[hinckley]

I'm finally ready to place an order for a European Delivery 550 M-sport. Since BMW wants up to three months lead time now for EDs, pushing delivery to the end of August, I was thinking it's probably best to wait for a model-year 2012. Does anyone know of any changes that may be coming for '12?

btw, I took long back-to-back test drives in a 6MT 550 Sport and an AT Audi A7. I was surprised by how impressed I was with the 550. It was an April-build with most of the bells and whistles, including the enhanced black panel display. I had absolutely no issues with the steering, felt that the handling was comparable to my '08 6MT 550 Sport, and the cabin was noticeably quieter and more luxurious. I'm guessing that BMW is making running software changes to fix some of the original complaints. fwiw, i only drove the car in Sport+ mode. The Audi is drop-dead gorgeous. While the 5's cabin is great for a 5, it doesn't compare to the Audi. Acceleration was very good, especially for a 6 cylinder. The handling was good, but not great, and certainly not as good as the 5's. My heart wants the Audi, but my head knows that I in the long-run, I won't be happy with its handling and lack of a MT.

[jondoc72]

possible new color selection, (modified Dark Graphite Metallic II for example rumored )
further model bug/software corrections
new engine for the 528i (4 cylinder, adios N/A / xi version coming?
new 5M model coming soon
no cosmetic changes expected
possible option packages changes
expected bump in price
hopefully the extended black pannel display will be standard like in other countries (currenltly you need to order the HUD to get it)
expect oficial info by june-july 2011
rumor: nappa leather standard

[535desire]

any 5er diesel news for N America?

[matt_435xi]

2012 5er coming to USA dealers this Oct/Nov?

[RichReg]

Noticeable difference that I've observed is that the first 2012 Euro-deliveries aren't available
until October 15th at the earliest, so you may want to incorporate that little tidbit into
your vacation plans.

[Needsdecaf]

No way Nappa will be standard in US. Hell, Dakota isn't even standard, and Dakota is standard on the 7.

[MBrown1003]

Originally Posted by RichReg

Noticeable difference that I've observed is that the first 2012 Euro-deliveries aren't available
until October 15th at the earliest, so you may want to incorporate that little tidbit into
your vacation plans.

...which is why I decided to do my ED as a late 2011 model, rather than an early 2012. That, and the promotional fares on the Lufthansa A380 flight between NY and Frankfurt end in September.

[Raja Ventureshield]

Originally Posted by MBrown1003

...which is why I decided to do my ED as a late 2011 model, rather than an early 2012. That, and the promotional fares on the Lufthansa A380 flight between NY and Frankfurt end in September.

oh wow! i need to step up the game. Will stop by the dealer this week to get some preliminary pricing.