Using manual transmission is first gear more like an SUV or sports car?

Asked by facops Dec 20, 2006 at 01:58 PM about the BMW X3

Question type: General

I drive a 2005 X5 (with manual transmission).  First gear is so "low" (when accelerating, as soon as I shift in I have to shift to second gear) that in many cases it is almost useless.  I usually shift right into second gear from a stopped position.  How does the X3 compare?

5 Answers

I'm not sure how these two SUVs directly compare. It's hard to do a straight-up comparison between two cars with different drivers. Last time I drove a stick shift I barely hit first or third, whereas a friend with the same car drove his completely differently. I'm guessing that the lowness of first gear on the X5 would be extremely pronounced due to its off-road capabilities, but am not completely sure. Hopefully, someone else out there is and can respond as well=) CarGrrl

5

I am not positive, but I think the X5 is geared lower due to the weight. 1st is pretty normal on my X3. I had to order it to get the man trans and sport pkg - I do not know why more people don't get that combo - it's awesome. The only gear I tend to skip is 5th. I do wish that 6th was a little taller for hwy cruising.

215

I have a 2005 X3 auto sports, it goes bloody fantastic.. The accelerating is great either in auto, SD or manual shift... It has a lot of pickup and I love it... I do suggest if you are going to buy an X3 or X5, do try both auto & manual.. BUT it does depend on how you do drive.. As I like to say, any fool can drive a car, its just knowing how to drive.....

1 people found this helpful.

The manual transmission is no longer available in the X5. I'm REALLY sad that the stickshift is dying here in the US. I was hoping to spend under $30K for a new car, but now I'm shopping for BMWs because they are the only brand that hasn't stop making stick-shifts.

1 people found this helpful.
7,505

well usually this is not the issue with the gearbox of x3 . it is pretty neat. on ur x5 i would suggest to check the transmission mount and fluid. http://x3bmw.net/latest-pictures-2011/

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