Ok after reading this post... I am a little concerned.

I am about to purchase a new E60 after my E39 sort of died on me... for the third time... this year.

I have a couple of options, 2005 E60 525i M sport, M54 engine. 2006 525i Msport N52 engine, price difference between them is about $15K. Which one should I choose? I was also offered a 2005 530i Msport wagon for $5K more than the price of the 525i M sport. Hmmmm

Which car do you think I should take? I know that powerchip can bring the N52 525i upto 171Kw almost on par with the 528i. Ditto for the torque.

I am australia. Help! Have to make a decision fairly soon.

 

get the 2006 525i Msport N52 engine. Itis a better engine. and save on MPG too.

 

I found this picture (bad quality) of the new stretched 5 series that will be going on sale only in China in 2007. Check out the rear door detail. Except for the extra 5.5 inches, I would assume that this is the new interior door detail refresh for the 5. I would also assume that the center consol will be revised for the new auto drive stick ala new X5.

 

The front doors appear to be different as well. It certainly makes sense that they would be launching this car with all the facelift upgrades, and from what I have read about the LWB version, everything from the B pillar forward is standard E60, so these may very well be the new interior door panels.

 

Clutch to clutch is explained below - BUT interestingly, DaimlerChrysel have just announced a brand new manufacturing facility for DSG transmissions for their FWD vehicles!! Without doubt, DSG is the best technology for performance, efficiency & weight.

Clutch-to-clutch operation
The 6L80 s sophistication is exemplified by clutch-to-clutch operation that reduces complexity and packaging. It also enhances the performance feel of the transmission, as shifts feel more immediate and precise.

Clutch-to-clutch operation is achieved with three planetary gears, two stationary clutches and three rotating clutches. It is a simple, less complex design that enables the six-speed transmission to be packaged in a size not much larger than a four-speed automatic. Only the first-to-second upshift is a freewheeling action, where the second gear clutch engages while the first gear one-way clutch spins freely. This allows a greater degree of smoothness at lower vehicle speeds

 

sound good can not wait until BM bring it out for the f10

 

I hope the car is nice, but I bought the E60 because of its distinct character. It's easy to make the leap and think that since the most criticized BMW design (E60) is receiving the most drastic mid-model refresh, that it will somehow compromise its purity - its flavor. Why else make such a radical set of changes if not to give it more universal appeal?

I bought a flavor... I hope this March update isn't like switching from Habanero hot sauce to Red Hot.

 

Which is why I am doing a 2 year lease on my new 07 530

 

OK...here is a website with a better picture of the rear cabin detail and partial door detail of the refresh interior. You can move the picture around for a better look at the leather details on the door arm rest, pull and upper quater door panel. I still can't make out what the door lighting is nor the location of the door speaker(s) and wood trim. UGH!!!!!!!!! My guess is that the US version may not have the doors detailed in two-tone...

http://www.leftlanenews.com/wp-content/plu...idg=1&idi=2
Attached are the current and the new interior of the Long Wheelbase (LW) which will be offered in China. Notice the new door detailing. I would assume that this is part of the interior refresh. Please note that the "current" photos show the NASCA leather ventilated seats.

 

Yes the doors is like the E92 and I like it a lot If you look at the E92 headlights and just add the eyebrow there you have the facelift and I still think that they are going too add the rear design aka E65/E92/new X5