There is one consolation though: I spoke to a friend who works in 5 series development and he told me that the new 8 speed automatic transmission is actually not better in regards of shifting speed compared to the current 6 speed auto tranny. The only advantages seem to be aprox. up to 11% lower fuel consumption (which may be important to some people) and reducing the noise level at certain speeds due to lower rpm figures. The claim which has been floating through the media that the acceleration will be improved too, seems to be wrong. BMW already published the acceleration figures for the X6 50i with 8-speed automatic transmission and the 0-100 kph acceleration is identical to the X6 50i with 6-speed automatic.

More interesting are actually the new options and of course the more powerful engines. Considering that in Germany, the difference between the "old" 35d and the new 40d engine is only 800 EUR, it is a bargain. This also includes the new 8-speed auto tranny.