The 5-speedbox fitted to VX490s had a direct 5th, as do some older BMW 5-series cars - the shift pattern has 1st opposite reverse so you're dog-legging to get second gear; the reasoning was to give a "sporting" feel whereas the conventional 5-speed pattern BMW used offered a touring (i.e. over-driven) 5th, with the out-on-a-limb ratio normally not required.
My preference is for the M47 over the M90 - sacrilege to many but I prefer the former's feel and pattern.
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loki_the_glt - Skipper of the Exxon Valdez, driver of Sweden's finest sporting saloon - and pining for another Slant-4.
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