Had to dig, but finally found the link deep in this thread. Any reason not to edit it into the original post?

I'm new to this forum. If the edit button goes away after a set time period, then that's my answer.

Anyway, I'm going to get these into my price comparison database right away. Then it'll be possible to see how the E70's pricing stacks up against the E53 and the competition.

Very cool site! http://www.truedelta.com/ Let us know the results

No need to dig. Click on the link on my sig. I have all the info on my page.

I clicked on that page before, but all the pretty pictures distracted me from noticing the links at the top. See them now. Thanks.

Has anyone posted specifications (exterior and interior dimensions)?

So, there will be no manual transmission offered on the new model? What a joke! I'm glad I got my 06 man trans model when I did. I can't imagine BMW sellng very many in Europe without a man trans!!! I guess most Americans are wimps in that they want the slush box & BMW saw that?

There's a really, really big chasm between steptronic and what you'd find in F1. Steptronic is essentially an automatic tranny in which the user can control the shift points - that's all, and nothing more. It's something of a gimmick, though not entirely without merit for some or in certain situations. But make no mistake, nothing like it is used in any form of racing - at least not that I'm aware of. Manual shifts can be made *much* more quickly and precicely. SMG and systems like it are much more like F1 in that they have physical clutches which are controlled via a combination of electronics and hydraulics. Over the past few years, however, F1 has even moved beyond these systems to develop dual clutch setups.

So for those who want to bother with shifting in an SUV, a manual transmission offers much more precision, quickness, control, and direct feel than steptronic ever can.

learn the fact before u post anything

Agree that there is a difference between automatics (steptronic or otherwise) and manual transmissions (with either manual or electro-hydraulic actuation). I don't agree with the second point, above. Automatic transmissions also have physical clutches which are controlled via a combination of electronics and hydraulics. No difference there, except that the auto uses wet clutches and the SMG or manual uses a dry clutch. The rest is the same in principle (planetary gearsets vs helical gears, but both are gearsets). The difference is the torque converter, nothing more.

The manual will offer a precise shifter, but that is really related to the direct tactile sensation of shifting, rather than improved vehicle control in normal street use. As a measure of progress, note that many modern automatics are getting better mileage than their manual gearbox equivalents. The shifting logic has evolved to the point that it can compensate for the efficiency loss in the torque converter (when it isn't in lock-up mode).

I think all this means that we shouldn't expect manual transmissions in vehicles like the E70, it has gone upmarket. The X3 will be there for those who desire a true manual transmission.

That'll be why most X5s in Europe are automatics then! I just checked BMW Uk's site for second hand X5s - they have about 80 approved used X5s and out of that three have the manual box - I make that 3.75%. So clearly not that high a priority in UK either.

I've had two manual X5s and in some respects I am disappointed there is no manual, but then I am getting old (nearly 40!!) so the auto box is growing on me.

I can't disagree with any of that. :thumbup: