doug_999

Says the new transmission won't be available until Summer 2007 - does that mean that 550s with sport won't be available until then?

Also looks like the Aero package is now standard with the sport suspension? Wonder the cost on all this.

mcoppo01

Give it some time and I'm sure the aftermarket Co.'s will have body color matched replacements just as they do for the e46 M3. I also seem to remeber seeing similar "dummies" for those little inserts (i've seen them red, black & body color) in the lower rear bumper of the e60.

Oh and hts, I'm with you! Definitely hoping the elements specific to the 550 Sport package become available on the 535... but given the way BMW handled the e39 530 sport vs. 540 sport, I'm guessing it's not likely. Oh well, still amazing cars regardless!

pennetta

I was going to just release mine for another year as I would still be under warranty and free maintenance, but seeing this maybe not.

BMWSTL

I believe (but don't know!) that the Sport Package option will be available before the new Sport Automatic rolls out with either the manual or "standard" automatic. I can't image that BMW would walk away from sales of a sport package option on the 550i until then.

Lou

doug_999

I agree - but I think the new automatic is standard in the sport package -so maybe only SMG and manual 550 sport packages until then? My worry is that the 550 with sport may go way up in price with the new wheels (which I personally do not care for) and the included aero package and the new trans.

Torquey5

The 2008 5 series will no longer be available with SMG tranny.

Neither will the color option Olivine Green Metallic.... eewwwwwwww

BMWSTL

As I read the announcement, the "standard automatic" and the manual are "no charge" choices. The Sport Automatic will be an additional charge option when available. SMG for the 5-series (other than in the M5) is history.

Lou

hts

Hard to answer definitively. One thing's for certain, it won't be available until 6/07. I'm gonna' guess that it's included as part of the new SP, so the cost is hidden.


Optional: six-speed automatic transmission and automatic sports mode.
As an option and, indeed, as a highly interesting alternative to the standard six-speed manual gearbox, all model variants in the BMW 5 Series are available with a six-speed automatic transmission as a no-extra-cost option.

Apart from the direct connection to the engine, this transmission stands out in particular through its upgraded hydraulics, innovative torque converter and even more powerful management software, ensuring a more spontaneous response to even the slightest movement of the gas pedal and an extremely fast and efficient gearchange. On the road, this means reaction times now some 40 per cent faster than on former automatic transmission models, with the actual gearchange time being almost halved. Shifting back a gear is now just as fast, too, thanks to the direct gear path finder.

The automatic transmission is controlled by an electronic gear selector lever following the usual gearshift pattern. The new gear selector lever moves back to its initial position once the gear selected is in mesh, with the transmission itself masterminded not in a mechanical process, but rather via electrical signals.

As an additional alternative, the optional six-speed Sport Automatic Transmission will be available in the BMW 550i and 535i equipped with the optional Sport Package. This new transmission offers the high standard of motoring comfort so typical of the latest generation of automatic transmissions and at the same time allows the driver to shift gears in even more sporting style in the manual mode, the driver choosing gears sequentially either by means of the gear selector lever introduced exclusively for this special transmission or by means of gearshift paddles on the steering wheel. The Sport Automatic will be available beginning with June 2007 production.

e60lover

Um.....No...You don't see too many Carbon Black bimmers in the U.S. And I know Carbon has some blue in it so....

hinckley

I think that that's correct.

The manual and regular automatic will be available at no additional cost across the entire line-up. I think that the sport automatic will be offered like the SMG was - as an option with the sport package. I do not believe however that it will be standard with the sport package. The BMWNA press release states that the 550 Sport will now come with a new short-throw shifter - clearly a reference to a manny tranny.