skratch77

Also on bmw's web site they said it had a manual as an option.Ill search for it and post back.

from bmws site

6spd pic notice the m badge

bmw na on m5board

rsteele

Based on a recent BMW M5 message board post from a source at BMWNA, there will be a manual transmission option for the M5 in the USA.

http://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/sho...6&postcount=51

On a different note, two days ago I had my first in-the-flesh encounter with and test drive of the CLS500. I was very impressed with the appearance and utility of the car, compared with BMW's 6-series "coupe." I thought that steering feel was unsatisfactory by BMW standards, but I'm sure the CLS55 AMG will improve on that. It's interesting that a deposit on the E60 M5 two years ago placed me at #12 on a local dealership's long M5 waiting list, whereas a deposit only a few months ago assured a #1 position on a waiting list of only four people for the CLS55. Yesterday, I let #2 pass me in line to place a build order on the CLS55, because I needed a little more time to make a decision between the CLS55 and M5, and because the dealership is still unable to give me a price on the car. I'm sure that the waiting list for the CLS55 will lengthen now that the CLS500 is getting dealership exposure.

There's another issue that delays my decision between the CLS AMG and the M5. There's open rumor that the AMG version of the CLS will soon get a 4-valve 6.3 NA engine and will be mated to a strengthened version of the new 7-speed auto. That car might be available for order by the time I have the opportunity to order the M5.

0-60 Swiftly

Well My Bmw Dealer Has Promised Me #1 When Ever I Decide If I Want The M5 Or M6 And I Am In New York City. Fyi He Does Not Bull**** Me EITHER

rsteele

Huh?

S55inPA

hey guys,

either car is great but if i had to pick
it would be the M5. the only concern i
would have would be the new V10 motor.
the amg kompressor has been a dependable
engine where the V10's dependability is yet
to be known.

rsteele

Point well taken. I understand that MB is moving away from the supercharged engine to a larger capacity, 4-valve, normally aspirated engine for the AMG CLS. Any rumors as to why they are doing this?

S55inPA

my guess the engine change is for a variety of reasons.
emissions, costs, and image. from what i've seen on
different forums MB takes a lot of heat for the 3 valve
SOHC engine as being behind the times and not as innovative.
plus the whole supercharger normally aspirated nonsense that
constantly swirls back and forth from BMW and MB fans.
for me i don't care what's under the hood. as long as it
is efficient, powerful and not prone to failure.