A UK-based tuning shop has recently taken delivery of a V10-packing BMW M5 (E61) wagon and converted it to enable manual gear switching. According to the team, the work takes many hours and a couple of custom-fabricated parts to complete, but is not too challenging.
The issue with the original E61 M5 Touring is that, as universally loved as its fiery V10 heart is, its SMG transmission is just as universally hated. Capricious, glitchy and prone to breaking, it is perhaps BMW’s most infamous gearbox to date. This is why the owner wanted it swapped out for an E92 M3 six-speed manual box. Other adjustments and replacements were made as well, including new gear ratios, flywheel, starter, wiring and software.
While tearing down the drivetrain is generally an arduous process regardless of the car involved, the team had a bit of luck installing the stick shift. Apparently, all M5 Touring models with the SMG have the opening in the floor for the lever to slot in seamlessly, making the installation a matter of minutes.
Watch the entire video if you are interested in learning all manner of tricks and pitfalls surrounding projects like this one.