The 735 did come in stick - with a 5 speed available in the US, but it
was very rare as very few dealers would risk stocking it. I have a
friend with one. I believe his is around a 1996 or so.

You also could do a conversion to stick but due to the electronics
involved it's not a trivial conversion. Brett Anderson has done a number
of them, including one to a 750iL (V12 long-wheelbase).

E23 (to 1987) 735i' frequently had 5 speed manual boxes (I had two and later
an auto).  Early E23's had three speed [under geared] autoboxes later ones
four speed.  A manual was much better than a three speed auto, and better
than the four speed if pressing on.  The manual was a bit of  a drag in
traffic around town though.

E32 (from 1987 - 1994) rarely had manual boxes, however some of the early
735iL's had manual boxes.  These cars were intended to be driven by
chauffeurs.

Later E32's had 5 speed switchable auto boxes.  Few drivers will out change
this box.

E38's (1995-2000) mainly came with steptronic boxes.

E65 (2001-) have six speed boxes and idrive.

AFAIK current 7 series do not come with manual boxes, although a friend of
mine has a 645i with a six speed manual and you could get this on 8x0 as
well.

The E38 short wheel base 6 cylinder cars were available with a 5spd.
The E38 short wheel base V8's were available with a 6spd.

No long wheel base, or V12's of either type were available with a manual
trans.

We've done several V12 6spd conversions in our shop.  It can be done, but
it's pricey due to the fact that BMW never put a 6spd behind the M73 V12, so
the trans has to be custom modified.

If you have an E38 short wheel base, you can order all the parts for the
conversion from BMW. (around $8000), but still have to deal with
reprogramming most of the 20 odd control modules in the vehicle.

Brett Anderson
KMS - Koala Motorsport