
Yawn, sometime i get so bored of the baiting on these forums its like being at Playschool!
But yes, I suppose I should have mentioned it earlier. As part of the £6k options the previous owner opted for a manual 6sp box at a cost of £1200 in lieu of the auto step box.
The E46 330d manual 6 spd boxs can take more torque (some 30nm more) than their auto / step equivalents. When the salesman mentioned the chip to me, he also stated that BMW recommend the manual over the auto for the best gains. As this comment was in line with the facts about other x30ds I didnt question it.
As for the pic properties, you might want to check again!
Interior, actually I agree, I also prefer E46 and E39 to new model E60 and E90, although I have to admit, the E60 is not as bad as people make out and I found it very pleasureable to drive. Not as driver angeld as previous models but still well thought and laid out.
EDIT: Actually, according to BMW, 530ds only come in Auto too, but i've seen and been in plenty of manual E60 530ds