-speed manual on the US-spec M5.

Cited as a "popular choice" on the previous model, the six-speed manual will be available as a no-cost option when the new M5 is launched this summer. Specifications were not released, but the gearbox has a short throw linkage and optimized ratios for outstanding acceleration and fuel efficiency.

As we have previously reported, the M5 is powered by a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 with 560 PS (412 kW / 552 hp) and 680 Nm (502 lb-ft) of torque. When connected to a seven-speed M Double Clutch Transmission, the car accelerates from 0-100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.4 seconds and hits a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) or 305 km/h (190 mph) with the M Driver's Package.

Source: BMW USA

show/hide press release

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

Detroit, MI - January 9, 2011...On the occasion of the North American International Auto Show, BMW confirmed today that it will offer a 6-speed manualtransmission 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 (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 Active 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.

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Comments (26)

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adz911

it's annoying that only the Americans get the manual shift. Why not the rest of the world?

January 10, 2012 5:57 am

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3 replies

tazcubed

It's unusual that BMW accommodates North America more than elsewhere - so many engine and performance options tend to be missing from those cars coming overseas. BMW marketing is a complete enigma as to how they make decisions, but I suspect they don't really listen to customers. BMW has become too much of a boutique dealer and is on the verge of losing the focus they had towards luxury performance 10+ years ago.

January 10, 2012 6:11 am

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bavorak

They apparently dont want the manual to be sold at all because in US noone will buy manual...they dont know what it is...third pedal? never heard of it. Still it is quite a shame it wont be sold in Europe as well. We would appreciate it much more.

January 10, 2012 10:46 am

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MadAboutCars

No clue why not the rest of the world, maybe its a gamble between extending the warranty of the vehicle vs sales, NA should be their biggest market maybe they can't deny it wants.

January 10, 2012 11:26 pm

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Alkke

This will be a hard choice.. Better performance perhaps with the auto, but for the true drivers the manual. Manual for me please.

January 10, 2012 5:59 am

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1 reply

LokiMaky

not perhaps but true, auto is much better

-1

January 10, 2012 6:16 am

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kimbo

Despite my love for manuals I would never gent an M5 F10 with a manual. The new generation M5 is more like a grand tourer, very comfy car with supercar performance, manual doesn't make sense in such comfortable and luxurious limousine. Also it will probably be again that with a manual you won't be able to turn off the stability system (as in M5 e60) so it won't make any sense at all.

January 10, 2012 6:28 am

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1 reply

dbehmoaras

Since when does it being a GT mean that drivers are now entitled to get lazier behind the wheel? Who says you can't drive a manual comfortably? Once you get used to it, it becomes second nature. The beauty of having a manual is to be able to exploit the entire rev range on command without interference, both to drive fast and to drive comfortably. And on your point about not being able to turn off the traction control in the E60 with a manual, I have a soiled pair of underwear that would beg to differ. Let's just say one got a little too happy with the throttle and almost wrapped the car around the tree.

January 10, 2012 8:13 am

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GRAVE

The fact is 90% of the people who call them selves purists will go for the auto. The auto will sell more.

-1

January 10, 2012 7:19 am

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3 replies

dbehmoaras

The purists are likely to go for the manual. It's the purists that demanded it (at least in the US anyway).

January 10, 2012 8:06 am

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dbehmoaras

I'm pretty sure it's the purists who demanded the manual. Or at least the ones in the US...

-1

January 10, 2012 8:14 am

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marshall-mills@sbcglobal.net

Sad, but true. But still; I like the fact that at least BMW's giving us manual as an option.

January 10, 2012 7:07 pm

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lilsumo

manual will sell in europe. the old m5 manual wit da 5.0 v8 was the best one ever made!

January 10, 2012 7:54 am

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dbehmoaras

Huzzah!!! Although it would have been an opportunity to bring in a 7spd manual as well and have that trend proliferate a bit more quickly.

January 10, 2012 8:05 am

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GSS5_23

thank you bmw for catering to the wants and needs of people who actually know how to enjoy driving their cars.

January 10, 2012 9:48 am

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DenIs

just bring the damn car to the US already.. summer is too far out

January 10, 2012 9:58 am

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miladjuckel

horsepower value in article is incorrect, the car has 560HP NOT 660HP

January 10, 2012 11:43 am

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1 reply

BrianWCF

corrected, thanks!

January 10, 2012 1:01 pm

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iLikeCars

Am sure BMW will provide the option to order a manual, why deny the customer from the choice?

January 10, 2012 8:24 pm

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HEMI426

Bring it to the rest of the world I'm sure it would sell

January 10, 2012 9:51 pm

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nahidrahman

there's actually a dedicated and strong demand for manual M5s in the US. it is only because of that demand, BMW have decided to have one just for the US market. maybe the rest of the world need to make their voices heard if they want a manual M5 too and not whinging about it. btw- no cost option? looks like they'll be making more money on the manual ones. also just like to point out, a manual option on an M5 should be a 7 speeder like porsche has done

January 11, 2012 4:21 am

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PONTIAC G8 GXP

WTF? Manual gearbox for USA, where 90% cars have automatic transmission?

January 11, 2012 9:44 am

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3 replies

marshall-mills@sbcglobal.net

You say that as if it's a bad thing. Why?

January 11, 2012 10:47 am

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2 replies

PONTIAC G8 GXP

Why doesn't BMW launch manual M5 in Europe, where this transmission is much more popular? I think that only 3-5% in USA will choose BMW M5 with manual gearbox

January 14, 2012 9:58 am

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marshall-mills@sbcglobal.net

You know, I'm sorry. I meant that I was glad that at least ONE company's offering us a manual, but you're right. It's like all the Camcordalibusionoptima drivers in the U.S. would rather jump into a lake of lava than try something that's lighter, easier to use, more fuel efficient, and cheaper than an automatic. At least Europeans are more willing to actually TAKE the options that they're offered.

January 16, 2012 7:21 am

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HughHoward

OK, the net result is that BMW have developed a manual transmission for the new M5. Does it matter which market demanded it? No, but my point then is since they've gone to the expense of doing it, why not make it an option on M5's EVERYWHERE (or at least in the European market)? Those who want DCT can have it. Those who want manual can have it. With most M5's being ordered to spec, this should not be difficult. C'mon BMW, tell us why this is not possible? If Porsche can still offer enthusiasts the choice, then so should BMW.

January 12, 2012 12:48 pm

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