S5 Clutch & Gear Box

**BD997** · 10-10-2008 10:15 AM

Hey guys im having a hard time finding an automatic S5 to the specs im looking for... so I may consider a manual 6 speed. How is the clutch? Is it easy to drive? How is the shifter? Is the throw short and can you feel the links as you change gears? I like a nice tight and short gear box... Also is it possible to install a short shift kit, I had one in my 997 and it was like night and day as it reduced the throw 30-40%... Thanks!

**blacka4** · 10-10-2008 10:23 AM

Well considering they don't make the S5 in a auto you are going to be hard pressed to find one. I have not yet had the chance to drive a S5 but from what I hear the anti-stall feature takes a bit getting used to and the the car could use a short shifter once someone makes on for it

**BD997** · 10-10-2008 10:29 AM

Originally Posted by blacka4

Well considering they don't make the S5 in a auto you are going to be hard pressed to find one.

Actually they do make auto... but its hard to find.... here is a link to a black one...
http://www.ecarlist.com/showroom/114...140&cond=10425

**BD997** · 10-10-2008 10:41 AM

NEVER MIND! AFTER READING THIS THREAD I WON'T TAKE THE CHANCE ON A 6SPEED... I'D RATHER ORDER AN AUTO... WAIT 9 WEEKS AND BE HAPPY THAN A 6PEED NOW AND BE MISERABLE...

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...-stall+feature

**ShutterSpeed** · 10-10-2008 10:43 AM

Originally Posted by blacka4

Well considering they don't make the S5 in a auto you are going to be hard pressed to find one. I have not yet had the chance to drive a S5 but from what I hear the anti-stall feature takes a bit getting used to and the the car could use a short shifter once someone makes on for it

Wow, thats a great comment. We have delivered 2-3 auto S5's here in DE

**Borg54** · 10-10-2008 10:46 AM

I have a white S5 manual and i love it. I also considered an auto as San Francisco can be a pain to have a manual (and so my girlfriend could drive it), but went with the manual after all.

This is a great manual box. I have had lots of BMW M cars and this gearbox is much smoother. M cars are very hard to drive smoothly in SF and my S5 is not. That said the throws are not short, but i am sure someone will come up with a short shifter soon.

Also of note is an "anti-stall" (search the threads here) that Audi has in its manual S5. I have a 2009 so i don't know if they have changed it (made it less intrusive), but i haven't had any type of problem with it. You get used to it really fast. All I notice is a little over revving of the engine when the clutch is depressed.

There is also a light rumbling of the line when the clutch is slipping. It felt a odd to me at first but now i am totally used to it.

Lastly, and a great reason to get the manual, is when you let off the gas and just let the engine breaking slow you down, the car sounds like a fighter jet powering down. i don't know what cause that amazing sound but it is music.

In the end this is the best manual box i have had (other than the long throws). I would totally recommend it.

**Borg54** · 10-10-2008 10:55 AM

Originally Posted by BD997

NEVER MIND! AFTER READING THIS THREAD I WON'T TAKE THE CHANCE ON A 6SPEED... I'D RATHER ORDER AN AUTO... WAIT 9 WEEKS AND BE HAPPY THAN A 6PEED NOW AND BE MISERABLE...

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...-stall+feature

As a former pro race driver and instructor (I only tell you that so that you don't think I have no idea what i am doing) i will tell you that the anti-stall is not noticeable.

I would order a manual again without hesitation.

**BD997** · 10-10-2008 11:08 AM

Originally Posted by Borg54

I have a white S5 manual and i love it. I also considered an auto as San Francisco can be a pain to have a manual (and so my girlfriend could drive it), but went with the manual after all.

This is a great manual box. I have had lots of BMW M cars and this gearbox is much smoother. M cars are very hard to drive smoothly in SF and my S5 is not. That said the throws are not short, but i am sure someone will come up with a short shifter soon.

Also of note is an "anti-stall" (search the threads here) that Audi has in its manual S5. I have a 2009 so i don't know if they have changed it (made it less intrusive), but i haven't had any type of problem with it. You get used to it really fast. All I notice is a little over revving of the engine when the clutch is depressed.

There is also a light rumbling of the line when the clutch is slipping. It felt a odd to me at first but now i am totally used to it.

Lastly, and a great reason to get the manual, is when you let off the gas and just let the engine breaking slow you down, the car sounds like a fighter jet powering down. i don't know what cause that amazing sound but it is music.

In the end this is the best manual box i have had (other than the long throws). I would totally recommend it.

I know what you mean in regards to the BMW SMG box... I had an 08 M5 and it was great but the auto mode was horrible... anyways thanks for the write up!

**blacka4** · 10-11-2008 09:24 AM

OK ok the last time I checked...guess it was only in 08 they didn't have the tip..09 its an option...geez you guys are harsh

**BD997** · 10-11-2008 11:52 AM

Originally Posted by blacka4

OK ok the last time I checked...guess it was only in 08 they didn't have the tip..09 its an option...geez you guys are harsh

you see I didnt know this.... no wonder all the 08's for sale out there are manual... its explains it! thx

**SupraBlur** · 10-13-2008 07:27 PM

I was pretty scared of getting my 6MT after reading all of the negative posts about the way the clutch feels, but I've since gotten to drive both an 08 and an 09 S5, and I don't see what all the fuss is about -- it was absolutely painless to drive.

-Ray