So, a couple of weeks ago I test drove a 530XiT auto. Not bad. I drove it entirely in manu-matic mode. But, if I were to get this model, I'd get a manual trans.
So today, I go to the other BMW dealer near me and ask if I can test drive a 530xi manual. They hadn't arrived yet but the manager said that "even when they do, he doesn't plan to get any manual trans 5 series for inventory because 99% of what he sells are automatics."
I knew that touring models are usually automatics and that a manual is rare in 3 Series or 5 Series. But I thought at least I could get a feel for the car (530xi) with a manual.
So, is this going to be pretty much true everywhere? Anybody have any success test driving xi models with manual?
I live in northern NJ and would like to test drive an xi manual somewhere near me.
thanks.
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| Reply » Wanna row my Own! |
Quote: | I picked it up in germany early june and was happy with the 6 speed. Reverse is a bit tough to get into, but the rest was very smooth. I'm very very surprised that more people don't get manuals. | It doesn't surprise me. People need their right hand free to use their phone!! You just don't see many manuals anymore...they seem to be for the enthusiasts only.
Check out the CDV comments I addressed to mbforme...tell me what you think.
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| Reply » Wanna row my Own! |
Quote: | People need their right hand free to use their phone!!. | So do you think we see increase in manual transmissions since bluetooth is a standard option? 
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| Reply » Wanna row my Own! |
Quote: | So do you think we see increase in manual transmissions since bluetooth is a standard option? | Nope...traffic increase due to population growth is what will keep many folks away from manuals.... 
Personally, I don't buy it as I can drive just fine in 5 mph traffic with my manual but some folks don't like it and that's that.
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| Reply » Wanna row my Own! |
1600 miles in Germany, Switzerland, N. Italy and Austria...very varied driving mostly with air conditioning on because of the heat and humidity & with 2 adults/2 kids and the kind of resultant stuffed Bangle butt that you might expect....and 27.8 mpg (calculated by hand)....that's a pretty impressive endorsement of the new 530 with a manual. I am very pleased with the manual...exept I am consistently hitting the accelerator when breaking...I need to find the proper right foot orientation.
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Wanna row my Own!