No Automatic for M5?

We have been hearing from sources for quite sometime that the next generation ///M5 will for a variety of reasons use an automatic gearbox. Things have just changed. While we can not confirm what the ///M5 will have to change gears a BMW official has told us to “Have faith that the next M5 won’t be equipped with an automatic transmission.”

That leaves the door wide open for speculating but there are now multiple options that are not true torque converter automatics that could fit the bill.

Both GETRAG, BMWs current DCT supplier, and ZF have DCTs capable of handling upwards 600 ft-lbs of torque which aside from possible packaging and fitment issues would work in the F10 ///M5.

The other possibility is that the torque number will not be that high, something the engineers had hinted at of the ///M SAV launch. They suggested that in future applications the motor could be tuned to better fit a cars dynamics. Taking that into consideration means even more DCTs (including the current M3′s) may work.

There is one option that is not a DCT and not a “true” automatic as it does not have a torque converter. BMW’s ZF sourced 8HP automatic can according to sources be equipped with a wet clutch pack, giving increased sportiness with the same lighting fast shifts. This setup is not used currently because torque converters require less maintenance and have a longer service life- but on a low volume ///M model that is not a concern as part of the warranty/maintenance plan.

There are also rumors that the US may continue to see a manual offered. Sales of the last model were brisk for the manual and as I was reminded, in the US it is more about driver engagement rather than just speed.

While we have not confirmed or eliminated any transmission from the next ///M5 we have a better understanding of what may come. We also have a rejuvenated faith in BMW to not stick a slushbox in such a monstrous performance machine.