Photos: 6 speed manual transmission shift knob is lighted

[Jason]

Had a chance to get in the US spec F10 M5 last night and managed to grab a photo of the 6MT shifter, which some were wondering was lighted or not.

Here's your answer

P.S. for any 1M readers viewing this thread: the F10 M5's shift knob is going to be a direct swap for the 1M coupe. Just gotta find a way to wire it in the 1M for the lighting.

[jphughan]

Nice pics! Two quick questions:

1) Does the door thing forward of the shifter actually open to reveal anything (empty compartment, cupholder, whatever) or is it just there to provide the little indentation for coins and stuff?

2) Does the cupholder behind the iDrive knob have a sliding door to close it when not needed or is that just a permanent hole in the center console?

I will admit to preferring the DCT center console (two covered cupholders up front, small storage area covered by a flip-up door at the rear), but losing that is a small price to pay for getting 6MT.

[nybimmerfan]

That's the type of transmission I am getting. Looks really cool. I couldn't care less for the cupholder, I'd probably use it to hold coins.

I assume that is a footrest to the left of the clutch pedal?

[Necromancer]

How does the emergency brake lever work? Is it absolutely on/off or are there gradients? I would rather have regular hand brake. This is how Cadillac does it I think.

[m5 guy]

Good to know, thanks!

[ibimmer954]

Originally Posted by jphughan

Nice pics! Two quick questions:

1) Does the door thing forward of the shifter actually open to reveal anything (empty compartment, cupholder, whatever) or is it just there to provide the little indentation for coins and stuff?

Yes, it opens up and there's a small compartment in there.

2) Does the cupholder behind the iDrive knob have a sliding door to close it when not needed or is that just a permanent hole in the center console?

There's no cover for the cupholder. The hole is always there.

[ibimmer954]

Originally Posted by Necromancer

How does the emergency brake lever work? Is it absolutely on/off or are there gradients? I would rather have regular hand brake. This is how Cadillac does it I think.

It's either on or off. Nothing in between. The clutch pedal must be all the way down to turn it off.

On=pull
Off=push

A little mini brake lever for your finger.

[uhn2000]

Sweet thanks for the review. How are the shifts? Knotchy or smooth - Long or short? This is definitely going to be my tranny of choice. Amazing it lights up!

[eljay]

Can you go back, take the knob off and get us a part number?

It is good news that this will be available in the BMW parts bin.

[SleepTight]

OK, now that is slick. Almost makes me want to buy the manual. Almost.

[RoyBratten]

I would rather have regular hand brake.

[bimmer ///man]

Part number?

[Wolf]

Thanks jason, you're the best!

[uhn2000]

Can't wait to order mine - going into the dealership next week to get pricing and options.

[MakeEmDrool]

Has anyone actually formally reviewed the manual in this car? I've been a 3 pedal guy for the last 10 years and 3 BMWs - including what i have now, but perhaps the most interesting comment I read on this site somewhere (aside from the common knowledge we are the only market for the manual) is the notion that the manual is an afterthought for this market and perhaps not the best mating for the car.

Have a production # for the car, and getting ready to spec it out, and really thinking more and more to break with tradition...

[Jason]

Originally Posted by MakeEmDrool

Has anyone actually formally reviewed the manual in this car? I've been a 3 pedal guy for the last 10 years and 3 BMWs - including what i have now, but perhaps the most interesting comment I read on this site somewhere (aside from the common knowledge we are the only market for the manual) is the notion that the manual is an afterthought for this market and perhaps not the best mating for the car.

Have a production # for the car, and getting ready to spec it out, and really thinking more and more to break with tradition...

BMWNA has said told us that the manual transmission for this car was developed concurrently with the DCT, so I'd expect it to be good.

[Philippe4]

I don't like the rubber but I can live with it

[MakeEmDrool]

thanks for the info Jason - of course, was kinda hoping you'd say the 6MT sux so the decision would be easy!

back to the drawing board...

[visualguy]

The M DCT is one of the special things about this car that make it great, so getting the manual is a difficult choice on this car. It almost seems like if you get the manual, you might as well just get the 550i or maybe even the 535i since you're compromising the M5 to some extent with the manual transmission choice.

I've been struggling with this choice myself - really hard to decide.

[mpm3]

need that shift knob !

[CarolinaM5]

Originally Posted by Jason

Had a chance to get in the US spec F10 M5 last night and managed to grab a photo of the 6MT shifter, which some were wondering was lighted or not.

Here's your answer

P.S. for any 1M readers viewing this thread: the F10 M5's shift knob is going to be a direct swap for the 1M coupe. Just gotta find a way to wire it in the 1M for the lighting.

Where did you see this US spec M5?!

[Jason]

Originally Posted by CarolinaM5

Where did you see this US spec M5?!

It was at a recent BMW press drive event for the M6 convertible, 6 Series Gran Coupe and refreshed 7 Series (review and photo gallery).

It was the monte carlo blue M5 that BMWNA has had for months, which former M Manager Matt Russell had been driving around.