I had the opportunity to do an extended test drive yesterday of a M5 with 6-speed manual. I had placed an order last year for a M5 to replace my '12 650 vert (6MT) but decided I really like the F12 vert platform and elected to wait until the M6 verts were available with 6MT. BMW surprised me with an early production start of '14s so the time is NOW to firm the order for the M6. I really wanted to drive a 6MT M5, however, before placing the order because I had read mixed reviews of the MT.
First, the M5 is a really great car! An hour in the car made me a true believer - best M5 since my much loved 2003 E39 M5! Perfect balance, great sounding engine, comfortable and with the M1/M2 buttons very configureable. I expected the HUD to be like the HUD in my '13 X5M or the '12 650 vert but it's twice the width and much, much nicer.
The clutch is indeed different than any other of my BMW's; it's more like the clutch in my 997 TT in that it's quite light but has a very short engagement. It took me a mile or two to get used to the M5 but in a few minutes it felt quite natural. The pedals are in the perfect location for heel and toe shifting. I think the shifter is just about right and probably wouldn't want a shorter throw (and resulting higher effort)
It's too bad BMW didn't tune the exhaust on the X5M to sound like the M5 - you guys really have a great car
I'm waiting to see if BMW will approve M6 paint in Montreal Blue (96-97 color) with the Amaro Brown Ind leather.
dk