I am planning to get the SMG option. I found a few links that are related to the M3 SMG. For the most part the M3 SMG features will apply to the new 5's SMG. My guess is that the 5's SMG will not have launch control and may only have a couple of A and S programs.

Official SMG Info From BMW - There are a number of videos here to explain the features, e.g., how to start going up a hill.
"Unofficial" E46 M3 SMG II

I wish the new 5 uses the M3 style paddles for gear switching instead of the thumb lever.

http://membres.lycos.fr/zooouz/other...g-steering.jpg

I can't decide between SMG and manual...have you used SMG in "auto mode" before? If so, how is it? I keep thinking it would be nice to have the convenience of an automatic sometimes, but no enough to make me actually GET an automatic. :)

The SMG for the E65 will be based on the Z4 H-SMG different shift logic than M3,
also diff. components and operation than M3.

Welcome to the forum, kif. I'm actuallty glad to see BMW offering all three different transmissions on the E60 full range in North America. That kind of flexibility is sure to be viewed favorably by potential buyers comparing against competitive brands.

Bad news no SMG on 545, no 545 til Jan or Feb., no HUD till march.

Yikes! No SMG at all on the 545i? Well I guess that makes up my mind as to whether I go SMG or manual...

On bmwusa.com they say:

Is that not accurate? And no HUD til March...I definitely wanted that, so I guess I'll be waiting a lot longer than I thought. What about Professional Navigation with the 8.8 in screen?

Is the 545i visually the same as the 525i/530i?

Pro. navi, you can get now. In germany they told us no SMG for 545 [maybe way down the road they change things fast for marketing], don't know about looks yet.

Welcome KIF! It is good to hear some more official words. Really Appreciate it.

This is indeed bad news :( . I really want SMG because it is so cool technologically. It is also a great option to satisfy both the performance oriented and the easy-to-use oriented family members. I don't mind if I have to wait a few more months for the 545i. Having SMG on both 525i and 530i but not the 545i seems a bit backward. May be the new SMG is not quite strong enough for the V8 engine? KIF, if you can help, please push SMG on 545i for us :)

I also want the HUD. Basically I pretty much want all the options B)

KIF do you know what options come with the Sport Package? And if 545i would look a bit different than the 535i and 530i, i.e., more aggressive, different front spoiler, side skirts, etc?

Thanks!

The H-SMG is trans. not a bolt on kit, they will have to make a larger one for the 545, as for HUD that is what they told me a month ago. Things do change fast like i said marketing!

I asked that same question, but there's no news yet... I haven't seen one picture of the 545i anywhere, from any market. I, too, am curious if they'll give it a more agressive look, similar to what they've done with the late-model E39 540i 6-speed. Judging from the information here, it looks like they're already differentiating the "545i" and the "545i 6-speed" for the US market.

As for SMG, maybe he's right that they will change it for marketing reasons down the road. I guess at this point we'll have to wait and see.