Manual Transmission BMW F10 M5 Review – The Purist's M5? [Video]

[dasGuttenM3]

I have owned a dct M3 and a 6-speed, I plan on getting another 6-speed. AS much as I loved the DCT, it was less involved and the fun factor just wasnt there for me..IMO

[Jason]

Originally Posted by Diver

I recall reading around here that BMW was working on a new design for an automated manual transmission that could be built as either an automatic or a manual. The objective is to have more than 6 ratios in this fuel efficiency focused world. I don't see how having to punch a clutch pedal at every shift helps anything. It can only lead to driver error. Perhaps this new design transmission will offer a sufficient level of involvement and control with faster and consistent shifts. Most high end cars now come equipped with some kind of a paddle shift transmission. To me, the manual seems like clinging to the past.

For anyone interested in reading about this 7 speed manual that Diver is referring to, here is the original article:

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=701345

[MilehighM3]

Originally Posted by G2G

so he actually launched the car in 2nd gear?!

Nope, watch it again.
On a side note, its kind of cool that the MT rev matches for you on downshifts. Although it's a nice feature, it does take a little fun out of it when you take driving skill into account.

[TheBingoBalls]

Originally Posted by Bmw135er

Nope, watch it again.
On a side note, its kind of cool that the MT rev matches for you on downshifts. Although it's a nice feature, it does take a little fun out of it when you take driving skill into account.

It doesn't, Carlos actually downshifts via heel/toe (look around the 3:40 mark, you might have to quickly pause it because it goes by quick).

[Nang Vann]

Great vid! Love the good old manual

[gds52]

Originally Posted by bradone1

Bah! 6MT for me always or I won't buy it, if this is the last year I am glad i got it and will buy m3's from now on. No disrespect but all the DCT drivers can't point and shoot their cars and use the little buttons on the steering wheel all they want.

For me it's not about going fast in a straight line, there is nothing better than downshifting on a turn from 5 to 3, with your hand and foot, and getting it perfect to fire out of the hole

Sorry you guys may make fun of me but I would rather have a connection with a car, I really cannot drive an automatic anything precisely.... I can drive it but there is no control for me. Probably has something to do with the fact that I have driven manuals all my life.

Just my opinion, I thought the review was great, he's got a sharp tongue though,

You nailed it man...5 to 3 on a turn.
With manual stick shift u get a sense of control. It feels like the car obeys you. Whereas an automatic feels like the computer runnin on it's own... Just my opinion.
This reviewer calling manual dumb just shows tht he was not born as a driver on manual.

[WULFFZA]

Alpine white over silverstone, 6MT. Wow, that is my dream order.

[TheBingoBalls]

Originally Posted by gds52

You nailed it man...5 to 3 on a turn.
With manual stick shift u get a sense of control. It feels like the car obeys you. Whereas an automatic feels like the computer runnin on it's own... Just my opinion.
This reviewer calling manual dumb just shows tht he was not born as a driver on manual.

He wasn't saying manual transmission's were dumb. All he was saying is that he doesn't agree with the whole "Save the manuals" for the sake of having option for manuals because more cars are being built with twin-clutch transmissions in mind. In fact, he says cars such as the Miata, FRS/BRZ should have manual transmissions because it works and having DCT wouldn't improve what a MT already does on those cars.

[L4ces]

One step closer to the unmanned google car. I am sure many will prefer no clutch nor steering. Just put it your destination via voice and gas and brake

[Koop]

I would've enjoyed hearing his thoughts on turbo lag with the manual tranny.

[krispykreme]

Originally Posted by mrmomo313

seems stupid to want a manual tranny in a 100k luxury sport sedan imo. esp since this car was designed for the DCT. if you really want that "purist" connection get a full on sports car with a MT

But short and fat driver like I am don't really fit into sports car well. Hard to get in and out.

I bought a Gallardo. But it's not easy for me to drive. Nature of the car layout.

[krispykreme]

Originally Posted by 宝马.e90

It doesn't, Carlos actually downshifts via heel/toe (look around the 3:40 mark, you might have to quickly pause it because it goes by quick).

Actually it does.

I am not sure why Carlos did heel and toe. But F10 does rev match when down shift in manual.

So BMW did take away some fun.

[KG3356MT]

DCT for me in the M5 and M3 as well.

[MilehighM3]

Originally Posted by krispykreme

Actually it does.

I am not sure why Carlos did heel and toe. But F10 does rev match when down shift in manual.

So BMW did take away some fun.

Yep good call. Those that have driven them know better. It's funny as a test driver he didn't realize it though! Probably thought he was perfect in his throttle blips too haha.

[Jblack4083]

Originally Posted by malter2.0

Manual will always be in demand long after future M5 generations fully transition to all auto. They will surely carry higher price premium when used. You can see this with E60 M5, E46 M3 and now with newest E92 M3. Used DCT E92 M3 are cheaper or same as manual version, despite being a $3k option. '07+ E60 M5 with manual are pricier used than SMG. E46 has the widest margin probably.

Not true. I was in the market for an E46 M3 a year ago and the manuals were on average cheaper.

[sfm5]

Like the motor trend dig on car and driver's "save the manual" campaign a free years back...

[ORIGIN M.]

With a boosted motor, DCT is better because it shifts while still in boost. Otherwise a manual would be a given.

[Amleto63]

I really do not understand why not following the technology state of the art!
I see only drawbacks using the MT and I personally have no limitations with AT but benefits. And fast driving is much more efficient and funny using both feet for throttle and brakes control.

[krispykreme]

Originally Posted by Amleto63

I really do not understand why not following the technology state of the art!
I see only drawbacks using the MT and I personally have no limitations with AT but benefits. And fast driving is much more efficient and funny using both feet for throttle and brakes control.

Simple. I just don't want DCT.

Its same reason why i don't like a lot of electronics on the car too. I am not fond of steering response setting on the new M5 either.

Some time simpler is better.

[doc19]

Originally Posted by Koop

I would've enjoyed hearing his thoughts on turbo lag with the manual tranny.

Agreed... this is my concern with the new m3/4, there have been reports that the computer does a good job of hiding lag with the DCT in the m5, however no computer to hide it with the manual.

@Amleto63

On public roads I'm not going to get any of the speed benefit from the DCT, but with a 6mt even a hop over to the grocery store can be fun as I rev match pulling into the parking lot. I think that's what it comes down for me, the DCT is lightning fast but the 6MT is just, fun.

[maupineda]

I agree with his last statement, however all he says about the "nature" of the car is nonsense to me. It is always the choice of the driver and in no way an auto gives more control over the power train.

[bradone1]

Good article on MT and the fact that people just aren't being taught as children anymore... I'm assuming alot of our DCT peers were simply never introduced?

http://www.cnn.com/2012/07/19/us/manual-car-question-comeback/index.html