All of us with the 4.8i should be asking BMW that question, seems they have shown us several examples of how it can be done...
The Germans are GREAT at Engineering, but not so much on design for mass production.

That said, LOVE my 4.8!

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2008 4.8i X5 (2/25/08) 105k:
Titanium Silver/Black; All -HUD; Aero Kit; 22" VS-130 w/Pirellis;
///M Shifter & Fr Brakes; Gauge Rings; Console Pads; Custom Wheel & Mats; Roof Rails
Carbon Fiber: Int Trim, Nav Surround, Grill, Cluster Trim, Shifter & Eyelids
1.2" H&R; LUX AEs; LCI Tails; Rear Fogs; NBT EVO; ESS Tune; Meisterchaft GTC Exhaust