Unless something has changed for 2010, it doesn't appear that is true... using the BMWUSA.COM "build your own" it does not reject the combination you want. The 2010 ordering guide doesn't seem to require the Premium package to get the tech package either.

That said, the Premium package does give quite a bit of "nice to have" stuff, e.g., without the electric steering wheel, the wheel will not be adjusted with the seat memory positions (I think with the electric wheel, it stores the position along with other seat parameters).

The autodimming mirrors are also much nicer than I though, since with the manual ones it seems you have two settings at night -- too dark or too light.

You also miss out on some little stuff, like the rear tiedown rails, etc.

If it is true, it might have to do with the autodimming outside mirrors -- I think the new top view might require cameras in the mirrors, and they may only have "plain mirrors" and autodimming/camera mirrors. But that;s just speculation on my part. Years and years ago I was in product planning at an auto manufacturer, and often you would limit the number of different part variations in the plant to ease manufacturing. Since the combo of no premium package with a tech package is probablt low volume, they might have decided to no longer offer the combo.