Photo: Stefan Baldauf/SB-Medien
BMW’s M5 and M6 will not be available for order with a manual transmission once the new generation of the two models is launched.
Currently, the M5 and M6 are available with an optional six-speed manual transmission, but demand for this unit is so weak that BMW’s M division has decided not to develop a similar assembly for the upcoming models. The decision was confirmed by the boss of the BMW M division, Frank van Meel.
In an interview with Car&Driver, the chief of the performance branch of BMW has stated that demand for the manual gearbox in the M5 or M6 has “dropped to zero.”
Other carmakers, like Porsche, Ferrari, and Lamborghini, are experiencing similar demand issues with manual transmissions, so they are also pondering the idea of ditching them in favor of faster and more efficient automatic and dual-clutch units.
According to reviews, the manual gearbox version of the M5 and M6 is not as exciting to drive as the Seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, considering the latter is faster and more economical.
Furthermore, as the BMW M Division’s boss explained, the ECU of the cars with manuals had to be reprogrammed to prevent the destruction of the gearbox or the clutch, as the twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 unit produced enough torque to be capable of causing severe harm to the clutch, transmission, or drivetrain linkage in case the driver made improper shifts.
The manual transmission was not initially available on the M5 and M6, but it was introduced after launch for customers in the U.S. market, where demand for this unit justified its high development costs.
Unfortunately for whoever wanted a manual M5 or M6, the same expenses are too high for the upcoming generation of either model, as predicted demand is too low to justify the cost of testing and adjusting the powertrain to work with a manual.
As explained above, the problem is not the lack of a gearbox to withstand over 600 HP and 700 Nm (516 lb-ft), but also a clutch to keep up and be useable in day-to-day driving for the average customer.
Even die-hard manual fans would hate to drive a car with a “heavy” clutch pedal, and improper shifting could lead to transmission or clutch damage rather fast with that much torque and power on tap.
So, those seeking a manual M5 or M6 can still order the ongoing generations, available until fall 2016, or they can purchase one of the smaller models in the range. In the case of the M2, M3, and M4, Frank van Meel assured Car&Driver that manuals are there to stay in the range.
In an interview with Car&Driver, the chief of the performance branch of BMW has stated that demand for the manual gearbox in the M5 or M6 has “dropped to zero.”
Other carmakers, like Porsche, Ferrari, and Lamborghini, are experiencing similar demand issues with manual transmissions, so they are also pondering the idea of ditching them in favor of faster and more efficient automatic and dual-clutch units.
According to reviews, the manual gearbox version of the M5 and M6 is not as exciting to drive as the Seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, considering the latter is faster and more economical.
Furthermore, as the BMW M Division’s boss explained, the ECU of the cars with manuals had to be reprogrammed to prevent the destruction of the gearbox or the clutch, as the twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 unit produced enough torque to be capable of causing severe harm to the clutch, transmission, or drivetrain linkage in case the driver made improper shifts.
The manual transmission was not initially available on the M5 and M6, but it was introduced after launch for customers in the U.S. market, where demand for this unit justified its high development costs.
Unfortunately for whoever wanted a manual M5 or M6, the same expenses are too high for the upcoming generation of either model, as predicted demand is too low to justify the cost of testing and adjusting the powertrain to work with a manual.
As explained above, the problem is not the lack of a gearbox to withstand over 600 HP and 700 Nm (516 lb-ft), but also a clutch to keep up and be useable in day-to-day driving for the average customer.
Even die-hard manual fans would hate to drive a car with a “heavy” clutch pedal, and improper shifting could lead to transmission or clutch damage rather fast with that much torque and power on tap.
So, those seeking a manual M5 or M6 can still order the ongoing generations, available until fall 2016, or they can purchase one of the smaller models in the range. In the case of the M2, M3, and M4, Frank van Meel assured Car&Driver that manuals are there to stay in the range.
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