6MT Swap: is it possible?

[Sabs1815]

Hello Everybody!

I tried searching and didn't find any results on the subject. But I was wondering has anybody done any research into converting their F10 M5 from DCT to 6MT?

Hopefully someone can chime in and tell me if I'm wrong but the way I see it is, Would need a manual trans (which is the same one that was on the 550 F10) a clutch pedal (And all associated Hydro lines), New interior trim to replace the DCT console area, and someone who can reprogram the car for Manual trans. Im sure I'm missing things here but I haven't done enough research yet into what else would be involved.

Im just basing this on the fact that 6MT M5s exist which should be a swap is possible... Right?

I've been itching lately to get back into a 6MT and late night drives got me thinking about this.

[technician117]

Originally Posted by Sabs1815

Hello Everybody!

I tried searching and didn't find any results on the subject. But I was wondering has anybody done any research into converting their F10 M5 from DCT to 6MT?

Hopefully someone can chime in and tell me if I'm wrong but the way I see it is, Would need a manual trans (which is the same one that was on the 550 F10) a clutch pedal (And all associated Hydro lines), New interior trim to replace the DCT console area, and someone who can reprogram the car for Manual trans. Im sure I'm missing things here but I haven't done enough research yet into what else would be involved.

Im just basing this on the fact that 6MT M5s exist which should be a swap is possible... Right?

I've been itching lately to get back into a 6MT and late night drives got me thinking about this.

It's definitely possible. You will probably find it's a bit more complicated though. For example, the wiring harness for the trans area is likely different. I'm not sure if they started sectioning harnesses by 2011-2012, which would make life easier if the trans section could be unplugged and swapped. I'm pretty sure the driveshaft is the same. I'm not sure how the oil cooler is on the DCT cars, but the manual trans cars also have one. So possibly some of that system needs to be swapped as well. I'd think they would use the same stuff, but we're talking about a German car here...

One way to start focusing on details of what's different would be to study the RealOEM.com parts diagrams between the two.

In the end, it would be less expensive and take less time to just find a manual car for sale. They are definitely hard to find if you're at all picky on colors and options. Waiting and watching the internet is certainly a lot easier than endless nights in the garage though!

[santamonica00]

Took 7-8 months but found a 6MT. Would have to echo that they're out there and should be able to find them. If you're not picky on color I'd say <1 month. I was selective on interior/exterior color which was why it took longer.

[Sabs1815]

Thanks for the replies!

Im sure its would be a lot more involved than I'm imagining especially because of the complexity of these cars. Its kinda funny though how back in the SMG days it was pretty simple to accomplish this.

I agree though it would probably be a lot easier to just find a manual car. Im not so picky on color combos (I mean I don’t want a Sakhir on Sakhir car) but options I really want exec and B&O.

I test drove two 6 MT cars prior to picking up the DCT car I have now. Once of them had Exec and no B&O the other had B&O and No exec. I guess the hunt will have to be on if I want to go back to having a 3rd pedal.

[SGTVinny]

The cars of yester years cannot be used as a comp. The E60 was a completely mechanical beast, with the F10, the DNA is its electronic modules.

With a swap you need to replace the DCT's control unit and take it out of play with the rest of the 'limbs' of the car - TCU, ECU, etc. It is easy to do it mechanically and you may even succeed, however, having the electronics marry one another after a 6MT swap is a whole new level of intimacy which requires a car surgeon to program, re-program and test.

[Marcus Frost]

Originally Posted by Sabs1815

Thanks for the replies!

Im sure its would be a lot more involved than I'm imagining especially because of the complexity of these cars. Its kinda funny though how back in the SMG days it was pretty simple to accomplish this.

I agree though it would probably be a lot easier to just find a manual car. Im not so picky on color combos (I mean I don’t want a Sakhir on Sakhir car) but options I really want exec and B&O.

I test drove two 6 MT cars prior to picking up the DCT car I have now. Once of them had Exec and no B&O the other had B&O and No exec. I guess the hunt will have to be on if I want to go back to having a 3rd pedal.

Very much understand the joys of late night 3 pedal drives and the F10/F13/F06 really do drive so well with their 6-speed configurations.

While it absoutely would be possible to swap to a 6mt, and the actual trans itself isn't hard to find because it's used on many BMW cars, ultimately the price delta between a DCT car and a 6MT does not (yet) warrant the under taking. To pioneer this swap would be very time consuming, and I'm sure it would come out perfect, by the time you're done you probably could have found a 6MT car.

Now, finding a good deal on one of the limited edition F10s that didn't come in 6MT and converting those... that would be something special.

There's a shop down in Texas that's doing manual swaps on all kinds of cars, you should look them up - EuropeanAutoGroup. They are doing a swap on a Huracan right now.

Good luck!

[94jedi]

Is it possible? Yes of course, it's just a question of money. It's probably less effort/$$$ to just sell yours and buy a manual. As another poster said, they're out there but you have to be on top of your game and ready to jump (i.e. money to make the move is already liquid) with the understanding that there may not be much room to negotiate due to demand. Good luck.

[thxbuff2001]

Just wait for a straight out of the box ready MT F10. It is priced above the DCT though. Lease turn over is done so it will take awhile besides being
there are only 500 MT F10 M5 in the US but its out there.

[Sabs1815]

Thanks all for the replies!

Been looking around a little bit. theres a handful on the market right now. Im not in a rush so Im just going to wait around for the right car to come along. I've been spending a lot more time in Manual mode on my commute lately its kinda filling the void but I'm starting to really miss the clutch pedal.