Manual swapping certain performance cars seems to be big business at the moment. That era blighted by automated manuals is now enjoying a resurgence as specialists reintroduce a third a pedal to the footwell. The BMW M cars with an SMG are probably the best known conversions at the moment, but it’s also happening with F1 transmission Ferraris (this 599 looks incredible), and e-gear Lamborghinis. It’s an easy trend to understand, too, offering up a much more direct, rewarding relationship with some fantastic engines.
Here we have something a little different: rather than an auto where the enthusiasts would really want a manual, there are six speeds and three pedals where so often an auto would be chosen. Yep, it’s another one from the manual BMW back catalogue you’d forgotten about, the E60-era BMW 550i.
As a rival for top-of-the-range E-Classes, A6s and Jags, an automatic would make complete sense for the V8, non-M flagship with 367hp. But BMW will just be BMW sometimes, and offer up a knuckly six-speed just because it can - this 5 Series was one of those moments. And what was a large luxury cruiser in the 2000s is now probably a nice size, weight and performance level for a compact(ish) sports saloon. With a couple of supporting modifications, perhaps a manual could suit a 5 Series with a near-5.0-litre V8. It wouldn’t be the first time, of course.
This one is notable beyond the transmission choice, too, because it’s been specified with BMW Individual options. Back in 2007, somebody spent £57,670 on this, adding Aegean Blue paint, Night Vision, a sunroof, extended leather and upgraded audio. Even 18 years later, a smartly specced E60 really cuts a dash, and this is most certainly one of them. It’s helped in that regard by just 25,000 miles on the odometer; everybody who’s owned this has seemingly been all too aware of its special status, and not hacked up and down motorways in it.
Let’s hope there’s plenty of history to go with that minimal mileage; always good to see, of course, but especially so with the BMW N62 V8. It doesn’t have the best reliability reputation, to be kind, with issues from valve stem seals to a leaking coolant reservoir. And it’s hard to work on. The horror stories are offset with good ones, of course, usually from owners obsessive about maintenance. And this one has made it to 2025. But just be aware it’s not the sturdiest V8 in the world.
Still, the prospect of a manual 5 Series with a big engine remains immensely appealing, particularly in such pristine condition. This one is priced at £19,499 (an auto is a few thousand less); as the M cars have appreciated, so the other interesting versions have been pulled up as well. And it’s hardly like you’re going to be cross-shopping this one with another similar car. For those that want it, nothing much else is going to do: an E39 M5 at this money will have another 90,000 miles. Probably a manual 5 Series at £20k is going to take a really dedicated BMW head to go for it, though it’s most certainly interesting. And imagine if the current line up looks this good in another two decades…
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