Did The E61 M5 Touring Get a Manual Gearbox?

[AngeloUccello]

I know that the E60 saloon got a manual in North America. But what about the E61 Touring? Did that also get a manual in the states? Thanks.

[Joscal]

I nearly sure the estate wasn't sold in the states.

[BSSBMW]

No E61 M5's in the states.

[markclow]

I had a manual in the states. Not an E61, just an E60 (E61s M5s not available in USA as BSS states above).

[smack]

I have driven a manual box E60, which I was looking to buy thinking I would avoid all the red cog of death issues, and but IMHO it doesn't work with that gearbox. The car handles great, feeling like an evolved E39 M5, but while the V8 pulled from low down, so you can be lazy and leave it is a high gear and it will still accelerate, the V10 has an epic top end, but doesn't have the V8's low down torque. So unless you keep it up the revs, when mated to the 7 speed SMG allows it to do with ease, it doesn't really go.

I found the same thing with the GM LS2 engine, lacking the low down torque which I have driven in a few cars. Keep them on boil and they are great fun, and sound great!

[AngeloUccello]

Thanks everyone for all the information. Really appreciate it

[markclow]

smack said:

I have driven a manual box E60, which I was looking to buy thinking I would avoid all the red cog of death issues, and but IMHO it doesn't work with that gearbox. The car handles great, feeling like an evolved E39 M5, but while the V8 pulled from low down, so you can be lazy and leave it is a high gear and it will still accelerate, the V10 has an epic top end, but doesn't have the V8's low down torque. So unless you keep it up the revs, when mated to the 7 speed SMG allows it to do with ease, it doesn't really go.

I found the same thing with the GM LS2 engine, lacking the low down torque which I have driven in a few cars. Keep them on boil and they are great fun, and sound great!

I agree totally. I remember driving my 6 speed M5 to work one day and a Golf tried to race me. A regular Golf. I put my foot down without going down 2 gears and it was an even race! Once I dropped it a couple of gears I destroyed him though.

I found that about 1/4 of the E60 M5s in the States are manuals so you could probably get the parts easy. Car parts are SO cheap here, its ridiculous.

Edited by markclow on Monday 6th March 12:41