It may be right that the used manual is a mismatch for the M5, but in that case it was the wrong decision not to develop a manual M5 from scratch! If customers want a manual there has to be a manual, that's market economy!
BMW can't blame the customers for wanting a manual, BMW can only blame itself for not recognizing that.
I for myself want a manual and I really hope BMW doesn't make the same mistake twice with the M3. They should offer a manual also in Europe. Besides that the SMG transmission failure stories scare me from changing to SMG.

Best regards, south

Problem is, by and large, the people who are in the market for, and want an M5, desire the bleeding edge of technology. Yes, they're driving enthusiasts, but they're also luxury car buyers. On the luxury side of the equation, SMG was the right choice.

The problem for BMW was the a very vocal minority who were stick-shift purists. It's a nice concession to have the stick available, but it does nothing for their bottom line.

Personally I want to see manuals and SMGs available, because everybody has their own style, and you really can't beat the feel of shifting through the gates yourself. But from a sheer business point of view, BMW really has little incentive to continue offering manuals in their M cars so long as SMG is refined enough to handle the job.

Sure, lots of people will gripe if stick isn't offered but very few of said gripers are actually prospective buyers, and even fewer will translate into lost sales.

OK, back to topic.


"The birdie" (I decided to name my sources "The birdie", OK) told me E89 Z4 will be quite similar to Huckfeldt's renderings. He got the general idea quite right, I was told. some details or off though.

Eni, simular rearlights have been used on a shop of the 2 seriec convert? So those might be correct?

First spy pics of a folding HARDTOP! So BMW are obviously testing both solutions - like they did on E93 cabrio.
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here it says its Z9


Spy shots confirm BMW Z9 testing


While previous spy shots of a new BMW roadster prototype didn't give us a good idea of its size, a new round of photos seem to confirm the vehicle is indeed BMW's new Z9 — a competitor to the Mercedes SL-Class. Despite its disguise, one can recognize the rather long hood suggesting a front engine and rear drive. It's also clear this is no BMW Z4.

A spiritual successor to the BMW Z8, the new Z9 roadster will probably be priced above the 6-Series. Once the new sports car hits the market, it will meet a large number of serious competitors. Among them the just launched Audi R8, a possible Mercedes AMG gullwing, the new Lexus LF-A, and Acura NSX.

The prototype's canvas top is fake, hiding a a retractable metal roof beneath. A variety of six- and eight-cylinder models could be offered, with a range-topping Z9 M receiving either a 500 horsepower V10, or 600 horsepower V12.

^^
That information probably comes from a web magasine which occasionally doesn't know what they are talking about.

Interesting. I just hope that BMW, in their shift back to "design normality", still is able to prestent us with a car that's just as exciting as the Z4 was when it debuted.

I still think the Z4 is a very obtuse looking car, but it's also visually captivating like few other vechiles. To me, its flaws can be overlooked because the sheer visceral gravity of the car's lines.

It's not a Z9, nor Z8.

The Z8 successor will come in 2010/11. To far away for prototypes with original body design to drive around, don't you think. Final design yet to be approved by BMW AG Management Board.

This is E89 Z4 - coming in late 2009.


It's very funny how they talk about long hood, while current E85 Z4 already has extremely long hood as well. And there was a better spy pic showing the side profile & proportions. Check that particular side profile pic Rik posted few posts back. And you'll see almost identical proportions of current Z4 - even with heavy plastic cladding on.

Mk2 Z8 will be much more massive since its chassis is quite bigger. It will be bigger than Mk1, and very close to SL size.

PS:

Just look at the SL pic - focus on the greenhouse - to see it's one size bigger than the BMW in the spy pics (= E89 Z4):

If BMW is coming out with Z1 or Z2 then it makes sense to make Z4 a little longer so that there is noticeable difference between the two.