It is hard for me. I must be 5 miles or less in motion for smooth downshift or completely stopped.

 

Not to hard for me but why do you need to be downshifting to 1st when your moving, sounds like a good way to brake things.

 

First and second are often a bit cranky for me too, for the first few kilometres. Earlier this year the indie Jag mechanic here test-drove it and said they are always a bit stiff.

 

I know it's not common for people to downshift into 1st from 2nd but there have been occasions when I've utilized this technique when dealing with rapid breaking or freeway stop and go traffic. I know there is no practical reason for doing this but I'm just trying to learn what my car can or can not do. So keep the comments coming.

 

im not 100% sure but i think the manual box on a x type is derived from the ford mtx 75?

not the smoothest when cold but quiet strong

 

Yep;
"Both engines will be offered in all markets with either a Ford-designed MTX75 compact five-speed manual transmission or a new JATCO five-speed automatic."

Source.