Opps, what happened? I tried posting in another topic and it sent me here, sorry guys.

 

I found this from another E60 M5 forum. -MVI- went to a prelaunch event in Finland a while back and posted this information (bold is my edit):

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Actvive Cruise Control, Automatic transmission from 06/03->, Manual transmission from 09/03->
Availability: 520i: No; 525i, 530i/d, 545i: Yes

Sequential Gearbox (SMG), from 09/03->
Availability: 520i, 525i, 530d: No; 530i, 545i: Yes
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I am copying it over here for everyone's reference. I guess we won't know what options will be available in the US until the official options list is released in the US.

 

I have a 545 with SMG in the shop!!

 

OPPS ment 530 . Talk to eng. in Germany no news if SMG will be aval. for 545 for sure and when

 

KIF, some questions for you on the SMG:

How does the SMG drive?
How are the thumb levers on the steering wheel?
Does it have padals at the back of the steering wheel as well for shift?
Does it have both S and A programs?
How many programs do they have each (S1, S2, A1 A2, etc)?

Thanks!

 

It drives great!! It operates like a Z4 , has M/D switch, twin levers on steering wheel, no shift program button just a sport button for D mode.

 

I just got a copy of the ordering guide. SMG is an option for the 545i 6-speed. And it doesn't say that it would be available late. OTH, HUD and Navigation availablility is TBD. There is no mentioning of the regular and professional Navigation. Just one Navigation option for the US.

Edit:
Now that I read the fine print, it says SMG "requires Sport PAckage; available as of 9/03 production on 530i and 545i 6-speed; TBD on 525i".