Back in June we were lucky enough to stumble across this 2013 BMW M5 mule testing with a manual transmission. Today, BMW has finally confirmed what we've long known: The 2013 BMW M5 will come with a manual transmission.
The row-your-own transmission will be a no-cost option instead of the seven-speed M-DCT and will feature gearing optimized for acceleration and fuel economy. The manual-transmission car retains the same final drive (3.150) and M Active differential as the seven-speeder. As you'd expect from BMW, the shift knob is black leather.
The manual will only be available in the North American model, which goes on sale in late summer this year.
blackdynamite1 says:
08:26 AM, 01/ 9/12
BMW does the right thing.
If Cadillac CTS-V can put a manual in, the "Ultimate Driving Machine" can
BD
kevinlch says:
11:47 AM, 01/ 9/12
no handbrake?
no fun
stovt001 says:
12:49 PM, 01/ 9/12
You can't optimize gearing for acceleration and fuel economy, just one or the other or a compromise between the two.
mrbacon says:
04:13 PM, 01/ 9/12
It's nice to hear good news like this every now and then.
Strange that only North America will get the manual gearbox though.
smallfield says:
07:13 PM, 01/ 9/12
@Stovt001 - Agreed, what a stupid claim by BMW. Efficiency and performance are contradictory with gear spacing and final drive.
Almost as stupid as marketing "efficient dynamics" when their dynamic cars (M cars) typically get low teens for city and a high of 20mph highway...