I'm not aware of what labels will marketing use to badge the X5 cars, but in US market there will be initially 2 models of E70 available: with I6 & V8 engines. I6 will get either 3.0L N52 engine (255hp) or 3.0L N54 engine (300hp), while basis V8 will come with 4.8L engine from current 4.8is (uptuned?).

The "si" version will get V8 turbo with approx 400hp sometimes later in 2008 - after debuting in X6. And a hybrid will be available later, and a V8 diesel perhaps. The new engine will be used in new 7er as well, and V5, and then new 5er & 6er.

new 5er & 6er as in f/l or next generation???

next gen.

FL versions are coming next year: Spring & Fall.

can't wait!!!

Speaking of facelifts - saw a Facelifted Z4 in the parking lot today and was rather underwhelmed. I'm thinking that subsequent FLs for the 5er and 6er will be equally as trival.

In fact, I was so underwhelmed by facelifted car that I'm now seriously considering getting an '05 Z4. It's got all the ingredients for hitting that sweet spot on BMW CPO lots.

I think BMW doesn't want to piss off current Z4 owners by making the f/l cars so radically different that their predecessors look dated. Wouldn't be so cool of them to do if they did. Leave that trend to the Japanese and Americans. As far as a CPO, I don't know your lifestyle but a 3er would be even more sweet w/ the newer N52 I6.

I wasn't thinking about a Z4 until a few weeks ago, then it hit me - this is BMW's week spot, and is probably the best "value target" on the lot.

Here's the thing.

1: Since I moved to LA I've had people occupy the backseat of my car only once.
2: Prices on lighly used 330i's typically top $40k, and often are priced around $43k or so.
3: 3er deamnd is high, and leaves little room to haggle.
4: 3er coupe looks nice, but 1st year allocations are guarenteed to be a bitch, and I'll be forced to pay sticker.

So..... I started thinking about the Z4:
1: The Z4 has been a relatively poor seller for BMW, giving good leverage when it comes to negotiating price.
2: I have no commute to work since I live a block away, so for all intents and purposes we're talking about a weekend car.
3: The facelift just came, which dings the resale of pre FL Z4s.
4: I'm indifferent to the facelift, but I love the look of the '05 Z4s, because they've got the white-lens treatment front and back. I actually prefer the look of the '05s to the '06.
5: While the facelift just came, there's still a good 4 years to go before a new Z roadster makes an apperance, so there's still a good buffer keeping the Z4 perceptually new.
6: When I'm ready to buy, in early '07 there should be an ample supply of '05 3.0s out on the lots, completely loaded.

So there you have it. I think it's the best blend of performance, "it" factor and value in the BMW lineup right now, and it fits my lifestyle. Most of all I like the thought that I could probably bust balls on the car lot and still walk away with a car that's competely satisfying. I could always change my mind, but for now I'm scouring CPO listings like a maniac.

While I hardly doubt this would be the final look for the next-gen 5 Series, what makes scott with his 'accurate' insider info more correct than Huckfeldt?

If anything, Huck is generally more accurate than scott26.

Let me say this: creative marketing.

Scott and Huckfeldt are both being players on BMW playing board. They served the public what the creative marketing department told them to say. Not necessary the truth.

Debate = maximum publicity.

BMW are still a step ahead at innovative communications. Other manufacturers - especially German ones - are following. Also the "never follow" one.

The guys like scott are internally called as "The Prophets".

And there are houndreds of them ...

Viva la Internet!

Makes sense. In the case that you should all of the sudden want a sedan, I'm sure there will be plenty good deals on the B7 A4 of your choice, though it will be replaced in a year or so's time. You also want to keep in mind that first year E90's may take a nice hit in depreciation if the 328 and 335 become the only 3er sedan variants avaialble for 07'. Truth be told though, as has been the case for a while, buying a CPO 3er you might as well buy one brand new. It'll be interesting to see how things play out when I'm ready to make that step up and send my car packing back to Trollhattan.