BMW Confirms Manual Gearbox for 2012 M5 F10
The 2012 BMW M5 F10 will be offered with a six-speed manual transmission, alongside the seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, following speculation about a manual option.
BMW will offer a six-speed manual transmission on the 2012 M5 F10, confirming the availability of a manual gearbox for its flagship performance saloon after months of speculation. The manual will be sold alongside the seven-speed dual-clutch DCT, giving buyers a choice that had been in doubt as BMW’s M Division moved towards automated transmissions across its range.
BMW’s decision follows sightings of pre-production M5s with a manual gear lever and H-pattern shifter, confirming that the company will continue to cater to enthusiasts who prefer a traditional manual. The manual M5 is expected to be targeted mainly at North America, where demand for manual performance cars remains stronger than in Europe. The manual gearbox will not incur a price premium over the DCT in the US market.
Manual transmission details and technical changes
The manual gearbox in the F10 M5 is a six-speed unit, developed specifically for this application. It will transmit power from the S63 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8, which produces 560PS and 680Nm of torque. The manual M5 retains rear-wheel drive, and early images show the gearlever with the H-pattern partially covered, but no evidence of a manual handbrake. Instead, the F10 M5 uses an electro-mechanical handbrake across the range.
The new V8 engine, paired with either transmission, is claimed by BMW to deliver more power and torque than the outgoing E60 M5’s naturally aspirated V10, while improving fuel efficiency and reducing emissions by over 25 percent. Detailed technical specifications on the engine and DCT can be found in our coverage of the F10 M5’s powertrain:BMW’s 2012 M5 F10: Twin-Turbo V8 and Seven-Speed DCT Detailed.
Market positioning and buyer impact
Offering both manual and dual-clutch transmissions allows BMW to address different buyer preferences. The manual M5 is intended for purists who value driver involvement over outright shift speed, while the DCT caters to those seeking maximum performance and convenience. The F10 M5’s chassis remains unchanged, with the manual version retaining the same suspension, brakes and electronic systems as the DCT model.
- Manual transmission aimed mainly at US buyers.
- No manual handbrake: electro-mechanical system fitted as standard.
- Engine: 4.4-litre V8 twin-turbo (S63), 560PS, 680Nm.
- Both manual and DCT versions are rear-wheel drive.
BMW’s move to offer a manual gearbox in the latest M5 stands out as rivals such as the Mercedes-AMG E63 and Audi RS6 have dropped manual options in favour of automatics and dual-clutch units. While the manual M5 will be a niche choice, it keeps the option alive for enthusiasts at the top end of the sports saloon market.
For more on the F10 M5’s powertrain and technical details, see 2012 BMW M5: S63 Twin-Turbo V8 Powers F10 Generation.
