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.
7,495

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/

Your Answer:

X3

Looking for a Used X3 in your area?

CarGurus has 1,167 nationwide X3 listings starting at $4,400.

Postal Code:

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    GuruS2Q1K
    Reputation
    810
  • #2
    barrelgoose
    Reputation
    540
  • #3
    GuruV914F
    Reputation
    300
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used BMW X5
56 Great Deals out of 991 listings starting at $6,995
Used BMW 3 Series
65 Great Deals out of 1,206 listings starting at $2,900
Used BMW X3 M
26 listings starting at $60,995
Used BMW X1
29 Great Deals out of 651 listings starting at $6,900
Used BMW X4
12 Great Deals out of 173 listings starting at $18,999
Used BMW 5 Series
23 Great Deals out of 300 listings starting at $5,299
Used Audi Q5
55 Great Deals out of 1,241 listings starting at $943
Used Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class
53 Great Deals out of 1,012 listings starting at $18,888
Used Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class
24 Great Deals out of 1,139 listings starting at $23,998
Used BMW X6
9 Great Deals out of 198 listings starting at $11,995
Used BMW M3
5 Great Deals out of 69 listings starting at $14,995
Used Porsche Macan
24 Great Deals out of 304 listings starting at $21,650
Used Lexus RX
50 Great Deals out of 1,206 listings starting at $4,995
Used BMW 4 Series
22 Great Deals out of 419 listings starting at $14,900
Used BMW X2
8 Great Deals out of 173 listings starting at $21,790

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.