A report suggests that BMW is doing away with the manual transmission option for both the M5 and M6, once production for those models ends in 2016.
A report suggests that BMW is doing away with the manual transmission option for both the M5 and M6, once production for those models ends in 2016. And this change may be permanent, due to a lack of demand for the option.
According to Car and Driver , BMW M division CEO Frank van Meel will be removing manual transmission from the M5 and M6 models, and the next generation for both models will not come with that option either. He told the publication that “demand has dropped to zero” for the manual option, as both M5 and M6 will apparently come with a standard seven-speed dual-clutch as the only gearbox option.
BMW developed the six-speed manual as an option mainly geared toward the U.S. market, with the intent of allowing performance freaks to better control the twin-turbo V8 engine found under the hoods of the M5 and M6. Despite those good intentions, Car and Driver said that it was “less than thrilled” with the present-generation M5’s manual option in a road test from a few years back. Other reviews were less than complementary toward M5 and M6 models with the manual.
If it’s any consolation for those who prefer stick shift as an option for the BMW M-series, the good news is that it won’t be phased out for other M-series models. Demand for manual transmissions on those models are still “high enough to keep (the option) in the portfolio indefinitely,” according to Car and Driver .
“On M2, M3, and M4, the manual transmission will stay,” van Meel told the publication. That’s good news.