I test drove a 3.0 E70 a while back. I had it for a couple of hours and did some shopping chores. I pulled into a parking spot at one stop which was against a brick wall. Confusion with the shifter (pulled it back to select reverse) almost had me drive forward into the wall. I'm sure I'd get used to it, but why should someone have to? I also agree with comments regarding the wiper and turn stalks. They are not intuative (compared to what we have been using for 40+ years) and as a result are not an improvement. If you have to explain to someone how to use the turn signal then it's not a positive feature unless it adds some safety and functionality that wasn't there before. My 75 year old mother tried the 328iA and was so confused by the turn signal/wiper system she bought a Lexus IS250. And before you say that she is too old to get the hang of new technology, she's been navigating with the DVD Nav system just fine, thank you!

Sometimes, I think BMW changes things just for the sake of change. I'm not usre that is always a good thing. Ask Mercedes about that in reference to their brake by wire system, which is now gone.

Just my .02 worth.