Re: If the six-speed automatic is not...... (archive)

It is widely known that ZF is working on a new 6-speed automatic (Steptronic or something similar)for the next 7 series V8s. Undoubtably that transmission will also go into the 5-series with V8s. As it exists now, the V8 & V12 cars get the ZF trannies that can handle the higher torque needed, while the 6 cyl cars get the GM transmission. The GM is also a great transmission, just has a lower torque capacity.

<When the new 5 is launtched, it will get the NG V8 engines that will be introduced a little earlier in the E63 7 Series, which is supposed to arrive in the Fall of 2001 as a 2002 model. The 7 might not launch with the new engine, but rather wait a year. If you notice that BMW tends not to launch a new body and engine at the same time. An example being the E38 (present) 7er was launched with the M60 V8 (3.0 and 4.0L) and switched to the M64 (3.5 and 4.4L) in 1996 I believe.

Regarding the 6-speed automatic (which will probably be for the V8s and V12s only), who knows if BMW will intro that at the start of production on the 7 and bring it over to the 5 before the redesign. I doubt it.

Don't know about the SMG, butI think the SMG is for the M3 only. Not well received in Europe I understand.

SMG, is there a possibility it will be steptronic? Will it be manufactured by ZF?

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